S1: E5
Motivation
We are almost to the end of January and winter has hit many of you hard. My friends in the midwest are enjoying (or not enjoying) freezing temps. In Dallas, we've had some 'chilly' days of 30 degrees. The sun is actually trying to peek out at the moment which is always a nice thing.
Friends - we have made it almost half way through the school year. Not sure where you stand or how you're feeling about how things are going, but I know that right now is when I can always use more motivation, encouragement and reminders that I am doing good work. That what I'm doing matters. That when I'm tired, I need to take care of my body and rest so that I have more to give to those around me - and to myself. I hope this episode encourages you to find ways to refresh yourself as a teacher, friend, and human. I hope you choose at least one thing to try during these drab days of winter to help you stay fresh, positive and joyful.
Here are a few ideas for keeping motivation going towards things that are of interest to you.
1) Revise your goals for the year
Think about the resolutions or goals that you want to work towards this year. If you find that you've underwhelmed or overwhelmed yourself with a list of to-do's and things to work towards, reflect on what you want to keep and the things you want to let go of. Our goals for the year can change! Don't get stuck in believing that you have to keep things on your list to work towards if you find that the timing of life events or lack of desire have shifted your attention. Maybe you wanted to work out 5x a week and you've got more on your plate than anticipated. Be okay with 2x or 3x a week instead. Better to consistently reach a goal that works for you than to think that you're 'failing' because you can't maintain an unrealistic standard that was set. Be real with yourself and take time to revise/edit/delete/add things that truly matter for you, for this year, to your goals for the year.
2) Try something new
a. Is there a book you've been interested in but haven't read yet? Trade books with friends if you read fast - I've shared some books with friends and love trading - plus it allows me to have some great conversations about them, knowing that friends had read them as well. Or purchase a new book that you've heard is amazing. Or read a book that's been sitting on your nightstand for the longest time.
b. Start a project. Do you have a sewing machine, cricut machine, knitting needles or other craft items that you thought you'd use but haven't yet? Check out a local class to learn or watch a youtube video tutorial. Or even ask a friend who knows how to do the thing you're wanting learn and see if they can teach you some basics.
c. Go to a gym class with a friend or by yourself. There are often promotions where you can try a free class.
c. Try a new restaurant. We get stuck in the rut of going to the same places all the time. While I love all our places, it can be fun to get out of the normal routine and go somewhere new.
d. Watch a movie or tv series you haven't seen yet. I'm always behind on movies/tv so I'm not really a great one to ask about it.
e. Look up a new recipe and make it. Or ask someone for a recipe idea - just like restaurants, many of us end up making the same things repeatedly. If you're not sure how to make something, make a night of it and invite someone over to make it with you.
1. Meet up with a coworker/friend for coffee or brunch on the weekend, for lunch during the school day or happy hour after work. This is a great way to get to know someone better and an easy way to be around others who are passionate about what they do.
2. Attend a Conference.
Three state conferences this winter:
a. TMEA Convention - Texas Music Educators Association Convention is the largest in the nation and held in San Antonio, Texas from February 13-16, 2019.
b. California All-State Educators Conference - Held in Fresno, CA from February 14-17.
c. New Jersey Music Educators Association Convention - Held in East Brunswick, NJ from February 21-23.
3. Listen to a Podcast
I love podcasts. Great for listening during a run, driving in the car, in the background while making dinner, or walking the dog. Anytime really. There are podcasts that I've regularly listened to. There are others that I enjoy as well, but these are my main go-tos.
a. Anacrusic with Anne Mileski
b. Make Moments Matter with David Row
c. For the Love with Jen Hatmaker
d. The Lazy Genius with Kendra
e. Cult of Pedagogy with Jennifer Gonzalez
4. Check out a blog
My fav educational blogs:
a. We Make the Music with Victoria Boler
b. Cult of Pedagogy with Jennifer Gonzalez
c. Beth's Notes with Beth
And fav non-educational blogs:
a. Living in Yellow with Erin
b. Modern Mrs. Darcy with Anne Bogel
c. At Home with Joanna Gaines
4. Find ways to bring cheer to those around you
To keep motivation up in your environment at work and anywhere you are, look outside yourself. Encourage the students who stand out in your classroom, who have made progress, who are in need of a hug or an encouraging word. Find ways to express your gratefulness for simply being with your students.
Write a short note to a coworker about something that stands out to you about who they are or their work with students.
Or think of simple ways to say "you matter" to those around you. You never know the difference a simple note, simple word or simple hug can make.
Motivation
We are almost to the end of January and winter has hit many of you hard. My friends in the midwest are enjoying (or not enjoying) freezing temps. In Dallas, we've had some 'chilly' days of 30 degrees. The sun is actually trying to peek out at the moment which is always a nice thing.
Friends - we have made it almost half way through the school year. Not sure where you stand or how you're feeling about how things are going, but I know that right now is when I can always use more motivation, encouragement and reminders that I am doing good work. That what I'm doing matters. That when I'm tired, I need to take care of my body and rest so that I have more to give to those around me - and to myself. I hope this episode encourages you to find ways to refresh yourself as a teacher, friend, and human. I hope you choose at least one thing to try during these drab days of winter to help you stay fresh, positive and joyful.
PERSONAL MOTIVATION
Here are a few ideas for keeping motivation going towards things that are of interest to you.
1) Revise your goals for the year
Think about the resolutions or goals that you want to work towards this year. If you find that you've underwhelmed or overwhelmed yourself with a list of to-do's and things to work towards, reflect on what you want to keep and the things you want to let go of. Our goals for the year can change! Don't get stuck in believing that you have to keep things on your list to work towards if you find that the timing of life events or lack of desire have shifted your attention. Maybe you wanted to work out 5x a week and you've got more on your plate than anticipated. Be okay with 2x or 3x a week instead. Better to consistently reach a goal that works for you than to think that you're 'failing' because you can't maintain an unrealistic standard that was set. Be real with yourself and take time to revise/edit/delete/add things that truly matter for you, for this year, to your goals for the year.
2) Try something new
a. Is there a book you've been interested in but haven't read yet? Trade books with friends if you read fast - I've shared some books with friends and love trading - plus it allows me to have some great conversations about them, knowing that friends had read them as well. Or purchase a new book that you've heard is amazing. Or read a book that's been sitting on your nightstand for the longest time.
b. Start a project. Do you have a sewing machine, cricut machine, knitting needles or other craft items that you thought you'd use but haven't yet? Check out a local class to learn or watch a youtube video tutorial. Or even ask a friend who knows how to do the thing you're wanting learn and see if they can teach you some basics.
c. Go to a gym class with a friend or by yourself. There are often promotions where you can try a free class.
c. Try a new restaurant. We get stuck in the rut of going to the same places all the time. While I love all our places, it can be fun to get out of the normal routine and go somewhere new.
d. Watch a movie or tv series you haven't seen yet. I'm always behind on movies/tv so I'm not really a great one to ask about it.
e. Look up a new recipe and make it. Or ask someone for a recipe idea - just like restaurants, many of us end up making the same things repeatedly. If you're not sure how to make something, make a night of it and invite someone over to make it with you.
PROFESSIONAL MOTIVATION
1. Meet up with a coworker/friend for coffee or brunch on the weekend, for lunch during the school day or happy hour after work. This is a great way to get to know someone better and an easy way to be around others who are passionate about what they do.
2. Attend a Conference.
Three state conferences this winter:
a. TMEA Convention - Texas Music Educators Association Convention is the largest in the nation and held in San Antonio, Texas from February 13-16, 2019.
b. California All-State Educators Conference - Held in Fresno, CA from February 14-17.
c. New Jersey Music Educators Association Convention - Held in East Brunswick, NJ from February 21-23.
3. Listen to a Podcast
I love podcasts. Great for listening during a run, driving in the car, in the background while making dinner, or walking the dog. Anytime really. There are podcasts that I've regularly listened to. There are others that I enjoy as well, but these are my main go-tos.
a. Anacrusic with Anne Mileski
b. Make Moments Matter with David Row
c. For the Love with Jen Hatmaker
d. The Lazy Genius with Kendra
e. Cult of Pedagogy with Jennifer Gonzalez
4. Check out a blog
My fav educational blogs:
a. We Make the Music with Victoria Boler
b. Cult of Pedagogy with Jennifer Gonzalez
c. Beth's Notes with Beth
And fav non-educational blogs:
a. Living in Yellow with Erin
b. Modern Mrs. Darcy with Anne Bogel
c. At Home with Joanna Gaines
4. Find ways to bring cheer to those around you
To keep motivation up in your environment at work and anywhere you are, look outside yourself. Encourage the students who stand out in your classroom, who have made progress, who are in need of a hug or an encouraging word. Find ways to express your gratefulness for simply being with your students.
Write a short note to a coworker about something that stands out to you about who they are or their work with students.
Or think of simple ways to say "you matter" to those around you. You never know the difference a simple note, simple word or simple hug can make.
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