Reframing Resolutions for Teachers

 Happy New Year friends! 

I've always said teachers are lucky because we get two new years each year... September and January. This is a great time to do a mid-year check in with ourselves and see what are we doing well, enjoying, and succeeding with, and of course, what we would like to change. 

Raise your hand if you feel like an Olympic athlete in training in your work as a teacher! (Me raising both hands...) This is no surprise because of the amount of time, energy, dedication, grit, and mindset we put into our work. The countless hours of planning, the abundance of energy we pour into our lessons (yes even the dry ones,) and the love we put into each and every movement... we are just like those athletes that sacrifice everything for their goal, and the love for their sport. 

These elite athletes might not compete in the same sport, or in the same ways, however, they all have one thing in common- they are resolute in their mindset that they are going to compete in the Olympics, and they embrace the journey that comes with it. I propose this new year we reframe our thinking on resolutions, and we do it together!

 Let's focus the resolution on changing our mindset, rather than having a specific goal that might fade and fizzle out quickly.  Allowing yourself to take the time this year to grow and stick to the thinking and attitude that it takes to work through the good and bad offers you time and forgiveness- something educators find scarce and rarely offer themselves. Being firm with yourself that you are capable of the work to achieve the goal, rather than the goal itself, creates a beautiful journey that can include new surprises along the way, lasting memories, and provides you with the ability to make an impact... for you! 

Even if your goal takes longer than the timeframe you're envisioning, the progress checks along the way serve as a reminder that you are on track and didn't "loose" the resolution, you're achieving it while working toward a goal. Think of the example this sets for your students and other colleagues, and it's something worth sharing. You'll take growth mindset to a whole new level by being "resolute" with your own fame of mind, and you will accomplish what you set out to. 

That my friends is a reframed resolution worth making! 

Final thoughts: Keep the journey in mind- that's the real resolution. Keep your goal in your heart, and your effort in your soul. It will fuel you and project you forward. Keep talking with other educators about your goals, whether they are personal or work related, your team will always support you. Keep reframing your mindset as needed so you can achieve your goals always. Finally, keep the spirit of the new year alive and make it a great one- for you!