Brilliant article! Particularly love the “that’s all great but where do you list all of the things that you have achieved?”
I have a folder in my emails called “Feel Good” where I save those little thank yous or messages of appreciation that are all too easy to forget or overlook. If I’m having a tough day, a quick scroll over a few of these can make a real difference
Thanks Colin. What a great idea about the email folder! A brilliant way to have a 'pick me up' and remind yourself of all of the positive impact you are having. I am making myself a folder now :)
Everything you said here resonated with me! What you say about keeping your outside interests is so true, timetabling them in and keeping them on the priority list, more to remind yourself that they matter than anything else is so important. I am looking forward to seeking out Mo Gawdat as he is a new one for me.
Absolutely - giving equal weight to our own interests as well as those listed in our roles and responsibilities (and those more far-reaching). Hopefully in building a positive staff culture it will also encourage everyone to have conversations beyond those that are education-related. Plus - hold each other to account for prioritising ourselves! Thanks for your comment, Helen - I am certain you are going to love Mo Gawdat :)
The to-do list you mention is both a lifeline and a burden, capturing everything we strive to achieve but often becoming a source of guilt and stress. The idea that we can’t live without it, yet need to reframe how we approach it, is so insightful. It reminds me of the importance of shifting from “getting it all done” to prioritizing what truly matters—both for our students and for ourselves.
Thanks, Jo. I'm glad that you found the reminder of the idea useful. If we could all support and hold each other to account in prioritising ourselves, the concept of 'power in numbers' could be definitely be useful here.
How interesting to consider my passion that drove me in education. Which was always to educate the whole child but for some reason never offered myself the same courtesy. Very thought provoking.
With declining numbers in the profession, and many choosing to teach abroad in search of the lucrative balance that this may seem to offer (including myself), I do feel that this is a point that really needs to be considered. You use the word 'passion' there Amanda, which I think is really apt. Many teachers put their heart and soul into their vocation and therefore, to be appreciated beyond daily duties and responsibilities, would just mean so much. Thanks for your comment.
Brilliant article! Particularly love the “that’s all great but where do you list all of the things that you have achieved?”
I have a folder in my emails called “Feel Good” where I save those little thank yous or messages of appreciation that are all too easy to forget or overlook. If I’m having a tough day, a quick scroll over a few of these can make a real difference
Thanks Colin. What a great idea about the email folder! A brilliant way to have a 'pick me up' and remind yourself of all of the positive impact you are having. I am making myself a folder now :)
Everything you said here resonated with me! What you say about keeping your outside interests is so true, timetabling them in and keeping them on the priority list, more to remind yourself that they matter than anything else is so important. I am looking forward to seeking out Mo Gawdat as he is a new one for me.
Absolutely - giving equal weight to our own interests as well as those listed in our roles and responsibilities (and those more far-reaching). Hopefully in building a positive staff culture it will also encourage everyone to have conversations beyond those that are education-related. Plus - hold each other to account for prioritising ourselves! Thanks for your comment, Helen - I am certain you are going to love Mo Gawdat :)
So happy that you introduced me to Mo Laura! This was me in my early years too. Your guidance will help so many ❤️
I think you will LOVE Mo, Jen. He can be our trade for you introducing me to Jay Shetty on Calm :)
The to-do list you mention is both a lifeline and a burden, capturing everything we strive to achieve but often becoming a source of guilt and stress. The idea that we can’t live without it, yet need to reframe how we approach it, is so insightful. It reminds me of the importance of shifting from “getting it all done” to prioritizing what truly matters—both for our students and for ourselves.
Thanks, Jo. I'm glad that you found the reminder of the idea useful. If we could all support and hold each other to account in prioritising ourselves, the concept of 'power in numbers' could be definitely be useful here.
Great post with lots of really useful tips! Thanks Laura 😊
How interesting to consider my passion that drove me in education. Which was always to educate the whole child but for some reason never offered myself the same courtesy. Very thought provoking.
With declining numbers in the profession, and many choosing to teach abroad in search of the lucrative balance that this may seem to offer (including myself), I do feel that this is a point that really needs to be considered. You use the word 'passion' there Amanda, which I think is really apt. Many teachers put their heart and soul into their vocation and therefore, to be appreciated beyond daily duties and responsibilities, would just mean so much. Thanks for your comment.