You are who you are. By this time in your life, I would hope you've learned that "changing" an adult is a difficult task, and I would argue that in many (most) cases it is not necessary, important, or wise to try to change someone else. We can create a fair amount of angst in those around us by trying to change others. And boy, oh boy, do we create a great deal of inner turmoil by trying to be something that we are not. So right now, evaluate who you are, and....
1. If you love work, then work. Don't let anyone else tell you that you shouldn't be at school on a Saturday or working on fabulous new units in the summer. If this is what you love, then do it.
2. If you need to check your email frequently, then do. If it makes you feel great to get your email cleaned out in the morning, during your prep period, at lunch, and then again before you leave for the day, then go right ahead.
3. If you need your house/car/office/classroom to be clean, then clean it. You know that you work best in calm and order, so feel free to set up your space to be that way.
4. If you need to feel younger, then color your hair. It's hard to work around young students as we age especially if they comment on how old we look! So, if it bugs you, then color your hair, get a face peel, do whatever seems best for you.
5. If you need to drive a sports car, then ditch the minivan. You can drive what you want.
6. If you need a new image, get a professional photograph. Those school photos are generally not our most flattering!
7. If you like beautiful clothes, purchase one perfect outfit each year. Wear it on the days when you want to feel fabulous and you know that in that outfit, you look great!
8. If you love to exercise, go for it! Exercise alone or with others. Do what you need to do!
9. If you love to read, then read. Make time, take time. Read.
10. If you need permission to do (just about) anything - consider it granted!
I do have several magic wands that I use in some of my workshops--so imagine I'm waving it over your head right now. Keep your own sense of self strong by accepting who you are and working through your strengths (instead of forever trying to fix your weaknesses). The two best books on this subject are:
Order and read one or both of these books, if you haven't already done so. As an educator, you are likely beaten down on a regular basis...so it's often (usually) up to you to keep yourself on track and bolstered up. Examine who you are, what you want, and then take steps to get and stay on that positive track.
Educators have the most influential positions in our society--and need every bit of support that can be mustered. Two resources that will help increase educators' sense of peaceful, predictable productivity are Meggin's weekly emails:
**Top Ten Productivity Tips
**Keys to Keeping Chaos at Bay
(c) 2007 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., "The Ph.D. of Productivity"(tm). Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do. Sound interesting? It is!
