Enough With The Wind Already

Here’s a quote, resource, book, and affirmation to power you through the rest of your week.

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." - Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Riding Your Own Race

Three weeks into the school year and the adrenaline's waning. Routines aren't automatic yet, and Friday still feels far from Monday. Goal setting helps give you a boost when you need it the most. To make them more manageable, schedule checkpoints along the way.

This past weekend I cycled 70 miles at the Door County Century Ride. The sun was shining for most of it, but it was unexpectedly windy. One of the things that made the ride manageable for me was the rest stops about every 15 miles. Each stop had plenty of food and beverages. It makes it seem like multiple rides within one big one.

Teachers already know smaller supporting goals work in the classroom. A student with "get better at math" as a goal is stuck. A student with "master this week's fractions worksheet" has something to actually do Monday morning. Clear goals give kids — and you — something to aim for, a way to measure progress, and proof that you're moving, even on the days that don't feel like it. It works the same way off the clock. "Take care of myself this year" is a wish. "Leave by 3:30 on Tuesdays" is a goal you can actually keep.

Setting goals for the future can also help prevent stagnation. During the summer, I know I need to be active enough to finish this ride. This goal keeps me moving even on the days I don’t want to. Setting goals for yourself in your teaching world can have a similar effect.

Worth Your Time

Persistence vs. Pushing Through — What Teachers Need to Know

Teachers are told to push through everything. But persistence and endurance aren’t the same — and confusing them is what’s burning you out. Here’s the Stoic take.

WHY EDIFYJeremy Jorgensen

Book Recommendation

The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg - If you've ever mistaken exhaustion for dedication, this one's for you — it makes the research-backed case that sustainable performance beats heroic bursts, in sport and in life. Feels like it was written for a teacher in week three. Heads up: the Amazon link above is an affiliate link, so if you buy through it, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Affirmation

I am the sum of my goals and the effort I put into achieving them.

P.S.

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With Gratitude,

Jeremy