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The Healthy Educator

The Healthy Educator

By Jordan

The Healthy Educator podcast contains short episodes to get your mind ready to show up as the best version of yourself for your family and students. You will learn how to better manage yourself, your day, and your overall outlook as an educator! You deserve to be the hero in your story and I am here to help you on that journey. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any updates!
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81. Why is Negativity so Powerful?

The Healthy EducatorJan 18, 2021

00:00
11:06
114. Silver Linings

114. Silver Linings

As with all life circumstances there always seems to be a silver lining.  Stop for a moment and go find yours from this past year.  What can you build upon and draw out of this circumstance that can become the catalyst for your future?  It probably isn’t going to drop in your lap, but if you are willing to go searching it can manifest itself!

  • Moving forward into this next school year what can you take away from the past year that can become a catalyst for the future?
  • When I am working with people most have sort of earmarked this past year as an anomaly and are trying so hard to get back to “normal.”
  • I understand the sentiment but I really struggle with wanting to go back to anything
  • Our lives are in constant perpetual motion forward, whether we like it or not, so beyond the reflection process and learning from the past as we move forward into the future I don’t love the idea of getting back
  • In all of the school and family interactions over the past year we have found some great silver linings from the increased time together and seeing how we react to the new situations we have been faced with
  • One of the best silver linings is helping my family and those around me learn to manage their minds better in the midst of chaos
  • We have learned so much about ourselves and also about those around us.  Some good things and some not so good things
  • So take a moment, reflect but look for the silver linings from his past year for you and your family
  • Use these silver linings to propel your life moving forward and not to return to anywhere.
  • I know this sounds a bit cliche or “fortune cookie” wisdom sometimes but it really helps us to reframe with this perspective.
  • If you need help come work with me!
Sep 06, 202108:15
113. Let the cleanup process begin!

113. Let the cleanup process begin!

Everyone in the world has had their minds worked over this past year in education.  Regardless of why or where you stand on all of the issues it is time that we start the cleanup process of our minds.  This is going to take some time and careful attention but is totally worth it.  Let it begin!

  • I hope everyone is doing well and your brains are back in gear working towards an awesome school year for your students and your families
  • One thing we need to address though after the past year and a half in our world is what the wrecking ball of the pandemic has done to everyone’s mind.
  • I hope you have taken the time to address your brain, but if not then lets chat for a bit about this process.
  • Regardless of where you stand on any of the issues of the pandemic or political nature our brains have been overwhelmed with fear and negative inputs from pretty much every angle.
  • We have all probably noticed that this has crept into your mind on some level and your brain is strained to say the least.
  • This is going to require a bit of a cleanup process for our brain.  We are going to stop and slow down where we stand in our lives without all of the negative input from every other source.
  • We need to start processing the way we think about what has happened and how it has affected us.
  • We need to slow down our thoughts to see what is really true for us and what is simply fed to us from sources outside of us.
  • We need to get rid of the waste products in our brain by increasing the level of our self care through exercise, nutrition, sleep and thought work.
  • We need to get our negative thought patterns out of our brain by writing or whatever means necessary to get out of the loops that have been driven into our brains the past year.
  • Now is the time to start the cleanup so you can move on in your life!
Aug 30, 202109:33
112. Bravery is a Choice

112. Bravery is a Choice

Did you know you can just decide that you are going to be brave?  The more we slow down the decision to be brave or not we start to realize that it really is just a state of mind.  Telling ourselves that we are not brave is the intentional choice to not be.  Telling ourselves that we are brave is the first step to intentionally choosing to be!  So what’s your choice?

  • This topic today is such a fun one and sometimes sounds like a Disney movie!
  • When I talk to people why they do or do not move forward in their life’s decisions it comes down to whether or not they are willing to be brave.
  • Really we never know how things are going to turn out in our lives and argue that we just aren’t brave enough to push forward into the unknown takes just as much energy as it does to just decide to be brave.
  • It is a simple switch for us to understand that bravery is simply a choice, just like it is a simple choice to choose not to be brave.
  • We need to intentionally choose to make this choice if we really want to analyze what comes with that choice or lack of choice.
  • We think it is always easier to choose the just not be brave and not put ourselves out there so we don’t have to deal with that discomfort but what we often don’t address is that if we intentionally choose to not be brave we also have to think about what isn’t going to happen.
  • Stop for a moment and think about the discomfort of staying exactly where you currently are.  What could you be giving up with that choice?  What could you unearth or discover if you choose to actually dive in and be brave?
  • This doesn’t have to be dramatic and scary, just intentional.  So as you think about your life, what is the choice you find yourself making or needing to make?  Are you ready to be brave?  Come chat with me if you are needing the walk through this one!
Aug 23, 202108:04
111. Trust Issues in Education

111. Trust Issues in Education

There is a polarizing issue of trust being exposed in education.  We must increase our understanding of why this is happening and what we can do about it.  Most of our trust issues are not clear cut character issues.  Our ability to show up, establish clarity, and then follow through with our commitments are paramount in this current climate!

  • I have seen a significant shift in whether or not we trust those around us in the past few years in education
  • I am sure this has always been there but more now than ever we are a chip on our shoulder and vary in our ability to trust those around us.
  • This goes clear from our state and local leaders to those in our own departments that we work with everyday.
  • Most of us initially think that those around us need to do something to cause a sense of distrust but the more I have seen this the more rare this is.
  • There are those stories or instances where someone breaches our trust through a clear cut act of dishonesty or character flaw.
  • Most often though we have started to just not trust those who lead us to provide accurate and truthful information, even if they just don’t know
  • The more pervasive form of this is a lack of clarity in the information and answers we have been given over the years
  • Those around us learn that they really can’t “count on us” when they really need answers
  • Some of these issues are a bit out of our control but there is a large portion of them that we can work at a much higher level to provide accurate and clear information.  Even if this seems annoying to do the extra work to make sure clarity is achieved we owe it to those around us.
  • We also need to work on honesty when it comes to being willing to answer questions.  Being cagey or refusing to disclose things because we are working on career moves is not something that helps to build trust
  • One area I have often struggled with in my personal life and causes some serious trust issues is our ability to show up and actually do everything that we actually say we are going to do.  This seems so obvious but I see it all the time.  Sometimes we just over promise to make people like us or to settle down the fire, but if we have committed to something we build trust by actually showing up and doing what we said we would do.
  • Even the best of intentions that fall flat will deteriorate the trust of the people in our lives.  This means we are going to have to address our time in a more truthful manner and not over promise and neglect certain areas of our lives.
  • If you have noticed a lack of trust and worked its way into your organization then start working through some of these issues I have described here and come work with me if you are needing help, I’ve got you on this one!
Aug 16, 202112:07
110. Who are you doing this work for?

110. Who are you doing this work for?

No matter who you are there are going to be days, weeks, and possibly months that the work you are engaged in is a struggle.  When you find yourself in those moments just stop and connect with who it is you are doing this work for.  When you can define who, the why, how, and what come much more naturally!

  • I am loving this topic in my life right now because it seems like old school true principles always hold true when the world loses its true north.
  • The idea of connecting with “who” you are doing the work you do for is taught beautifully by Stephen Covey clear back with the 7 habits.
  • If you really think about the sheer volume of lifetimes that have been spent doing less than desirable work because of “who” we were doing the work for.
  • The idea that we can do tough and undesirable work just because we are doing it for our family, students, etc.  is just a surface level though.
  • One of the coolest things about this principle is that it opens the door in our brains to figure out the why, how, and what so much more naturally.
  • Really the who and why are most likely connected very closely and once we are connected to those two ideas at the brain level then figuring out the how and what when it comes to our work is just details.
  • Connecting to who and why we are working will give us the spark of motivation we are really looking for to figure out the rest.
  • So, let’s stop and think about all the work you are currently doing.  Start to define who you are actually doing the work for.  It will be interesting to see what you come up with.
  • Especially in the world of education it can be very easy to use the obvious answer of the students or future students.  But we may find that a lot of the work we choose to engage in might be for ourselves.
  • This really isn’t a problem if the work we are doing is for ourselves but we need to own that and not use someone else as the fake reason we “have” to do anything that is really for us.
  • If we are able to connect our work to our family this is an easy connection.  If we can then we need to connect some form of our work to the end consumer.  In the case of education this is the students, or maybe their families and communities.
  • Rarely should the work we are engaged in be something that we are connecting to our boss or supervisor.  Doing work just because our admin tells us to when it is not connected to our students, ourselves, or our families is a recipe for disaster and resentment.
  • So, who are you really working for?  Figure it out and come work with me if you are struggling!
Aug 09, 202109:60
109. Resilience and our purpose

109. Resilience and our purpose

We love the idea of resilience in today’s world and especially in education.  If you or your students seem to be struggling with being resilient then our first place to start is your purpose.  When we lose our sense of purpose we no longer have the desire to be resilient.  Resilience naturally bleeds out of a strong purpose!

  • One of the great buzz words in our world, especially in education is resilience.  We love this idea when it comes to our own kids, our students, or even ourselves.
  • One of the principle ideas that we need to understand is that we will fall short in our pursuit of resilience if we don’t have a strong connection to our deeper purpose.
  • We all need a reason to be resilient.  It is so funny to listen to teachers complain about how students just aren’t tough and resilient these days.  I wonder if we have given them a good enough reason to be resilient?
  • Only when we are connected to that deeper purpose and our “Why” can we muster the motivation and confidence to actually become resilient.
  • Think about all the great stories about those who have overcome adversity and they always have a deeper driving force in the background that is keeping them running.
  • Right now in our world we as educators, parents, students, have a strong need to be resilient, but have we defined a larger purpose that is worthy of that resilience?
  • If you haven’t then it is time to reconnect with your deeper purpose or your “Why” and come back into alignment with that purpose.
  • Our world’s current dynamic has gifted us the opportunity to redefine and reconnect with this deeper purpose but we’ve got to act in order to connect and actually practice being resilient.
  • Once this redefinition has taken place we are going to find ourselves in some downtimes as the world comes back to itself in the cleanup process we’ll be talking about over the next few shows.
  • When we are really pressed up against it our ability to get back up and actually practice resilience will present itself and our ability to bounce back will be directly related to whether we believe in our larger purpose or not.
  • Now is the time to show our true colors in regards to this principle so get out there and see what you are made of by bouncing education back to a whole new level!
  • Come work with me if you are struggling with any of this in your own life!
Aug 02, 202109:55
108 - Acting as Agents to Ourselves

108 - Acting as Agents to Ourselves

Our ability to truly own our decisions and understand that our reality is created by us starts with acting as agents to ourselves.  We learn to subject ourselves to our own true value and not to everything around us.  This brings with it a unique power we rarely enjoy if life is happening to us!

  • I love this idea of acting as agents to ourselves!
  • For me this started as a scriptural idea but the more I have launched into understanding how our brains work it becomes more and more true for me in every aspect of my life
  • Think for a minute about the difference between understanding how every choice we make ultimately creates us and our destiny and what life might be like if we really feel like everything is happening to us!  This is a dramatic difference!
  • This idea opens the door to us understanding our true value and how if we are willing to do things because we value ourselves more than anything else then we own all of the outcomes
  • Life shifts from a powerless struggle each and every day to a predetermined, action based life of intention to bring about your desired outcome
  • Of course there are going to be twists and turns in our lives but we must remember the level of choice we have in those twists and turns
  • Once we can shift this mindset we start to make each and every decision in a new light and we become subject to our own new value, not any outside circumstances
  • So, take a moment and think about the myriad of decisions you make every day and think about where those choices were coming from?
  • Do you mostly make decisions acting as an agent to yourself or are most of your decisions made in the reactionary mindset where we think life is happening to you?
  • We are always going to be somewhere on the spectrum of this idea but the more we can act as agents the more we control the outcomes.
  • There is something to be said about making sure this is not used as a weapon because others will make choices that have impact upon us, but we always get to control our next move and decide what that is going to mean for us.
  • This is a lifelong journey and I am here to help you!  Get working on your agent mindset and enjoy your outcomes a bit more in life!
Jul 26, 202109:57
107- Finding our Inner Hedgehog

107- Finding our Inner Hedgehog

We all have unique strengths and passions in our lives.  Jim Collins teaches about finding our inner hedgehog when it comes to the pursuits we follow in our businesses.  In our personal lives I find it very useful to understand what we can be great at, what we love doing, and how we can use that to best serve those around us.  It is time to hunker down, get out there, and define your inner hedgehog!

  • Let’s talk about this great principle of the hedgehog!  This is a principle that Jim Collins teaches about so if you would like to learn more about it go check out his site.
  • We all have very unique and different strengths and passions in our lives and our ability to find the intersection between what we can be great at, what we love doing or are passionate about, and how we can use those strengths and passions to best serve those around us.
  • This intersection is what Jim Collins calls your inner hedgehog.  This comes from the idea that a hedgehog is really good at one thing, hunkering down and protecting itself from predators.  It doesn’t pretend to be something it's not, it’s not flashy, just rock solid.
  • When we can figure out these 3 parts of the equation we are so much more likely to find the success we are really looking for and we help a lot of others in the process
  • There really is something to the idea that we are going to be fed long term when we are able to do work that actually matters and we are successful in that work.
  • Many of us haven’t ever really defined this intersection for ourselves.  If you are feeling stuck in your current role this could be a good place to start.
  • If you are able to work in education we can always argue that our work is vitally important and actually matters, but that doesn’t mean we connect to that purpose very often, we must do so!
  • If you are processing this intersection and realize that you don’t have the passion or skills or drive to continue your current work then lets get working on where to go from here.
  • Your life will be so much better if you can define and then work in this intersection.  Come chat with me if you are needing help to figure this out.  I’ve got you!
Jul 19, 202110:21
106 - The Business of People

106 - The Business of People

We all want the fast track to pretty much everything we are seeking in life.  When we seek the fast track in the business of people we are bound to struggle.  People are very unique and passionate about their individual lives.  When we strive to manipulate or control others in our pursuit of success they are going to notice.  Remember we are all, really, in the business of people and we are served well to remember that!

  • Our brains love to be efficient and most technology is aimed at increasing efficiency in some way shape or form.
  • We love the idea of the fast track to almost everything we are seeking in life
  • This is a set up of magnificent proportion when it comes to working in the business of people
  • If our goal is to manipulate others to fit our agenda in any way they are going to notice
  • People do not want to be managed, or bossed around.  Especially if they are professionals and are paid to help other people in the best way possible
  • We must remember that all people are unique and passionate about themselves and their families, and their lives much more than ours
  • We are sooner or later going to need to understand that we are all in the business of people and if we can align our purpose or vision instead of trying to coerce others into becoming new versions of ourselves we will be much more successful
  • Think for a moment about those you have the most influence on.  Maybe this is your spouse, your family, your classroom, your school.
  • How much of the work you are engaged in is to get others to do it the way you think it should be done?
  • Maybe you do have a very grounded reason for why it needs to be done in a particular way but is that communicated as a vision with clarity and understanding or just because it makes your life easier if they all fall in line?
  • If you really after long term success then we are served much better to have everyone choose to align the vision and priorities that bring us to success than having them dictated to them.
  • As you process this summer what changes you would like to see in your world, keep these thoughts in mind!
Jul 12, 202109:25
105 - Peak and The End Rule

105 - Peak and The End Rule

Our brains are funny sometimes.  Often what we think a circumstance entailed is not really the whole of the story.  Daniel Kahneman teaches that the peak point and the end point are really the most important parts of our story when it comes to our memory of it.  When working with others, how can we utilize this to make the likelihood of a great experience for everyone?

  • If we think back on almost any memory there is a high chance that our brain is going to trick us into thinking about it differently than what actually happened.
  • Researcher Daniel Kahneman has taught about this great phenomenon called the peak and the end rule.
  • Basically this is where our brains take the peak point in the experience and average it with the end point in the experience to create what our memory of the experience becomes.
  • This is fascinating because if we understand the brain's function in this capacity we are able to hijack the pattern and use it to our advantage!
  • Think about the experiences you create for your students or your family and how you could start to design high peak and end points to create better memories
  • Another angle to take on this is to think from the students perspective and see why they are doing amazing in your classrooms or school and how this could be playing out.
  • If our end points every day are boring then it destroys the experience.  If we never reach a great peak point then the experience is less
  • On the other hand we learn that we don’t have to be delivering a constant high point lesson, just high peak and end points with the most valuable content at those points to make it stick.
  • This is such a fascinating idea that we can jump on to help create our schools, families, and communities to be places of positive memory and impact.
  • As you are designing this next year keep this in your view!
Jul 05, 202112:00
104 - The Slight Edge

104 - The Slight Edge

When it really comes down to it our lives are the product of all the little decisions we make on a daily basis.  The slight edge becomes the slow and steady path to the life you envisioned all along.  Make sure you have defined the right actions and practice patience along the way and you are destined for success!

  • I had a conversation with a professional sculptor once about the concept of developing the slight edge, although that’s not the phrase he used.
  • See, we love the idea of an overnight success and the dramatic talent that might come with a prodigy or an amazing artist
  • He mentioned that people really praised him all the time for his amazing talent but he wished he could convey to them how untrue that idea really was
  • He outlined the myriad of decisions to develop his craft over the past 10-15 years!  This is almost always the case with any expert in any field
  • This is also the case in almost all aspects of our lives
  • It is always the compilation of all the little decisions that make us who we ultimately become.
  • There are a few instances where one decision is the make or break point but we could argue that it was all of the process of becoming up to that point that allowed us to make that decision in the first place
  • So, stop for a moment and process all of the little bit and pieces of your life system that has created your current reality
  • Has this system been what you need or could it use some work?  I think we all have areas to improve upon but if we take a step back and process our current life station and think about the mountains of decisions it has taken to help you become who you are it can be enlightening
  • If you hone this system it really can be the thing that gives you a slight edge to designing the life you really want.
  • If you need help on your journey I’ve got you!
Jun 28, 202110:03
103 - Becoming Something of Value Instead of a Success

103 - Becoming Something of Value Instead of a Success

When you are seeking to grow and become the next version of yourself we need to make sure to follow Einstein’s advice and strive to become something of value, not just a success.  Think about what you are offering those in your life.  Is the offering to become something for yourself or to be of value to others?  This distinction can make all the difference!

  • I think in all of our minds we have a desire of some type to be successful.
  • This might be in many different ways or aspects of our lives, but we all seek this to some extent
  • I am proposing a slightly different approach to the way we think about this in our lives
  • I love the idea from Einstein about striving to become something of value more than striving to become a success.
  • This sets our mind up in an outward mindset in regards to the way we see the world.
  • We start to see how we can provide service and value to others rather than bringing about praise or validation to ourselves
  • This also allows us to focus on more of what we can control in this journey.  Seeing what others around us need and striving to provide that value is a little less arbitrary than what others or ourselves might deem as successful
  • With that new framing in your mind I want you to stop and think about your goals and pursuits currently in your life.
  • How many of those pursuits on the personal and professional side are in alignment with this philosophy- if they are not framed in that light it's not wrong but I really think we will find more long term joy and happiness in the pursuit of providing value and helping others than we will in just becoming successful
  • So what is the one area of your life you can apply this principle to right now?  Is it with your students, your own family, your school?  Pick one and get started!
  • I am here to help you if you need help processing this in your own life...
Jun 21, 202112:50
102. Softer Entry Points in Change Conversations

102. Softer Entry Points in Change Conversations

When we are seeking change in our schools or organizations there are going to be many conversations along the way.  We are often served better to seek softer entry points to help change paradigms in all of our minds.  This soft entry point allows our minds to settle before throwing up a wall to the call for change!

  • We love the idea of change in education, politics, and personal development. It is almost taboo to be okay with where we currently are because we are seeking constant growth, which can be a good thing.
  • If this is something that we are passionate about then we need to understand a few things in my opinion
  • These change efforts are going to take time!  Many, many conversations and some will go better than others.  This is to be expected so we might as well plan on it
  • We really can struggle as leaders in education and families to try and bully our way into getting others to change which rarely is going to serve us well.
  • I have a great colleague who called me a logic bully, which I laughed at but totally understand that perception of me.
  • I think we will be much better served in our capacity to drive change if we can find softer entry points in our change conversations.
  • If we think of this on the brain level it is totally understandable that when someone comes in hard and fast telling us that we need to change something our brain is going to first protect and resist in order to stay efficient and safe.
  • If we can find a softer entry point it allows the brain to settle down and not be approached so abruptly.
  • We need to take care not to become manipulative in our approach to this conversation because transparency is still important but the way in which we go about these conversations can be crucial to the ultimate success or failure of the initiative.
  • Sometimes it really might help us to lock into all of the possible viewpoints of those in the conversation.  We need to try and understand what could be happening in their world so we can see the best approach.
  • Even in our own minds this allows us to settle and see all perspectives before pushing an agenda the system is really not ready for up to this point.
  • If you find yourself in the middle of some change initiative and need some help finding a softer entry point then come work with me!
  • I’ve got you on this one and we really can bring about the change we seek!
Jun 14, 202109:52
101. Thought Gaps

101. Thought Gaps

We often find ourselves with a huge chasm between what our current thoughts and reality are and where we would like them to be.  This gap can seem impossible to cross without bridge or ladder thoughts to get us to the new reality.  Start small, create the next thought, and the next, and the next.  Before you know it you’ll be there!

  • Have you had the experience of learning about a new concept that just rings true but is so far from what you currently think or believe that you just can’t see yourself in that camp?
  • This concept is so fun for me because we usually run into this when we are striving to really stretch ourselves or our teams in education.
  • We see that there really is a better way to do things but it seems so far from where we currently are that it really does seem like a bridge too far.
  • I have seen this in grading conversations a lot lately and in the past I used to see this a lot in conversations about technology in education
  • I see this a lot in my own brain when I think about my business and education success that I know logically is possible but some days just seems so far or next to impossible
  • I have started to realize that the chasm we create just need to understand its next step in the process, not the entire pathway
  • It makes total sense that our brains are going to freak out when it can’t see all of the hundred steps it's going to take to get to that future version of ourselves, our business, or our school
  • With this in mind we simply need to know our next step, not all the steps
  • Focus on our next move with the future reality still in view so we stay aligned but not ungrounded.  Taking this approach one step at a time will eventually get us to the point where we can reach out and grab the future reality and pull ourselves to it!
  • So, stop for a moment and think about an area of your life where you know there is a chasm between your current reality and the amazing possibilities of the future.
  • Define what your next step is, and the next, and the next
  • Set up a checkpoint system so this doesn’t stop with the first few steps but becomes a normal practice of constantly moving forward towards that envisioned future.
  • You’ve got it on this one, I am here to help if you are struggling to build the ladder to your future reality, but get started today!
Jun 07, 202111:39
100. Thoughts, Opinions, and Convictions

100. Thoughts, Opinions, and Convictions

We need to understand the distinction between our thoughts, opinions, and convictions.  Knowing this allows us to really dialogue and make headway in our change conversations.  In order to understand the distinction we are going to need to slow our brains down enough to get at the thought and opinion level.  Once we get here everything else opens up to us!

  • In this great article he shares why it is so important to know the distinction between our thoughts, opinions and convictions
  • James Ferrell: Why it's smart to share your ignorance
  • Think about your last change conversation and how it went?
  • Especially in today’s environment where everyone thinks their opinions are law and everything they think needs to be shared with the world we really need to stop and figure out where we stand.
  • In order to first understand the distinction between these three concepts for ourselves we are really going to need to slow our brains down and question each principle for ourselves
  • We need to ask if this is just a preliminary thought, ready to drive feelings that can grow into an opinion, or are they just thoughts and musings.
  • Shifting back to change conversations it can be so important to let others know whether what you are expressing is just a thought, or if it has grown into an opinion, or if you really know enough about it and have a strong conviction of the path to follow.
  • If we feel like we know enough to call our thoughts an opinion, we really need to state this but also think about whether this opinion is something we need to share with others or the world around us.
  • Just because we have amazing thoughts and opinions does not mean they are meant for everyone in every situation.  Run them through a filter before we express them to the whole world.
  • If we really have researched and had enough experience that we have a stance we call a conviction then we need to be prepared for all sides of the equation to be presented.
  • Adam Grant proposes that we approach these situations in a “please prove me wrong” mentality in order to address blind spots we haven’t thought about previously
  • The more we slow down our brain and dive deeper into our thoughts, opinions and convictions we start to realize that we become much more open to others thoughts and opinions because we probably have very few convictions on the hill we are willing to die for!
  • Like we talked about last week this really opens us up for starting to understand what we really don’t know and now can start to know.  Such an enlightening position to be in!
  • Let's dive deep this week, figure out where you stand in regards to Mr. Ferrel’s ideas and be willing to share this with others in our change conversations.
May 31, 202112:28
99. When We Don't Know What We Don't Know

99. When We Don't Know What We Don't Know

I think we often get caught in our tunnel vision or small sphere of influence so easily that we become blind to the rest of the world.  There is such power in figuring out what we don’t know.  If we decide to never learn what we don’t know we’ll never know if there is more out there for us!

  • When was the last time you stopped to take a birds eye view of your life and the world?
  • We often get caught in our tunnel vision and sphere of influence so easily that we become blind to the rest of the world around us.
  • This is completely natural with all the many hats and ideas we are balancing all the time
  • The longer we stay in our metaphorical tunnel though the more we think the whole world is exactly what our vision sees.
  • Unfortunately this is rarely the case!  We fail to see how much the world has to offer us and how much we have to offer the world!
  • There is such power in figuring out what we don’t know.  It might be uncomfortable but still so powerful.
  • It is so much easier to just sit in our little comfort zone and never stretch ourselves because we can become pretty good at being us.
  • This never really leads us to become an expert and never leads us to know whether even our deep seeded practices and beliefs have more to them.  There are quite possibly many more layers to all of the aspects of our lives that we never take the opportunity to explore.
  • The almost certainty of being stuck for the duration of our lives looms over us when we don’t know what we don’t know.
  • Think about how beneficial it would be to know what others are thinking in our relationships.
  • Think about if we knew how to really reach specific students in our classes.
  • Think about how powerful it would be if we knew that something we did everyday was undercutting our effectiveness.
  • We really need to work to figure out things we don’t know.  We need to keep digging in all aspects of our lives if we desire to gain true clarity about our lives and the lives of those around us.
  • I can help you gain that clarity you seek as you embark on this journey.  Come work with me!
May 24, 202111:46
98. The Ability to Unlearn

98. The Ability to Unlearn

We are so often focused on our ability to learn and help those around us that we never stop to see if there are things we need to unlearn.  The ability to unlearn things that are no longer serving us is paramount to growth.  Never be afraid to unlearn in your life!

  • I love that we are so focused on increasing student learning in education!
  • This concept is so vital and you have heard me talk so much about keeping our focus on the students as much as possible
  • But have you ever thought about the process of unlearning?
  • Last week on the podcast we talked about the power of questioning and if we find that certain habits or practices, or thoughts are no longer serving us do we know how to unlearn something?
  • We become so set on our practices and things we believe to be true that we can stop ourselves from growing.
  • But once we do question and decide that a certain way of thinking or doing something is not serving us best anymore we have to spend the time to unlearn, establish new routines and habits and see things anew!
  • Adam Grant has a great book called “Think Again” that teaches us to stop and think about everything in our lives again to see if what we thought was true really is.
  • This often means you are going to need to loosen your grip on some ideas and perceptions you have held onto for so long to see if they hold water.
  • So the process of actually unlearning is very related to habit formation and Charles Duhigg is one of the best sources.  I talked about habits in episode 57, 26, and 17.  Check those out for some deeper foundation.
  • But remember the basics of the habit loop, we need a cue, routine, and reward.  Stop to see if the routines can be replaced in your life to change and unlearn the current habits you have.
  • Use your decision making power to set the appropriate cues that can help the habits stick and reward yourself with appropriate rewards in the process.
  • So what are some long held beliefs that you think it might be time to unlearn?
  • Start down the road to questioning and unlearning those things that no longer serve you!
  • I am here to help you as you get stuck in the process.
May 17, 202110:26
97. The Power of Questioning

97. The Power of Questioning

There is a unique power in our ability to stop and question.  This gives our brain the opportunity to slow down enough to see the possibility of a different answer.  We need to choose more often to question everything we do in order to keep from going on autopilot!

  • This past year has created an interesting dynamic in education and in our local and personal lives.
  • We have seen so many people’s inability to question and analyze situations for themselves
  • Most of the world has fallen into a dynamic of fear and uncertainty and “do what we are told” type of thinking.
  • When we get stuck in this type of thinking we lose out on the power of questioning!
  • This gives our brains the opportunity to slow down and see the possibility of a different answer.  Without this intentional question our brains will always do what is most efficient by following
  • Sometimes this following mentality serves us well and we all get on the same page as a group but often we end up making the wrong decisions because we didn’t stop to consider if what we are doing is really the right path.
  • Regardless of whether the decision seems right or wrong we rob ourselves of any growth that would have come from the stretching process of making sure through the questioning.
  • We really need to stop and think about what we are doing more in education, in our personal lives, and in our families.
  • Stop and question what you have been asked to do.
  • Stop and question who you really are and how you really feel about certain decisions
  • Stop and question if the trajectory of your life, your family, your school is really what you want it to be.
  • See there is such a dramatic danger in the autopilot drift we find ourselves caught up in at times.
  • If you feel like you are drifting or lost in your current thoughts and situations it is probably time to start questioning
  • You really might surprise yourself that you are doing some amazing things and are headed in the right direction, or you might not be.
  • If you don’t ever stop to question yourself you might never really know and that can be one of the worst feelings to push through
  • Start today, start questioning why you are in the station of life you are and ask yourself if there is anything you can do about it.
  • If you need help come work with me!
May 10, 202110:22
96. Circling back to self deception

96. Circling back to self deception

Have you stopped lately and processed which areas of your life you are deep in self deception?  Remember no matter how uncomfortable this might be, realizing our role in each and every problem in our lives brings to light the path to the solution of all these problems as well!  Controlling our part is really the only control we ever had anyways, now onto solutions!

  • Back on Episode 44 we talked about Self deception in education, so if you need an intro then head back and listen to episode 44
  • I want us to take a moment today though and process through this past year and see which areas of our life are mired deep in self deception
  • When we refuse to see or understand the level to which we are part of the problem in every problem of our lives we ultimately give away all our power to address any viable solution to the problem as well
  • Throughout this past year we have all become very good at blaming everything outside of ourselves for all the problems in our lives
  • As uncomfortable as it is going to be we need to slow down and dig deep into our role in each of the problems in our life
  • Recognize when we turn any of the people in our lives into objects, no matter how tough of a person they seem to be they are unique and passionate people as well.
  • We need to recognize that any relationship struggles we are experiencing happen first in our minds and it really is rooted in our thoughts, not the behaviors of those around us
  • We can choose to see people as people, choose to think differently about our current circumstances, choose to see our role in each of our problems
  • Once we are willing to address our part then the solutions will start to present themselves as a possibility, but not before!
  • The uncomfortable road is most likely the right and necessary one
  • So what things do you seem to be struggling with the most?
  • What part of that situation are you mired in self deception about?
  • Are you willing to address your part in your life?
  • We have talked a lot about clarity, barriers, and getting back into your life here on the podcast lately.
  • If you are ready to get back in then start by digging deep and figuring out in what ways you might be self deceived and need to get out of the metaphorical box.
  • I’ve got you on this one and I am here for you!
May 03, 202112:09
95. Self imposed barriers

95. Self imposed barriers

Most of us have a lot of excuses why our lives are not exactly the way we would like them.  We need to slow down our brains to the point that we can recognize the self imposed barriers we have imposed upon ourselves.  The more and more we dive into our brains we realize that virtually all barriers are indeed, self imposed!  This is so enlightening because this means they are in our control!

  • How many of you feel like you are exactly where you want to be in your life?
  • I hope there are some but most of us have a tendency to think about wanting more and we think more about all the stuff we don’t have sometimes.
  • When this happens our default brains want to take us to excuse land and we start to find evidence that supports these excuses
  • Even when we think we are owning why we aren’t living the life of our dreams we immediately follow up those ownership thoughts with an excuse or reason why we think that way
  • Our brains really want to justify so that we can feel in alignment with what we believe
  • This is a sneaky little trick our brains play on us so that all seems well in brain land
  • But what if we slow down and isolate the barriers in our way,
  • We start to see that for the most part all barriers in our lives are self imposed.  They are the byproduct of the justification and stories we have been telling ourselves our whole lives.
  • This sometimes can feel a bit convicting but I want you to understand that this is so enlightening!
  • We can actually see the barrier for what it truly is and this gives us total control over the barrier and our lives
  • Our destination becomes clear once we remove the self imposed barriers and the clearer the destination becomes the clearer the path to walk becomes.
  • You are going to have to walk the path but once it's clear this is much easier than the muddy road.
  • If this is a struggle for you right now then come work with me!  I’ve got you on this one.
Apr 26, 202111:20
94. Getting back in the Game of life

94. Getting back in the Game of life

This past year has really put a funk over a lot of us.  The time for sad stories, drama, and settling for mediocre has passed.  It is time for you to get back in the game of your life.  Do whatever is necessary to realign your priorities and get back in the game!

  • Where is your head after so much drama over the past year?  It really seems like there is a funk all around education and society as a whole
  • We can continue to follow this path and keep getting the same result
  • I for one think we can choose to be done with all the sad stories, the drama, and all around settling for mediocrity in our lives!
  • We really can use this time as a hinge point in our lives to springboard back into the game of your life.
  • We can always create this reality but sometimes life gives us great circumstances to use as a contrasting force to see that our life doesn’t have to be the way we think all the time.
  • This is one of those times.  You have the power to choose differently, right now!
  • Take a moment to take stock of your life and if there are things that seem out of alignment then you can get them back into alignment.
  • Schedule the priorities that will get you back in the game like Covey taught
  • This seems like a daunting task sometimes, but I promise once you realize what is off it won’t be that hard to get it back on track
  • You will begin to see things more clearly and understand what things really are important to take you where you want to go
  • Are you ready to get back in the game?  Lets go!
Apr 19, 202109:60
93. Clarity in Education

93. Clarity in Education

One of the most important things anyone in education can focus on is gaining clarity around everything they do.  Get clear about your purpose.  Get clear about what matters to you.  Get clear about the learning you and your students are after.  Get clear about the path you and your school are going to walk to success.  Success is not found through murky waters!

  • Teacher clarity is one of the most important factors when it comes to student achievement
  • When we talk about teacher clarity we usually are referring to success criteria and learning intentions and objectives
  • We have talked a lot about making sure we know our “why”
  • I really think we need to take the time and circle back to clarity in education
  • It’s time to get clear about our and your purpose in your life and education
  • It’s time to get clear about what really matters to you in your life, your classroom, your practices with your students, your grading, etc.
  • It’s time to get clear about the learning you are after for your students.  Do your practices really align with that vision?
  • It’s time to get clear about the path you want to hold tight to as a school and what things can be held loosely
  • It’s time to commit to actually walk the path you have just defined.
  • Remember success cannot be found in murky waters!
Apr 12, 202112:13
92. The Ability to Disconnect

92. The Ability to Disconnect

No matter how strong the pull is towards staying connected to everything going on in the world around you it is time to hone your ability to disconnect and focus on the few things that really matter in your world.  It really doesn’t serve you to be constantly connected, take the plunge and disconnect!

  • Hey everyone you are almost to Spring break and this is the perfect time to practice our topic today.  We have got to learn how to disconnect!
  • This might sound strange in a world where we are fighting for connection at every turn.
  • When I talk about disconnecting I don’t mean from all the people in our world, but from all of the fringe noise in the world.
  • I know some people will argue that you need to be well informed and that is just not true in my mind
  • Almost all information is just a distraction to your focused goals and relationships
  • You don’t need to know what news is happening, You don’t need to know what your neighbors are up to, you for sure don’t need to know what people are up to around the world.
  • It is time to start honing your skills to disconnect from everything around you and start plugging into you!
  • It really doesn’t serve you to be constantly connected to everyone/everything
  • Even if it feels like you are burying your head in the sand it is valuable enough to just make this happen
  • Your ability to stay connected to your true self is paramount in your ability to help others and bring about the change in yourself and others
  • It really doesn’t serve you to be constantly connected to everything or everyone around you.
  • Take this opportunity over spring break to disconnect from whatever it is that holds you hostage with distraction!
  • You will start to notice the important things again
  • You will start to be able to metaphorically taste your life and smell the roses again!
  • What really happens when we disconnect from others distraction is we are able to see things as they really are again, without the blinders on.
  • I know we can all make this a reality if we are willing to go through the discomfort of the letting go.
  • If you need help, I’ve got you, connect with me so you can disconnect from distraction and find your life again...
Apr 05, 202109:08
91. Tyranny of Or vs. Genius of And

91. Tyranny of Or vs. Genius of And

Our minds are easily caught in either/or thinking.  Instead of thinking of your circumstances as a dead end, embrace the philosophy behind the “Genius of And.”  We really can embrace multiple ways of thinking and function at a high level.  Get started on this way of thinking and watch doors begin to open in your life!

  • I love this concept from Jim Collins and Jerry Porras!  This is in their book Built to Last and has so much applicability in our roles in education.
  • For a fun exercise I want you to stop for a minute and think about something you really would like to happen in your life and think to yourself why you don’t have it yet?
  • Now I want you to think about all of the amazing things you do have in your life and think about why you have those things already.
  • Now I want you to think about those two things together in the form of an “and” statement and in the form of an “or” statement, pay attention to how you feel as you think about or say those two different things.
  • We are very conditioned to be content and if we aren’t careful then we will adopt a Tyranny of Or mindset.
  • We start to tell ourselves that we just aren’t meant to have the things we really desire so we settle.
  • We tell ourselves we just can’t have a really fun classroom and make the learning happen at a high level
  • We tell ourselves we can’t work in a meaningful role in education and still have the money we want to be comfortable in our lives.  It’s either have meaningful work or have a good paying job
  • We tell ourselves we can’t be spontaneous and be a good planner, we are just set in the way we are, either way.
  • Once we start to realize how hampered we are with the Tyranny of Or thinking we can start to replace that mindset with the Genius of And.
  • Go back and insert and into each of those life scenarios we framed earlier and see what happens.  Pay attention to how empowering it can be to see the possibilities with Genius of And thinking.
  • If you are struggling with this concept and seeing what the possibilities are in your life then come check in with me and see what we can come up with!
Mar 29, 202110:30
90. Looking back to move forward: The reflective process

90. Looking back to move forward: The reflective process

It is often in our reflecting back that we are really able to see the future path more clearly.  Knowing where we have been can be a great benefit for our lives moving forward.  We can’t ever go back, but learning from the personal experiences of the past is one of our most valuable resources we have at our disposal!

  • This week marks the one year mark since the world began to shut down and lose its mind about all sorts of stuff.
  • I am all about keeping a forward focus as we define what our end destination is so that we stay on the path we desire
  • At certain points however, I am finding it is very useful to know where we have been as we move forward.
  • Understanding that we can’t ever go back and we really don't’ need to spend any mental or emotional energy in regret or wondering “what if?”
  • If we keep a proper perspective on the past in order to learn from it and the past of others then this can be one of the most valuable resources at our disposal!
  • One of the most valuable lessons we gain from looking back might be the insight into our own patterns in ourselves.  We start to see why we struggle in the same ways over and over again by looking back
  • We also start to see if our path up to this point has led us to a place we really want to be or not, which in turn can become a sending off point for the future.
  • As each individual takes the time to look back they might find some key checkpoints or decision points that have shaped us for the good or bad.
  • So pause for a moment and take a look back, look with the eyes to see what we might not want to see, look for things to learn, patterns to be found, look back to know how to move forward!
  • When you do this you might be surprised, surprised that you are exactly where you want to be, or surprised that you are not anywhere you thought you would ever be.
  • If you are ready for this journey then embark!  I’ve got you on this one if you are struggling with how to make this happen, come sign up for a quick mini session to see what we can help you figure out!
Mar 22, 202109:05
89. Teaching from the Inside Out; Why to How to What

89. Teaching from the Inside Out; Why to How to What

We have a tendency to focus a lot in education about how and what we teach our students.  If we follow this pattern it will inevitably lead us to more stress and less meaning in our roles in education.  Rather, we need to focus on why we are doing what we are doing, then on how to do that best, and then on what we are shooting for.  Students don’t buy how or what, they buy why!

  • I want us to stop for a minute and think about the student experience in your classroom or school or district
  • I get to see the reasons why a lot of kids will transfer or submit out of area requests to attend a school.
  • I rarely see or hear about an out of area request that is because of what a school or class is teaching, or how a school or class is teaching it, but the majority of requests come from students who want to learn from a specific teacher.  They are buying into who that person is and why they are there
  • If you remember Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk about the golden circle the same principle applies to us in education.  People do really buy how or what you teach, but they buy into why you are teaching.  They want to connect with the person behind the what/how.
  • It really seems like in education we focus a lot on the how and what of teaching, we love the idea of best practices
  • If this is all we focus on it will inevitably lead us to more stress and less meaning/connection in our roles in education
  • We are better off defining and focusing on why we are doing something, then on what we are shooting for and how to do that best.
  • We must return and realize our students don’t buy how or what we do, they buy why we do it!
  • Think about a student that would do anything you asked them to and then think about students who you have really struggled with getting them to do anything.  One of the most common responses from struggling students is “Why” do I need to do this.
  • As you go about teaching whether this is students, training teachers or other leaders, we need to design what we do in education from the inside out!  We start with Why as Sinek taught us and then define what and how.
  • This can be a good litmus test for where our focus currently is as well.  If something we are engaged in doesn’t align with what we have defined as our why then we can course correct the how and what.
  • If you need help defining your why and learning to teach from the inside out then you need to come work with me!
Mar 15, 202111:34
88. Nutrition and Your Brain

88. Nutrition and Your Brain

Our amazing human brains are the most powerful tool we will ever have at our disposal.  They are also very picky about what they allow into their delicate world.  We need to learn how to properly fuel this most amazing resource if we desire to have an amazing life.  This fuel needs to start with our understanding of nutrition and what we bring into our bodies on a daily basis!

  • Do you know how amazing your brain is?  Seriously think about all of the different things we are able to do, experience, etc. because of our brain
  • Even though it is so completely amazing, it is also very delicate and requires the right fuel in many ways
  • Energy is the one area we hear a lot about.  Whether are brain runs on glucose or ketones
  • Think about all of the other chemical reactions that are constantly taking place, they are all in need of different chemicals
  • Some are made by the brain/body (if they have the sub products available) and some are needing to be consumed
  • Most that deal with the brain are going to be small micronutrients and they really fuel our brain in a great manner or not regardless of how our body looks
  • As a general rule we need to be eating a wide variety of micronutrients in fruits, vegetables, fats, proteins, etc.
  • If you struggle with a wide variety in your diet then you might need to think about a supplement to make sure you are fueling your body and brain the way it needs
  • This becomes so much more about increasing your brain power and the body benefits are a great side effect!
  • If this is an area where you struggle then the systems and habits you build to make this a reality are going to be key in your ability to sustain this moving forward
  • Start with one item at a time and build momentum as you change your habits moving forward it will become easier and easier as your brain builds!
  • Come check in with me if you have any questions or need help in this area!
Mar 08, 202116:31
87. What about connection!

87. What about connection!

We have heard the war cry of connection pretty consistently for a while now.  If we can all learn that connection is a choice of the involved parties our power to control the connections in our lives returns in a dramatic fashion.  If you desire the benefits of personal and professional connections then it’s time to start choosing to be connected!

  • I remember clear back to a year ago when everything went crazy and schools shut down and everyone started becoming increasingly aware of connection
  • This has even gotten to where it is a great buzz word
  • I wonder if we all understand how much choice we have in the amount of connection we either do or do not have
  • There are many different levels of connection, true but if we desire to be more connected to our loved ones, or our students, or our co workers, then we really can make that choice
  • As crazy as it sounds even if someone is acting a very hard to deal with way, we can choose to feel connected to them, choose to see that they might be struggling
  • If this is a struggle for you then start with someone you usually feel connected with and figure out what thoughts you have about that person that are driving that connection
  • Once we understand that it is our thoughts driving the feeling then we can begin to transfer these feelings to those we have a bit more difficulty with.
  • The benefits are well documented about why connection is so important when it comes to our mental and emotional health so why would we choose disconnection?
  • There is such a unique power that comes from our ability to choose in our relationships of all kinds.  And once we tap into that power of connection all of our lives become more full and we are able to accomplish more in our lives.
  • If you find yourself disconnected from everyone and are struggling to gain traction then come work with me!
Mar 01, 202110:20
86. Allowing the stress cycle to finish

86. Allowing the stress cycle to finish

Stress is really just an emotional vibration in our body and if we will allow it to fully process our body will release it and it will pass.  When we try to resist the emotion we get stuck and all of the physical, mental, and emotional problems that come with stress are manifest.  It is time we learn to allow these cycles to finish out and quit controlling our lives!

  • We all have had a double dose of stress this past year and really for the bulk of our career in education
  • What if we started to understand that this response is just an emotional reaction in the body?
  • If we are able to strip away a lot of the drama that goes with our stress response then we start to see it in its true light.
  • In its true light we are able to allow the physiological processes to work their course and the stress response will pass a lot more naturally for all of us.
  • There are so many ways to help the physiological process of this in our bodies but the one thing that makes all of this worse is resisting!
  • All of the issues that come with the stress response only happen if we get stuck in resistance, not allowing the the body to process the emotion
  • If we allow ourselves to feel the pressure and let it pass then our body grows from the pressure without all the drama.  We are able to lean into the growth opportunities and even get to where we use these for our benefit rather than allowing them to be detrimental.
  • If you are struggling with stress drama in your life come work with me!
Feb 22, 202112:01
85. I didn't leave them behind, they just haven't showed up yet!

85. I didn't leave them behind, they just haven't showed up yet!

In our work in education people are rarely going to accomplish everything at the same pace.  We need to understand how to control what we can control and keep helping everyone around us that might not have showed up to the party yet.  This perspective really helps hold off frustration while still showing up for all those around us in the best way possible!

  • So much of our lives seem outside of our control this year and one way we tend to manage this is to expect everyone to be on our pace and our timeframe.
  • The trouble is this rarely happens in our lives, especially in education
  • When this happens we can either dig in our heels and leave those behind that have shown up yet, or we can strive to move on serving those that are moving on and then realizing that those who aren’t up to speed really just haven’t showed up yet.
  • They most likely are on their way to understanding but not everyone learns the same, has the same bandwidth, or background to expect everyone to be on the same page
  • If we expect this to be the case it puts us in a great position to help both camps in a better way instead of being frustrated and stuck in the middle.
  • This applies to your students, new changes in the school, etc.
  • Remember everyone is coming, some more slowly than others, but they are coming!
  • If you are struggling with anything in this circumstance come work with me!
Feb 15, 202108:39
84. Accepting Change Even When it’s Not Welcome

84. Accepting Change Even When it’s Not Welcome

In this episode we are going to talk about why we should accept change even when it's not welcome!

It has been said that the only constant is change.  We are much better served to accept the change and see what growth can come rather than fighting against all change in our lives.  This is a tough process for our brains because they want to be efficient.  The growth that is available if we are willing to accept rather than reject the change is worth the discomfort in the process.

  • Last week we talked about feedback and how valuable that is in our learning process about ourselves and our students.
  • Once we are able to settle in on the fact that we need to be willing to accept and give feedback we can start to process change on a different level.
  • The only constant is change!  We are much better served to accept change and see what growth can come rather than fighting against all the change.
  • Our brains really don’t love this very much, this is not always efficient.  Even though change can be hard to accept and down right unwelcome we will always grow more if we are willing to accept change and lean into it rather than resist all change.
  • This does require us to process what the change actually means and not just follow blindly if we want to truly grow though.
  • There is a neat concept of clean pain and dirty pain taught by Brooke Castillo and Jody moore.  This is basically understanding that there is clean pain we feel when we are processing through tough emotions and we need to not run from it.  But when we are self imposing and resisting all necessary feelings and change it can lead to a lot of dirty pain that doesn’t take us anywhere!
  • For those of you who feel like a lot of your life is happening to you currently you can find some relief by working with a coach to see change for what it really is and lean into the valuable parts.
  • I can be that coach for you!  Come sign up at The Healthy Educator!
Feb 08, 202110:50
83. The Feedback Paradigm

83. The Feedback Paradigm

In this episode we talk about important our ability to give and accept feedback is to our growth.

The way we currently see and respond to feedback is one of the most powerful weapons we have at our disposal in education.  The way we personally grow, growth in our relationships, growth for our students and families, and growth for education at large is dependent on our ability to see and accept feedback in its true light!

  • Most of us have had an uncomfortable time of receiving or giving feedback.  I have started to learn more about and question why?
  • If we really look at the role of education our power in teaching really comes from our ability to offer correct and powerful feedback.
  • The way we currently see and respond to feedback is one of the most powerful weapons we have at our disposal!
  • The way we personally grow, growth in our relationships, growth for our students and families, and growth for education is dependent on our ability to see and accept feedback!
  • If you have found yourself not really open to feedback then it is time to check yourself because you have simultaneously cut off any potential for growth in your life!
  • Not all feedback is accurate or useful, but we still need to consider it for what it could be.  If we always throw the baby out with the bath water then just because of our discomfort or pride we also will not grow!
  • What gets in our way?  Pride mostly, sometimes nervousness/anxiety, or our inability to to accept that we might be part of a problem.  We usually see this in our self deception tendencies on a regular basis.
  • If you are struggling with the idea that you need to accept feedback come talk with me.
  • If you are struggling with the idea that you need to give feedback come talk with me!
  • I am happy to give you some feedback that just might change your life!
Feb 01, 202112:05
82. The Essence of Coaching

82. The Essence of Coaching

In this episode we talk about the value of coaching and how to unlock this potential in those around us.

The true essence of coaching is the power to show an individual their true self.  Once we see our true selves a coach can show us the path to walk in order to reach our goals.  Ultimately, we have to think the right thoughts, walk the right path, and control ourselves enough to reach the destination.  The outside perspective of our coach simply unlocks the gate and helps us get out of our own way!

  • I have had some great conversations about the role of coaching in many different aspects.
  • I have coached many athletes and teachers and students.  In all of these interactions my job was to provide information that hopefully the individuals could use to help themselves become better.
  • The true essence of coaching is not in the ability to give the information.  Information is cheap, the essence is our ability as a coach to show an individual their true potential and help them get out of their own way so they can act on their own to bring out the best in their lives.
  • The coach is never able to act in place of or for the individual.
  • I have had so many times where we have given the correct information and knowledge to an individual and they did not use the information to bring about meaningful change in their life.  This could have been on the field, court, classroom, in training sessions, etc.
  • Why any of us chooses to act in the way we know will bring about the results we desire is an extremely personal thing.
  • In our roles in education it can be so easy to not see things as they really are and a coach can help us to see ourselves in all our power and glory!
  • I want to be your coach!  Come chat with me and see what we can accomplish together!
Jan 25, 202111:44
81. Why is Negativity so Powerful?

81. Why is Negativity so Powerful?

In this episode we talk about why negativity is so powerful in our lives and how important it is to start controlling our brains better!

Our brains are wired to constantly be looking out for our best interest in life.  It turns out that this amazing feature registers negative information as a threat way more common than it needs to.  This unconscious bias towards negative information brings a unique power to make our lives extremely negative!  We have to make an intentional choice to see this information in its true light and choose positive pathways instead!

  • We have the most amazing tool at our disposal in our brains!  They are so good at keeping us alive and happy most of the time.
  • Unfortunately in this process our brains are wired to always be on the lookout for threats that might harm us.  Usually these threats are negative things in our lives.
  • Because of this hard wiring we tend to see any negative information as a threat and it registers as a much bigger deal than it needs to.
  • When we are inundated with negative information all the time our brains become hypersensitive to this type of input.
  • Once we get on this train in our brain we start to focus on negative information all of the time and it starts to influence all other areas of our life!
  • If we aren’t careful this information will start to take over and we only see the negative in our lives!
  • We are going to have to make an intentional choice to see all information in its true light if we really hope to gain a more positive outlook in today’s environment.
  • This is absolutely possible and worth it!  I can help you distinguish your thoughts if you are struggling with negative thoughts in your life!
Jan 18, 202111:06
80. Crazy Time in the World or Just Life?

80. Crazy Time in the World or Just Life?

In this episode we talk about our choices to feed the drama in the world or disconnect from it and learn to grow from our circumstances instead.

It really seems like the entire world is in a crazy commotion sometimes and everyone’s emotions are very close to the surface.  As educators we have the choice to buy into the drama and add to it at school or to see these struggles as a normal and necessary part of life and growth.  If we are willing to choose the growth path everything gets better.  If we choose the drama path everything continues, what do you think?

  • I am quite confident that we are all sick of the current circumstance and we are at a critical junction.
  • Especially when the world seems to be losing it, we need to understand things for what they really are.
  • We can choose to feed the drama and add to it in our classrooms and schools
  • Or we can disconnect from the drama and just see our lives as a great growth opportunity regardless of what happens
  • If we are willing to choose the growth path then everything in our world gets better
  • This starts with us personally, then our families, and then all those we influence in our careers as educators.
  • We can choose to keep the drama going and feed the narrative, but the understanding that the choice is ours is key here!
  • Time to choose to grow and move on with our next phase of life!
Jan 11, 202110:02
79. Teacher Centered vs. Student Centered Focus

79. Teacher Centered vs. Student Centered Focus

In this episode we talk about the difference between a student centered focus and a teacher centered focus in our educational world.

A consistent theme we see in education is the difference between a teacher centered focus and a student centered focus.  Teacher centered educators worry how everything relates too and affects them.  Student centered educators worry about how everything relates too and affects the students they serve.  One brings about an increase in student learning.  One brings about bitterness and entitlement.  Which camp do you reside in?

  • Our educational world right now is in a difficult transition and one unfortunate thing I have seen is more teacher centered focus
  • We obviously have to look out for ourselves and I believe that we need to make sure to address ourselves before our students, but where is our focus?
  • Once we are at school and working to bring about student learning are we more focused on what each new idea is going to do to us or are we focusing on how to implement things to bring about what is best for our students?
  • Is my decision best for me or best for my students?
  • This doesn’t always have to be either/or, usually I would encourage us to think of this as an “And” opportunity.
  • The choice is always yours how you want to approach this and we will always ebb and flow but student centered focus is always going to serve us better when it comes to whether our career feeds us or depletes us.
  • Time to choose, what is it going to be?
Jan 04, 202111:06
78- Where is Your Focus, Really?

78- Where is Your Focus, Really?

We need to stop during our days and think a little deeper about our where our focus is.  Think through our simple interactions first and then see if our thought patterns throughout life are similar.  Once we define this we can start to analyze whether our focus is really giving us what we want in life!

  • Have you ever taken time to have checkpoints during your day to see where your true focus really is?
  • This practice can really help to gain the clarity you are looking for in your life.
  • I recommend starting with your very simplest interactions first and then you will gain the control over your focus necessary to expand this practice to your deeper thoughts and processes.
  • We start to understand that wherever our focus lies our attention almost certainly follows.
  • The things that have our attention will drive the majority of our results in our lives.
  • On one end of the spectrum if we are focused on extremely negative thoughts in our lives that will gain our attention and drive negative results in all areas of our lives.
  • If we can start to choose a more positive approach to our focus then the positive things in our lives will gain our attention and they will grow as well.
  • One of the cool things about the positive things gaining our attention is the more we are able to see and focus on positivity the better our lives become.
  • We still have hardships and growth patterns but in the more positive mindset we are in a much better position to make the changes necessary to become better.
  • When we are in a more negative mindset we are much less likely to see growth opportunities and actually grow.
  • So where is your focus taking you?  If you are not getting the most out of your life and could use a redirect then you need to come work with me!
Dec 28, 202010:16
77- Making Your Decisions with Eyes Wide Open

77- Making Your Decisions with Eyes Wide Open

When are faced with the myriad of life decisions we need to start asking why a lot more often.  We fall into automatic patterns way too easily when making decisions.  We need to start making more decisions with our eyes wide open and be willing to deal with the consequences.

  • When was the last time you stopped to question why you were doing things the way you are?
  • I have seen studies showing upwards of 40,000 decisions is a single day and we have had several podcasts on decision making and decision fatigue.
  • When we keep up this frantic pace it really becomes hard to even process any of our decisions at a very high level.
  • The automatic patterns we create in our minds to be more efficient create a problem when we never stop to ask why and redirect our brains
  • If we can get in a pattern of questioning everything we can slow our brain down and actually start processing whether our decisions are taking us to the places we desire in life.
  • This process is vitally important in our personal lives as well as our educational lives.
  • If you haven’t been in this practice of questioning then it is time to start now!
  • Take control of your decisions and start making those decisions with eyes wide open to bring about the life you can live with!
Dec 21, 202009:46
76- Becoming Firmly Grounded in Yourself

76- Becoming Firmly Grounded in Yourself

As leaders in education we need to become firmly grounded in yourself.  Never be afraid to stand up for what you think is right.  Believe in your abilities, believe in your decisions, make your decisions correct once you make them.  You are the hero in your story and it’s time we act like it!

  • It is time we start believing in yourself as a leader in education!  We need to start making our decisions with power and then working our tails off to make those decisions right instead of questioning everything we decide!
  • It is totally normal for our brains to want to question but we can address those concerns of our brains with confidence and resilience rather than giving up on the decision
  • Right now we are often faced with tough decisions and it is going to be vital that we as leaders are willing to stand up for what we believe in and make decisions that match.
  • This is a lifelong process of learning to believe in yourself and your abilities but the output is the possibility of becoming firmly grounded in yourself!
  • Once you become firmly grounded in yourself you are in a much better position to drive the changes you need in education because you aren’t worried about everything outside of you so much!
  • This new sense of confidence will drive a much higher level of success in everything in your life!
  • Are you struggling to become firmly grounded in yourself?  I’ve got you on this one!
Dec 14, 202009:40
75- Change and Effectiveness

75- Change and Effectiveness

It always seems we are seeking massive change in our lives.  We need to understand that change for change sake is not always valuable.  We need to make sure we are becoming more effective in our pursuit.  Become more effective, don’t just change all the time!

  • Contentment seems to be an elusive idea for most of us
  • If we are into personal development at all it seems like we are always seeking growth and massive change in our lives.
  • This can be such a valuable tool if we use it correctly.  I have often found myself or those around me however making change just for change sakes.  If this is a needed change than it can so valuable, but not always!
  • We need to make sure that our direction for change is actually leading to more effectiveness.
  • Our brains love to seek new and exciting things, novel things.  The shiny object syndrome is a very powerful buffer.
  • If at our core though we are not becoming more effective and striving for positive results then the change is usually going to fall flat and won’t be sustainable for very long.
  • We need to build in checkpoints throughout the change cycle to see if this change is leading us to where we would like to go.
  • The precursor to this checkpoint is our absolute clarity about where we are going in the first place.
  • I am all for change but lets make sure this is driving us to more effectiveness in the process or we will end up burned out, battered and broken, and more stuck than when we started.
  • Come work with me if you need help getting started!
Dec 07, 202009:18
74- Our Life’s Truths Are Just a Story

74- Our Life’s Truths Are Just a Story

Everything we observe in life is laced with our own version of a story.  This is only a problem when we think these observations are absolute truths.  When we can separate the observation from the story in our heads we start to gain true control over the outcomes!

  • Our brains are tricky when it comes to circumstances, we really think the way we see things happen are the absolute truth
  • If we really slow our brain processes down we can start to process the neutrality of our circumstances
  • Everything we see is automatically laced with our own version of a story if we don’t intentionally bring it back to neutrality
  • If we really want to start to gain some control over the outcomes in our lives we are going to need to start separating our observations from the thoughts in our head that create a beautifully crafted story.
  • Once we start separating these points we can start to use more useful thoughts to drive the feelings we need to drive the actions desirable for the outcomes and results we desire.
  • This is a slow and intentional process throughout our lives but the easiest way I have found to get it started is to start questioning.  Start getting curious about the picture you are painting and see if there is possibly another option you aren’t considering
  • This feeling/actions of curiosity can really start to open up some windows into how we currently see the world.
  • If this concept or anything else I teach you has you wondering or questioning then come chat with me and see if we can help.
Nov 30, 202012:13
73- Having Resources vs. Being Resourceful

73- Having Resources vs. Being Resourceful

We are often faced with the choice to become resourceful in our current circumstance or complain about how we don’t have the resources we desire.  Complaining does nothing but bring your emotional state down.  Becoming resourceful gives you purpose and progression towards your goals.  What are you going to choose?

  • The broad landscape of education is totally different than it was 6 months ago and there is a very good chance budgets have been cut in your area.
  • In all aspects of our lives we have a tendency to look outward for solutions to all of our problems
  • This creates a lack of control sometimes if we don’t have the resources we desire
  • Sometimes this leads to us complaining about the lack of resources
  • There is no benefit to complaining!  We only get caught up in the victim/villain cycle and it doesn’t help anything
  • If we focus on being resourceful instead of complaining we take our control back.
  • This brings about a new focus on our goals and how can we make things work rather than focusing on why they won’t work.
  • This mindset is going to serve us so much better in all aspects of our lives
  • We see this a lot in education with technology, salary, programs, etc.
  • We are going to need to get crystal clear on where we are going so that we can start getting resourceful and get ourselves there!
  • In our personal life we need to stop using resources as an excuse for why we aren’t where we want to be in life.  Start getting resourceful and accomplish whatever you want in life!
  • I am here to help you on that journey, come sign up to work with me!
Nov 23, 202013:25
72. What Education Really Owes You

72. What Education Really Owes You

In this episode we talk about how important of a time in education it is to buckle down and get to work rather than complaining about everything.

It is time to really stop and think about the privilege you have to work in education.  Focus on all of the positive aspects of your career and what you have been blessed with.  When we are able to shift our minds to this place we begin to realize that education doesn’t owe you anything!  You are responsible for all aspects of your life.  It is time to take control back and start creating the life you want without looking for a scapegoat!

Nov 16, 202008:10
71. Change Curves and Timing Reality

71. Change Curves and Timing Reality

In this episode we talk about the current stage of change we find ourselves in.  It is so easy to get caught in the hurry and want everything to advance faster than is realistic.

We are blessed to be in the midst of one of the biggest changes in the history of education!  When you find yourself becoming frustrated it might serve you well to remember the process of change and how much time this scale of change really takes.  We need to face the reality that we are in the infant stages of our current environment and keep nose to the grind!

Nov 09, 202010:21
70. Predicting Burnout

70. Predicting Burnout

In this episode we talk about how to create the checkpoints necessary to help us see the early warning signs of burnout in educators.

We need to develop a system and checkpoint process to recognize the psychological and physiological changes that take place in each of us when we are moving towards burnout.  This checkpoint will allow us to course correct early in the process and prevent an entire career of burnout!

Nov 02, 202011:40
69. Goals Push, Vision Pulls

69. Goals Push, Vision Pulls

In this episode we talk about how important it is for us as leaders to create a compelling vision that will draw those around us to engage in the work we need to get done!

All leaders are familiar with the process of goals and we work tirelessly to get our teams to accomplish their goals.  For so many of us our goals are framed in such a way that we are practically pushing every person we work with to try and accomplish them.  As valuable as goals can be if you want a more viable buy in from those you work with, check your vision!  Remember that goals are great to push us to success, but our properly framed vision pulls all of those on our teams to success!

Oct 26, 202009:41
68. Creating Conditions for Change

68. Creating Conditions for Change

In this episode we talk about how to create the conditions for change in our roles in education.

Do you ever find yourself frustrated that so many things in education seem exactly the same as they have been for decades?  If this is the case then you probably need to focus on your environment and culture.  It is vital that you have created the best conditions for change in whatever environment you currently work.  If we fail to create fertile ground for change then we are very unlikely to actually see anything change for the better.

This work really starts with us as educational leaders and whether we can create a vision compelling enough to draw everyone in!

Oct 19, 202011:16
67. Our Personal Life Essentials

67. Our Personal Life Essentials

In this episode we talk about how to develop our own personal life essentials.  

We love the idea of essential standards when it comes to education.  The most important things our students really need to learn is a vital identifier when planning our curriculum in education.  This process is exactly what we need to do for our personal lives.  What are your personal life essentials?  What are the few areas, activities and practices that if mastered will lead you to the life you really desire?  If you haven’t ever defined your personal essentials then the time is now!

Oct 12, 202013:02
66. Focusing on Your World to Change the World

66. Focusing on Your World to Change the World

In this episode we will be talking about how to focus on the things we can personally control in order to bring about change. 

I remember working with a wise old man who gave me the great advice that in order to truly change the world I first had to change my world.  I probably was appreciative but didn’t really understand the magnitude of what he was telling me.

The whole world is obsessed lately with changing how our world works.  The only real way for this to happen is for each and every person to maintain the focus necessary to change their world.  The massively focused approach on things we can actually control will allow our minds and systems in which we reside to truly change!

See, most of us are very good at seeing all of the things outside of our control and wanting them to change and be better but they are too far outside our reach.

If we could get each person to harness this focus of all the things they can actually control then and only then can we get education, our lives, and ultimately the rest of the world to change.

We also are much more effective at changing ourselves and allowing others to follow suit when they are ready than we ever will be trying to change others to fit our mold.

The fringe benefit of focusing on the things we can truly control is that now the world of our mind starts to really change and we see things differently.  So before you know it, we actually have changed the world!

Come join us on this journey at The Healthy Educator, together we can learn to focus on the things over which we have control and bring about that change everyone is so desperately seeking!

Oct 05, 202009:40
65. The Leverage Point for Change

65. The Leverage Point for Change

In this episode we are going to talk about how to gain leverage for the changes you seek in your life.

Right now you are back full swing into the new school year and whether you are teaching, coaching, working as an administrator, or an aide, you all have had to come up with so many ideas for change in the past six months!

This is very much the equivalent of pounding that square peg into the round hole and trying to make the best of a tough circumstance.  This has also been the most fertile ground for change we have seen in education in a long time.

We all seem to have a million ideas for how our lives could be so much better.  Whether we are striving to change our personal lives, our families, or our schools we must remember that the leverage point for change is always in the future!  We cannot gain the leverage we need looking backwards.  Learn from the past but always be looking forward if you are looking to change!

So stop right now and see where your focus is.  If you desire for things to be better than they have been previously then you must be looking for a point in the future to springboard off of.

Goals do a great job at helping us map out this future focus.

Vision does an amazing job at pulling us towards that brighter future.

Mission is who we are and what we are striving to be, in the future.

So what does your future hold?  Where are you looking to jump from?  Do you have this articulated out?  If you need help figuring out the path to walk I can help you!  You are going to have to walk the path but I can help you gain the leverage you need to get where you want to go.  Come work with me at The Healthy Educator!

Sep 28, 202009:15