Super New Year, Super New You!

Super New Year

Super New You

 Happy New Year!

This time of year many choose to make resolutions to change something about themselves or their lives that they are not satisfied with. A new year…a fresh new start…perfect timing right? Yet, think about how many of your resolutions you remember following through with in the past.

Every hero has their weaknesses.  For those of us in the school system- or  who work with children and teens- it may be a negative mindset, impatience, rigidness, unrealistic expectations, personal problems, or even compassion fatigue.  We as educators have the responsibility of serving as models on how our students can become the best version of themselves.  Take a moment to think about how each of these weaknesses can stand in the way of you being the best version of YOU personally and professionally.

Some super hero qualifications are (but are not limited to):                                                 

Strength-avoid power struggles. Instead show strength by handling negative situations like a Hero! In the face of danger what would Wonder Woman do? Back down? Complain? Play the Victim? Blame others? She would rise to the occasion and demonstrate her ability to rise above whatever obstacle is placed before her.

X-Ray Vision- See through your enemy.  In the academic setting, we have 2 major enemies: Behaviors and Cognitive Capabilities.  Do your best to see past the student, past their behavior, and discover what lies beneath.  Is it frustration? Boredom? Trauma? Family/Home Life? Is it a legitimate inability to learn in a particular way or setting? Now, problem solve to determine a solution.  If you cannot do so alone, consult with your team. That is why we are here!

Secret Elixir- Refrain from using your poison; otherwise known as negative thoughts, beliefs, language, and messages. Student will become who you expect them to become.  Your secret elixir is your own special concoction of positive messages, energy, and experiences you can feed to your students.

Confidence- If you are not confident in your ability to educate effectively, how can your learners feel confident in their own ability to learn and become successful?  The two go hand in hand. Having confidence means having the ability to handle adversity with poise. 

Empathy- Understanding. Responsiveness. The ability to meet students, clients, co-workers, friends and family where they are at as well as being able to understand that we all have our “stuff” and that “stuff” affects each of us in various ways.  It is up to us as the professionals to identify ways in which we can bring out the best in those we serve.

Generosity- Watching others get into the holiday spirit -giving and being selfless- reminds me of when the Grinch’s Heart grew “3 sizes that day.” In real life- your heart growing 3 sizes is probably something to consult your doctor about but your capacity for doing things for others is endless. Many people seem to think their legacy lives on through the things they have accomplished, achieved, gained, etc. I beg to differ. Your legacy lives on through the lives of those you have come in contact with and influenced in some way. Do you want to leave a legacy of students and coworkers who have gone on to be successful because you were able to inspire them in some way? Being generous does not necessarily mean to give material things. Your form of generosity can simply mean giving it your all when it comes to educating.  Challenge yourself to GIVE a little more encouragement, a little more laughter, a little more inspiration, and a little more compassion.

Creativity- What new ways can you discover to do what you do best? Do a little research. Ask others.  Or even ask your students what would make their academic experience more exciting, fun, interesting or at the very least…bearable!

Light-Heartedness- Learn to laugh. Learn to let go.  Learn to look at the bigger picture. How serious was it really?

Humbleness- Having insight to admit when you do not know something or that you are wrong as well as having the ability to give credit where credit is due, will do a lot for your mental stability. Pride creates a false sense of responsibility to prove yourself and a sense of self-worth that is dependent upon your ability to be the best or to avoid failure. Free yourself of that burden and learn to work as a member of a team whose players all have various skills, strengths, and areas of growth to attribute to the common goal; THE STUDENTS.

Dedication- Above all, dedication to your craft and profession will mean you will do everything in your power to be the best version of you who helps create the best version of them!

So…

What’s your Super Power?

xoxo

Ayla V. Expose