“Why is it that I’m so busy, but I never feel like I’m getting enough done or moving forward on my goals?” If you’ve asked yourself this question recently, the answer may lie in your habits! Listen in as Michelle and Bridget from Teaching on the Double share three helpful habits that will help you meet your goals and be the person you really want to be.
To put it bluntly, people who succeed and people who fall short have the same goals. The difference is that the people who meet their goals take actionable steps, practicing productive habits that keep them on track and moving forward. So if you feel like you’re spinning your wheels, working hard but not getting to where you want to be, listen as Michelle and Bridget share three habits to start today.
Of course, having the good intention of creating better habits is one thing, but consistently employing them is another. Bridget and Michelle will also offer five helpful tips to make sure you follow through on your intentions and truly achieve the teaching and personal life that you desire.
Tune in now to hear:
- [01:20] Michelle Emerson introduces herself – a former elementary school teacher, she now supports teachers and hosts a podcast, Teaching to the TOP.
- [01:40] Bridget Spackman introduces herself – a 4th, 5th, and 6th teacher and co-host of the Teaching to the TOP podcast with Michelle.
- [02:40] Michelle and Bridget explain Teaching on the Double, which their podcast is part of. Teaching on the Double provides teachers with tools and resources to help them build better habits and manage their time and workloads effectively.
- [04:00] What is the difference between a goal and a habit? Habits help us to achieve our goals! A goal is a desired outcome, while habits are the actionable steps to get you there.
- [05:40] Bridget explains the importance of identifying with the person you want to become.
- [06:30] Habit #1: Use a Power List. Create a daily list of the 3 things you must accomplish that day.
- [07:40] Don’t confuse your Power List with a project list. (Projects are a multi-day goal. A Power List highlights 3 tasks that can be done in one day. If you are working on a project, break it down into tasks before adding any steps to your Power List.)
- [09:30] Keep in mind that while Power Lists should be do-able in a day, they should include tasks that will move the needle forward, rather than the daily tasks that are always part of your routine. It takes practice to get it right, so be patient and flexible as you learn!
- [11:40] Habit #2: Use a template. Make your teaching tasks, like grading and emailing, more approachable and streamlined with templates.
- [12:40] Michelle shares some great examples of templates that make teacher life easier.
- [13:40] Habit #3: Lay the foundation. Prepare your classroom and materials after school, so they’re ready to go the next day.
- [16:30] Caitlin asks, “How can teachers make these habits stick for themselves?” and Michelle and Bridget respond with helpful tips.
- [16:50] Tip #1: Check your mindset. Identify as the kind of person you want to be! Shift from “I have to . . .” to “I get to . . .”
- [19:50] Tip #2: Prime your environment. Prepare the things you’ll need in advance, to clear away any possible friction between you and your goal.
- [23:20] Tip #3: Stack your habits. Combine new habits with parts of your routine that you’re already doing.
- [24:10] Tip #4: Pair your habits. Pair a new habit with one that you not only have in place already but that you enjoy.
- [27:00] Tip #5: Keep track of your habits. Using a habit tracker can help you stay consistent and motivated. You can create your own, or download this free one from Michelle and Bridget.
- [30:20] A final note: Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many new habits at one time! Set yourself up for success by starting with one before adding another.
- [40:00] Michelle and Bridget will be at Batch Planning Live in June! Come join us by clicking here.
Visit Michelle and Bridget on Instagram!:
@pocketfulofprimary (Michelle)
@theletteredclassroom (Bridget)
@teachingonthedouble (Teaching on the Double)
Click here to watch on Youtube!
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