5 Ways to Psych Yourself Up to Do More and Be More RIGHT NOW!

Here are some of the tips and tricks I use to push myself further:

1 – View Inspirational Speakers

I challenge you to some time to Ted This week:  My good friend Angela Maiers shared this on her blog in her post TED TALKS – Like You've Never Seen Them! a Google Spreadsheet with every Ted Talk ever Given and the topic.

There are only two things that change you:  the books you read and the people you meet.  The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect different results — sometimes you've got to be inspired to go in a new direction.

I'm going to use these in class this week and also share them with flat classroom student researchers.

2 – Sing a New Tune (or Rediscover some Old ones)

If I feel stuck in a rut – I make a new playlist in itunes for a purpose. If I'm stressed, I make a mellow list – if I need to be inspired, I make a list of inspirational music. I always buy at least one new song for this list and if I don't know a new song to get – I head over to Pandora on my itouch on on the web to listen and find new music.

Music has a powerful connection to the soul and I have 3 jogging playlists since I do couch to 5K and need to keep pace. Listen to this music in the morning like football players listen to music as they head to a game -they know it works – use music to your advantage.

I'll also head over to my husband's iTunes library and export one of his playlists for me.

3 – Wack Yourself in the Head

I love the “Wack on the side of the head” creativity set and have a “Whack Pack” app on my itouch to help me be more creative. I love reading these at least once a week to push my creativity.  For example, my favorite Whack from this week is this card which you can view live on their website.

4 – Intentionally Break Your Routine (and Make New Ones)

I was in a rut on my health and needed a change. Unhappy with my weight, I will not quit until I'm at a better weight. So, my youngest son is overweight but wanted to do tae kwon do – we enrolled him in class 2 nights a week and my husband and I go run while he is in class using the Couch to 5K app. It was tough to break our old routine, but life changes and sometimes there is a word for routine –RUT!

If your routine has become a rut and is keeping you in unhealthy shape or your child with a bad habit, it is time to break that routine – break out of the rut and make a new one!


5 – Give Yourself “Secret Surprises”
Last week, Kris B responded to my 10 Totally Random Tips for teachers and said:

“Tape positive phrases somewhere that only you will see every now and then. For instance, the bottom of my desk drawer is lined with ‘Love and Logic’-type phrases I can use with positive children instead of lashing out (“You can say that again with respect.” “I have an easier time helping you when you speak politely.” Remember: You are the grown-up!) Just the accidental glance at these phrases now and then keeps you in the right frame of mind.”

I do that too! If I have something I'm working on I'll have a Bible verse, or a quote or something to remind me who I want to be!  We need positive affirmations in such a negative world!

Also, I have list of free things that make me happy: hot bubble baths, drinking a Fuze, finding a new joke, sitting in the dining room studying my Bible while burning my favorite candle, reading a new book, messing around in a new technology, or just writing. (I love to write – it is my relaxation — wish I could do it more.)

All work and no play makes teacher have early gray!

So, how do you psych yourself  to do more and be more?




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Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis

Vicki Davis is a full-time classroom teacher and IT Director in Georgia, USA. She is Mom of three, wife of one, and loves talking about the wise, transformational use of technology for teaching and doing good in the world. She hosts the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast which interviews teachers around the world about remarkable classroom practices to inspire and help teachers. Vicki focuses on what unites us -- a quest for truly remarkable life-changing teaching and learning. The goal of her work is to provide actionable, encouraging, relevant ideas for teachers that are grounded in the truth and shared with love. Vicki has been teaching since 2002 and blogging since 2005. Vicki has spoken around the world to inspire and help teachers reach their students. She is passionate about helping every child find purpose, passion, and meaning in life with a lifelong commitment to the joy and responsibility of learning. If you talk to Vicki for very long, she will encourage you to "Relate to Educate" or "innovate like a turtle" or to be "a remarkable teacher." She loves to talk to teachers who love their students and are trying to do their best. Twitter is her favorite place to share and she loves to make homemade sourdough bread and cinnamon rolls and enjoys running half marathons with her sisters. You can usually find her laughing with her students or digging into a book.

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