5 Ways to Inspire Your New School Year

5 Ways to Inspire Your New School Year

“Happy people outperform unhappy people.”

#1 - Take A Day For Yourself

Breathe deeply. Relax. Hopefully you are prepared with all of the necessities at this point. Now you need to prepare yourself by pampering yourself. Whatever you wanted to do during the summer but you did not have time, DO! Whether it’s fishing or a spa day, you owe it to yourself to enjoy one 24 hour period that’s all about you.

#2 - Buy A New Outfit (or two)

To quote an old Saturday Night Live skit, “It’s not how you feel it’s how you look, and you look marvelous.” That is true on so many levels. Hopefully, you feel great, too. Looking great and feeling great boosts your confidence. It makes you glow. I have two new outfits for the new year, and I cannot wait to wear them.

Fortunately for me, I have a wife that is an expert shopper. In essence, she dresses me but she does an awesome job coordinating the outfits including ties and socks. My socks are a staple with the kids at the school. They always ask to see them, and I’m always ready for “crazy socks” day!

#3 Set Goals

What would you like to accomplish this year after SGOs, SGPs, PDPs, PARCCs, HIBs, Evaluations, Pre-conferences, Post-conferences, strategic plan, and exit interviews? You would probably like a vacation but there is plenty to do that will keep you fresh and connected.

Set a professional goal and a personal goal to stay balanced at work and at home. Remember, goals take a plan. Part of that plan may be professional development but all goals take a commitment.

#4 Keep A Calendar

This is a wonderful compliment to your goal setting. Balance your different roles and your success increases exponentially. It is easier said than done but when it is accomplished your relationship building becomes more effective. Stephen Covey calls it scheduling your priorities and it works. Schedule family time just like you would work time.

#5 Have Fun

Motivate yourself, inspire others. Everyone should feel important because they are. With importance comes leadership and responsibility. You have a plethora of mandated initiatives and duties. You might as well have fun doing them. Our school starts off with a staffulty (faculty and staff) field trip on the first day for employees. The first day for students revolves around a “Happy New Year” theme.

“Your greatest gift this year is sitting in the front row of your classroom. Enjoy it!”