The Self Nurtured TeacherTM
The Self Nurtured TeacherTM
Have you created strong visions for yourself in the year ahead? Not sure what a vision is? Visions, also known as intentions, can be the catalyst for wanting to make change…especially as the new year begins. Often these visions, or intentions, are rooted in a desire to do something differently based on a current problem or level of dissatisfaction. Regardless of where the intention came from, being able to understand how to transform that vision into reflective decision making is key.
The reason for this is simple…visions without a decision to ACT are simply wishes that stay stuck and keep you from realizing what is truly possible for yourself. Do you know how you make decisions? Most of us don’t necessarily stop to think about the process of the decision making cycle. You may simply react or respond without stopping to reflect on what the catalyst was to make that particular decision and then act on it. Did it give you the desired result? If not, why. If so, what specifically did you do to get the desired result?
Now I’m not suggesting that with each decision you need to stop and analyze the steps that got you there. I am suggesting, however, that when you are wanting to interrupt a pattern or problem that does not serve you, knowing the decision making cycle and using it to reflect will allow your vision to lead to a desired decision.
Ask yourself these questions to get clear before moving forward with what to do next.
Identify what roadblocks have gotten in your way that have created the problem to continue. These might include limited beliefs you have, unclear boundaries, your environment (people and surroundings) Each person is unique, so take some time here to get real with yourself instead of solely blaming the outside factors.
What are some new ways of thinking or actions that could begin shifting the problem? Think about the pros and cons of each alternative. Write down a list that you can refer back to and take notes.
It’s time to choose the alternative action you are going to take. It does not have to be the perfect action. Many people get stuck at this point of the cycle simply because they don’t want to choose the ‘wrong’ one. In my opinion failing to choose a new action and continuing to stay in the problem is a greater con then choosing a new action that might not be the one you stay in. Make the decision that is best aligned with your intentions at that time and try it out. You can always go back and try another from your list if the first one doesn’t feel quite right. The point is…JUST START!
This is where the magic and sustainable change happens. You must reflect on how the new action is working. Reflective decision making allows for you to own what you can control and gives a createer sense of confidence as you continue to grow and change in making decisions as it relates to taking care of yourself.
Give yourself some time to have enough evidence on whether your new approach is working or not. There will always be a period of adjustment. I’ve found that most people give up on their plan too soon…usually right when there is going to be a break-through. It won’t change overnight. Remember, your previous habits and patterns have a greater hold than the new one you are forming.
If you find over time that something isn’t quite right, continue the cycle until you find the right formula. You’ve got this!
Intentions are asking yourself “How do I want to show up”? The decision to act based on those intentions is what will create the change you desire. This could be showing up for yourself and/or others. It could be for a certain situation. Regardless, you are deciding on actions that directly tell people what you stand for and who you are.
For example, if you continue to allow people to cross your boundaries out of fear of not being liked, then those people and the ones observing this might recieve the message that other people are more important than yourself. More importantly you are sending a message to yourself that your desires are less than and even that you don’t know how to follow through. These subtle (or obvious) messages seep in and create doubt, fear, and indecision which ultimately perpetuates the problem.
It is your responsibility to decide who you want to be and take aligned action to make that happen. The right people will be drawn to you because they respect who and what you stand for and are like minded. It is time for teachers to decide who they want to be, how to show up, take action to follow through on those commitments, and begin to shift our educational system to be supportive instead of divisive.
Put your vision into a visual representation…aka: Make a Vision Board! The key benefit for making a vision board is that you have a visual reminder each day about what you are committed to. Therefore, in those tough moments (that we all have) it is a little easier to make a decision that aligns with your goals and intentions.
Want to know how I made it in Canva? Check out my live video for the basics. Canva Vision Board Basics
