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How do do hard things - Danielle Nuhfer
Manage episode 482445161 series 3475797
In this episode of **Morning Motivation for Educators**, host Danielle Neufer delves deep into the essential theme of teacher well-being in a demanding educational landscape. As a former educator with two decades of rich experience and two personal battles with burnout, Danielle empathizes with the daily challenges faced by teachers. Her mission is to equip educators with the tools they need not only to survive but to flourish in their profession. This podcast serves as a vital sanctuary for reflection and growth, encouraging teachers to reclaim their passion for education while prioritizing their mental health. Danielle introduces the concept of a *Misogi*—a significant challenge that educators can pursue outside their teaching roles, underscoring the idea that engaging in fulfilling activities beyond the classroom leads to greater happiness. Drawing on her extensive expertise, she emphasizes that teachers who take on personal challenges are often more invigorated and present with their students. However, before diving headfirst into this new venture, Danielle advises listeners to pause and clarify their intentions. She offers a structured approach to setting achievable goals, focusing on the importance of thoughtful preparation on the journey toward pursuing one's Misogi. In the episode, Danielle outlines three critical strategies for tackling hard goals when teacher fatigue is at its peak. The first tip involves exercising discretion about sharing one’s ambitions on social media. Drawing from psychological insights, she explains that prematurely announcing goals can provide a false sense of achievement, potentially diminishing motivation for the actual work ahead. Instead, she encourages teachers to seek support from trusted individuals in their lives while holding off on public declarations until they have tangible progress to celebrate. Next, Danielle confronts the reality of exhaustion that many educators face. She champions the notion of committing to progress even in the face of tiredness, suggesting that small adjustments to one's routine—like waking up early to pursue a passion—can lead to transformative results. Through her own recounting of personal experiences, including her journey to sobriety and embracing a morning routine, she illustrates the profound impact of small, intentional choices. Danielle reassures her audience that while they may feel more fatigued initially, the satisfaction derived from dedicating time to personal goals can profoundly shift their mindset and priorities. Lastly, the episode emphasizes the principle of focusing on progress rather than perfection. Danielle poignantly expresses that the learning journey often outweighs the eventual outcome of achieving a goal. By encouraging listeners to celebrate gradual improvements instead of chasing an unattainable ideal, she aims to free educators from the paralysis of perfectionism. She stresses the merit of enjoying the process, sharing a recommendation of the book *Trying* by Kobe Yamada as a wonderful resource for inspiration. Ultimately, this episode serves as a clarion call for educators to care for themselves so they can more effectively care for their students. Danielle's insightful reflections and practical strategies provide a pathway for teachers to revive their love for teaching by embracing personal growth. As educators listen to her empowering message, they are inspired to embark on their unique Misogi journeys, fostering not only their own well-being but also enhancing the educational environment for generations to come. Join Danielle in this journey as she continually draws on her deep well of experience and compassion to remind educators that their happiness and health are imperative to the success of their classrooms and beyond. For those eager to further delve into enhancing their well-being, Danielle invites listeners to explore her book, *The Path of the Mindful Teacher*, or reach out for personalized support, highlighting that nurturing oneself is fundamentally intertwined with the ability to nurture others.
Ways to connect with Danielle and Teaching Well…
Get your free download 4 Simple Self-Care Solutions that Reduce Teacher Burnout & Increase Well-Being and Self-Care in Five Minutes a Day
Sign up for the Teaching Well Wish Newsletter
Check out the book The Path of the Mindful Teacher
Try out the Teaching Well Wish Journal
Ready to talk through your situation? Schedule a time to talk https://teachingwell.life/call
Or contact Danielle directly at [email protected]
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
- Simplify and streamline technology
- Save teachers’ time
- Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
- Improve student performance on state assessments
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
194 episodes
Manage episode 482445161 series 3475797
In this episode of **Morning Motivation for Educators**, host Danielle Neufer delves deep into the essential theme of teacher well-being in a demanding educational landscape. As a former educator with two decades of rich experience and two personal battles with burnout, Danielle empathizes with the daily challenges faced by teachers. Her mission is to equip educators with the tools they need not only to survive but to flourish in their profession. This podcast serves as a vital sanctuary for reflection and growth, encouraging teachers to reclaim their passion for education while prioritizing their mental health. Danielle introduces the concept of a *Misogi*—a significant challenge that educators can pursue outside their teaching roles, underscoring the idea that engaging in fulfilling activities beyond the classroom leads to greater happiness. Drawing on her extensive expertise, she emphasizes that teachers who take on personal challenges are often more invigorated and present with their students. However, before diving headfirst into this new venture, Danielle advises listeners to pause and clarify their intentions. She offers a structured approach to setting achievable goals, focusing on the importance of thoughtful preparation on the journey toward pursuing one's Misogi. In the episode, Danielle outlines three critical strategies for tackling hard goals when teacher fatigue is at its peak. The first tip involves exercising discretion about sharing one’s ambitions on social media. Drawing from psychological insights, she explains that prematurely announcing goals can provide a false sense of achievement, potentially diminishing motivation for the actual work ahead. Instead, she encourages teachers to seek support from trusted individuals in their lives while holding off on public declarations until they have tangible progress to celebrate. Next, Danielle confronts the reality of exhaustion that many educators face. She champions the notion of committing to progress even in the face of tiredness, suggesting that small adjustments to one's routine—like waking up early to pursue a passion—can lead to transformative results. Through her own recounting of personal experiences, including her journey to sobriety and embracing a morning routine, she illustrates the profound impact of small, intentional choices. Danielle reassures her audience that while they may feel more fatigued initially, the satisfaction derived from dedicating time to personal goals can profoundly shift their mindset and priorities. Lastly, the episode emphasizes the principle of focusing on progress rather than perfection. Danielle poignantly expresses that the learning journey often outweighs the eventual outcome of achieving a goal. By encouraging listeners to celebrate gradual improvements instead of chasing an unattainable ideal, she aims to free educators from the paralysis of perfectionism. She stresses the merit of enjoying the process, sharing a recommendation of the book *Trying* by Kobe Yamada as a wonderful resource for inspiration. Ultimately, this episode serves as a clarion call for educators to care for themselves so they can more effectively care for their students. Danielle's insightful reflections and practical strategies provide a pathway for teachers to revive their love for teaching by embracing personal growth. As educators listen to her empowering message, they are inspired to embark on their unique Misogi journeys, fostering not only their own well-being but also enhancing the educational environment for generations to come. Join Danielle in this journey as she continually draws on her deep well of experience and compassion to remind educators that their happiness and health are imperative to the success of their classrooms and beyond. For those eager to further delve into enhancing their well-being, Danielle invites listeners to explore her book, *The Path of the Mindful Teacher*, or reach out for personalized support, highlighting that nurturing oneself is fundamentally intertwined with the ability to nurture others.
Ways to connect with Danielle and Teaching Well…
Get your free download 4 Simple Self-Care Solutions that Reduce Teacher Burnout & Increase Well-Being and Self-Care in Five Minutes a Day
Sign up for the Teaching Well Wish Newsletter
Check out the book The Path of the Mindful Teacher
Try out the Teaching Well Wish Journal
Ready to talk through your situation? Schedule a time to talk https://teachingwell.life/call
Or contact Danielle directly at [email protected]
We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.
IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
- Simplify and streamline technology
- Save teachers’ time
- Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
- Improve student performance on state assessments
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
194 episodes
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