smh... student motivation hints

Planning and preparing are essential for productivity, but when you're motivated and something doesn't go as planned, be flexible! 

You are a work in progress, so be patient with yourself, and the process. Slowing down to truly understand what's working and what isn't is the best way to find solutions to improvements you'd like to make!

every choice you make is a vote for who you will become. every action is a vote. your identity and progress is a democratic process that you have complete control over. and you don't need 100% of the votes every time to get the law passed...

Behavior change doesn't have to rely on motivation. Habits mean you don't have to make the right decisions all day every day. Set up a tiny habit with a trigger, the right timing, try it and make adjustments!

When a student comes in flustered, confused, emotional, I know we can solve the problem no matter what- BECAUSE they took that one step to come in and talk to me. You don't have to do the entire assignment, or know how to complete something to take that one step. Don't sit on thoughts and emotions- go for the simplest easiest action now!

When you are open to understanding the truth behind your actions and thoughts, you are listening! Be open to advice, criticism, from someone else, or yourself! This kind of studying is how we learn the best solutions to improve however we truly want.

Let your relationships inspire you, motivate you. Work at them, rely on them, contribute positively to your friends, family, and significant others. Even when it's hard, especially when it's not going well. This will teach you how to practice the skills of positivity and perseverance that we know will be useful in all aspects of life. 

You are born into some identities, others happen to you unknowingly. But if you want to change your life, first you have to change you mind. You have to change how you view yourself. 

Fear drives a lot of our behavior, in fact maybe all of our negative behavior? So understanding what you are afraid of can help fix the negative, self-destructive behavior you want to eliminate from your life. Don't be afraid of learning about your fears :)

something you don't want to do? Welcome to life! But the more you fight the things you know you have to do or should do, the harder your life becomes. Solution? LEAN IN! Be agreeable, let it happen, say YES! even if you don't want to, you will make your life easier. And who doesn't want that?!

Tons of new things on your plate got your overwhelmed? No worries, take it one at a time, and it'll be easy peasy before you know it.

As a teacher we want our kids to be mature. Most students would probably like to be treated like mature adults, but have to demonstrate it first. So, how can we bridge the gap? Choices. No judgement. No emotion. Just choices and consequences. 

Humans tend toward negativity, shoot every animal does! We focus on the bad stuff naturally, but it doesn't have to be that way! Find the good in everything, because it is absolutely there. Because the alternative isn't fun, we know that! It takes practice, but you will see rewards. Promise.

Your brain and mood affect your facial expressions, but ALSO VICE VERSA! When you move that face into a smile, you actually release hormones to increase positive feelings. Negativity has a huge toll, and most of our reactions are involuntary. When you can, notice negativity, and fight it with a voluntary smile. 

Frustration is the auto-response to adversity, but that little rock in the road doesn't need to be a brick wall. When a challenge arises, try to see through it, beyond it, to understand it through curious questioning. Difficulty is a guarantee, but you always have control over how you respond. 

Was it hot today? Are you uncomfortable? Pushing outside of comfort is something usually voluntary, and valuable, so when discomfort is involuntary, can you make it valuable? This is an opportunity to deal with stress, any kind of temporary stress makes you better at dealing with ANY kind of stress. So USE IT. And what's the worst that's going to happen? Sweat?

Who wants to feel exhuasted? Positivity is a choice. You can label anything as difficult and draining, or you can let it recharge you and GAS YOU UP. Find ways to gain positivity and energy and GAS from your day. 

Your energy and mood changes throughout the day, and week! Make decisions in advance and write them down to maximize your productivity when switching between multiple different kinds of assignments. Each class requires a different kind of focus, a different level of focus, so manage that well and you'll be much more productive!

Life moves very fast, and sometimes you need to slow down. Sit, breathe, and control your mind by reminding yourself that what is happening around you is not happening to you. You can choose how you respond, how you view anything.

You want to start with an easy assignment first or tackle the tough project that's stressing you out? Either one! Whatever works for you! You got a huge list of stuff, and you know what's tough and easy and you know once you get started and finish a few assignments you will get on a ROLL. It's so fun to get momentum and you KNOW it, so focus on THAT.

Long list of stuff to do? Sure, but don't focus on everything you HAVEN'T done... Positivity is the best motivation. Period. So be proud of yourself, literally write down the things you HAVE done and your accomplishments and that will fuel your future. You'll have time to learn from your mistakes later, right now it's time to feel good about the WINS. 

Your brain perceives this stress as a threat to your life, releasing adrenalin that makes your muscles tense all throughout your body, leading to extreme physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Relax. Breathe. Your body can convince your mind there is no real threat to your life here. Only then are you free to think clearly.

Actions speak louder than words. Emotions can hinder your progress, so be wary of using them too much. Regret and feeling sorry for yourself, or feeling bad and apologizing to parents, teachers... think about it- THEY'RE ALL NEGATIVE. Do they help you fix the situation? Do they help get work done? Don't punish yourself further, you need to climb out of a hole so start climbing!

The first official pod where I guide you through a meditation. It's super easy, super quick, I DARE YOU to try it. There's no way to fail, every attempt is a success. And I can guarantee you will feel better. 

(Inspired by my 2nd period) Your mind is the strongest part of your body. Your best tool. Limitless If you use it right! Growth Mindsets, Open mindsets, Positive Mindsets can transform you, if you use this incredible power correctly. Be amazed, and take charge, your powerful mind is yours to use.