Mammoth Science – Your place for biology education

Being a seasoned educator, I have witnessed the profound impact that the conversation we have with ourselves each day can have on our lives. It is a conversation that can shape our thoughts, actions and ultimately our reality. It is a conversation that can determine whether we approach our day with positivity and purpose or with negativity and despair.

I’ve spent my entire career listening to the wrong voices, instead of making my own voice the loudest. You’ve heard those voices too – one that says, “You can’t do this today” or “You are not enough.” The problem is, that voice sounds like my own, and I tend to believe it because it carries the gravitas of my own thoughts, now spoken. But here’s the truth – that tiny voice doesn’t speak with conviction, but operates from a place of fear, anxiety, and the unknown. Imagine if you could do something to change that.

How do we ensure that the conversation we have with ourselves is a positive and productive one? Here are some tips that I have found to be effective:

1. Start the day with gratitude. Take a moment to reflect on the things you are thankful for, no matter how small they may seem. This sets the tone for the day and reminds us of the abundance in our lives. There are young men and women that pass through our classroom doors on a daily basis who have experienced or are currently experiencing more trauma, more pain in their young lives than I have in my own. Yet, I am ungrateful? I have everything to be grateful for, even if I feel stress, frustrated, or the job creep is sometimes overwhelming.
2. Speak to yourself with kindness and understanding. We can be our own harshest critic, but it is essential to remember that we are human and we are going to make mistakes. Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a good friend. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn the lessons from them – in another words, cut yourself some slack.
3. Set intentions for the day. Before you start your day, take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve and how you want to feel. This helps to focus your mind and gives you a sense of purpose for the day ahead.
4. Reflect and learn from your actions. At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect on what went well and what you could have done differently. Use this learning to improve yourself and your actions.
5. Positive affirmations are a powerful tool. Repeat positive phrases to yourself, such as “I am capable” or “I am worthy” or even more importantly, “I am enough”, just to remind yourself of your strengths and abilities.

As a educator, it is essential to have a positive conversation with yourself, because it helps to maintain a positive attitude and to be more effective in our role. We are responsible for shaping the minds of the future, and the conversation we have with ourselves sets the tone for how we approach this responsibility. Imagine your classroom, your students, and your own outlook if you walk into the day a more powerful and positive person – it begins with you, with me.