Breaking the Mold: Embracing Neurodivergence and Redefining Productivity
Productivity isn’t easy for everyone all the time. While I can be productive and focused, I have gone through these ebb-and-flow cycles: bursts of energy and a sustained ability to get things, followed by a need to crash and unplug.
However, this understanding of varied productivity reached a new level when I entered the classroom many years ago.
Students need to fail is tied to your New Year’s Resolutions’ success
Learning how to fail is key to your success in life and with those New Year’s Resolutions. If you are falling short of your goals, don’t get frustrated or give up just yet. Check out my latest blog on how overcoming failure needs to be a skill we focus on.
A look back over a year of change
This year brought a lot of changes, including my son’s fifth-grade field trip and then his graduation from elementary school.
Lessons from a middle school classroom
A surprise photo of me in my classroom nearly four years ago. At the time this photo was taken, I didn’t know a lot about burnout. I was in survival mode, and I was questioning why I was so tired. I wish I knew then what I know now.
Cracks in the Foundation: Recognizing neglected areas in your busy life
Fear of starting is stopping you — not laziness
For the first few climbs, I rappelled down to the ground shaking. Only a little, but enough that I noticed. It didn’t stop me, though. I was in my stubborn “I can do this” phase. As I kept trying, I realized that something magical was happening. The shaking was subsiding, and the confidence was building.
The Hidden Toll: How Life Events Impact Productivity
I didn’t know then what I know now. I didn’t realize the toll of managing and attempting to solve these crises that were, at the time, part of life. Add to that a demanding job that took as much or even more from me, and you have a recipe for continuous stress, sleepless nights, and burnout. But, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Let yourself rest
Perfection looks beautiful, but it’s always served with an ounce of regret and no rest. If you constantly strive for perfection, perfect doesn’t sit and watch the birds sing and the rain fall. Perfect doesn’t sit on the sidelines and enjoy the experience, but sometimes, that is what we need most.
Perfectionism could be your worst enemy
I would never have started this blog if I were striving for perfection. I would argue that I need editors or someone to judge it before putting these thoughts into the world, but writing this blog brings me joy. The freedom of facing my perfectionism is energizing and helps me overcome my fear of failure.
Create daily habits that support your busy life
If you are starting to feel worn, it might be time to take inventory of your habits, the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good habits will fuel you and keep you moving. I can hear the groaning now as you mumble that you lack the motivation and determination to start habits, but what if I told you that you hadn’t changed these habits because you lack motivation but because you lack a full-proof plan?
Avoid overwhelm while having different roles
The key to success when balancing it all is to stop those negative voices screaming in your head. They can be louder than the successes and much more damaging, so don’t give them your attention. You won’t be perfect. You will get the balance wrong, and sometimes, you will need to reprioritize. And sometimes, you will need to shut out everything to focus on that support system that keeps you going.
What does productivity look like?
The fundamental misconception about productivity is that it looks like busyness, the simple act of doing. But is it productive if your actions do not yield results, benefits, or profits?
The vital ingredient needed to take risks
Despite this boldness I occasionally displayed in my youth, change has always sent me into a cold sweat. I never once considered the need to balance risk, expansion, and growth with some sense of safety, but that is precisely what you need to be able to walk that tightrope confidently. You need to know someone or something will catch you when you fall, and sometimes that safety net is one that you built yourself.
Make friends with life
How can a flat tire teach a lesson about life? Discover how these setbacks or problems can become an opportunity. After reading, you might think twice about saying “that’s life” again.
Take time to recalibrate: You will be glad you did
Back to school erases the slower pace of summer and puts us back into the maddening hustle of packed schedules and early mornings. Whether you are gearing up for a busy fall, or need a refresh, take the time to recalibrate your schedule and life.
Make your mind unhackable
Too often, we let our minds control us instead of us controlling our minds. Here are some ways to make your mind unhackable.
Making others feel valued is critical for growth
“… cultures can grow and flourish when we believe in people.”
Your “upper limit problem” is holding you back
Gay Hendricks’ book “The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level” was published in May 2010, but the concepts still apply today.
Build resiliency to increase success
Resiliency helps us overcome challenges and moves us forward in those difficult times, and it can help us overcome the fear that often holds us back from achieving our dreams and goals.
Inspiration for The Unrested Life Coach
Society tells us that the hustle culture of our current times is necessary for success, but this isn’t true anymore. You don’t have to work all day and night to be excellent at your job and achieve your dreams.