
Click below to listen to episode 145, The Power of Momentum for Teachers with Jon Osborn:
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Key themes from The Power of Momentum for Teachers [#145]:
- Visualization– Visualizing positive outcomes can significantly boost confidence and set the stage for success.
- Perception and Emotional Intelligence– By understanding and processing emotions, we can make mindful, positive responses to challenges.
- Resilience and Overcoming Failure– Encouraging a proactive mindset toward challenges can help us view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
- Action and Momentum– Focusing on immediate, positive actions empowers us to take control of our progress and build lasting momentum.
- Adaptability and Trusting the Process– Embracing change and staying flexible are crucial for teachers and students to thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
Do you ever feel stuck in life? Or worse, is everything headed in the wrong direction? Today on the podcast, I interviewed Jon Osborn, an expert sports psychologist, and we’re talking all about creating momentum—both in your teaching this upcoming school year and in your life. And we basically went off script and got REAL with all of you, so you’re going to want to keep listening! Welcome to E&R the podcast episode 145: The Power of Momentum for Teachers
Visualize and Achieve
Let’s kick things off with a little magic trick—visualization! Jon Osborn introduces this amazing idea where you picture a positive outcome before it even happens. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, it’s not just about thinking happy thoughts; it’s about setting the stage for success. Jon shares a simple exercise: visualize a good response to a situation before it happens. This isn’t just some “woo-woo” stuff; it’s science-backed and proven to work.
As teachers, we can totally bring this into the classroom. Imagine having your students visualize doing well on a test, acing that presentation, or even handling a tough situation with grace. When they see it in their mind first, they’re way more likely to make it happen in real life. This kind of mental imagery can shape their thinking, spark creativity, and most importantly, give them the confidence to go out and grab those big wins. It’s like giving them the keys to their own success!
Perception is Everything
Next up, let’s talk about perception. How we see the world around us has a huge impact on the momentum we build—or don’t build. Jon talks about how our feelings and perceptions shape the way we respond to events. It’s kind of like having a superpower, where if you understand and process your feelings before reacting, you can choose a better, more positive direction.
In the classroom, this is a goldmine for teaching emotional intelligence. We all know that kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) can be reactive. But if we teach them to pause, process, and then choose how to respond, we’re setting them up to handle challenges like pros. This isn’t just about feeling better in the moment; it’s about building long-term momentum toward a more positive, resilient mindset.

Rise Up from Challenges
Now, let’s face it—life throws curveballs. But Jon reminds us that it’s not the challenges themselves that define us; it’s how we respond to them. He’s all about taking action and creating momentum, especially when things don’t go as planned.
As teachers, we’ve got a unique opportunity to shape how our students see failure. Instead of letting them get discouraged, we can teach them that every setback is just a setup for a comeback. By encouraging them to take action, even when things get tough, we’re helping them build resilience and adaptability. This mindset not only helps them in school but in every area of their lives. They learn that failure isn’t the end—it’s just another step on the path to success.
Just Do It: Focus on Action
One of Jon’s biggest messages is about the power of “doing.” It’s not enough to just think about positive outcomes or make plans—you’ve got to take action! And this is where the magic happens. When we help our students focus on what they can do right now, rather than stressing over what might happen, we’re giving them a sense of control and confidence.
This is a lesson in empowerment. By teaching our students to focus on their actions and the choices they make every day, we’re helping them build the momentum they need to achieve their goals. It’s all about taking those small steps that lead to big results. And when they start to see the progress they’re making, it’s like lighting a fire that keeps burning brighter and brighter.
Embrace Change and Trust the Process
I share a personal story in the podcast that really hits home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to pivot my business—something a lot of us can relate to. I talk about the importance of being flexible and trusting the process, even when things get tough.
In teaching, this lesson is so important. The world is always changing, and the classroom is no exception. Being adaptable and open to new methods is key to staying effective and keeping that positive momentum going. Whether it’s trying out a new teaching strategy or adapting to a new curriculum, trusting the process and embracing change can make all the difference. It’s about staying resilient and being willing to grow, just like we ask our students to do.
What Are You Gonna Do About It?
Finally, the episode wraps up with a powerful question: “What are you gonna do about it?” This is a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to shape our own paths. By integrating this mindset into your classroom, you’re encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and their lives.
Teaching them to ask themselves this question when faced with a challenge can spark a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. It’s not about waiting for things to happen—it’s about making them happen.
Momentum, visualization, making choices—these aren’t just concepts for athletes; they’re tools that can transform your classroom. By embracing these principles, you can create a learning environment that’s full of energy, resilience, and positive change. So, what are you gonna do about it? Let’s harness the power of momentum together and inspire our students to reach new heights, both in and out of the classroom!
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Connect with Jon:
- Visit Jon’s website: utahsportpsych.com
- Follow Jon on Instagram: @utahsportpsych
- How to Build Mental Toughness for Teachers [episode 30]
Connect with Kelsey:
- Follow her on Instagram @educateandrejuvenate
- Join our Facebook group: Educate & Rejuvenate Collective.
- Follow on Pinterest for more helpful resources.
- Educate & Rejuvenate: A Three-Step Guide to Revitalize Your Teaching, Renew Your Spirit, and Reignite Your Passion For Life
Read the transcript for The Power of Momentum for Teachers with Jon Osborn [#145] below:
that for you. You you run a very successful business, and you’re and you’re still trying to make it more so. Right? Yeah. So I was kinda curious as I’ve been, like, teaching this idea, you know, to teachers and athletes and whatnot. How have you seen it, Kelsey? How have you, like, lived this momentum as you kind of reflect on maybe your early years or maybe some, like, kind of critical junction points? How do you feel like the momentum that you guys have to educate and rejuvenate has boiled down to, like, small moments where you responded well.
Oh my gosh. It’s such a good question, and I feel like I have examples of both. I have examples of where I responded well. I have examples of where I responded terribly and what I learned from it. So it’s been quite the journey for sure. Like, we started, you know, 10 years ago with just TPT, and that was our big thing, teachers pay teachers. And then when COVID hit, that was a big pivotal moment. Because at that time, we were making basically all of our money off of our ready to go sub plans, which is now hardly even what we talk about anymore.
It’s crazy. But at that time, that was our big thing. And all of a sudden, schools closed. Nobody needed a substitute. Right?
True. Everybody’s home. And so we had a week where I was just, like, in panic and shock. And I think all a lot of us were because we were in a global pandemic. But but Now
we didn’t know what the future was gonna be. Right?
Yeah. I was like, well, maybe in a week it’ll be fine. They’ll be back. And then lots of people will be sick and they’ll need their sub plans again. You know? I mean, obviously that’s not a good thing, but it was like, well, maybe it’ll be okay. But then after that week, I kind of had to get myself up and be like, okay, well, this is the current moment. The current moment is now everybody’s home learning. So we then pivoted and we made products where it was like digital.
It’s all momentum. Yes. So definitely, if you enjoyed this episode, which if you’re still listening, I’m sure you did. I would love for you to take a moment to do that because everything John shares that I’ve heard has been amazing, and I can’t wait to see everything that you do with this momentum you’re creating.
Awesome. Thanks, Kelsey. I really appreciate you having me all day. It’s awesome.
Thank you for joining me on educate and rejuvenate the podcast today. If you love what you heard in this episode, be sure to hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next one. And if you’re hungry for even more, be sure to check out the book that I wrote. It’s called educate and rejuvenate, a 3 step guide to revitalize your teaching, renew your spirit, and reignite your passion for life. It takes everything you learn here on the podcast and that I teach our members inside the educate and rejuvenate club into a guide book you can refer to again and again. One of our early readers said it was like clarity for her brain. Plus, it’s not only a book With your purchase, you’ll get a full PDF guide with exercises and links to videos and more so that you can not only consume, but apply everything that you learn. If you’re ready to make Educate and Rejuvenate not just a podcast you passively listen to, but a lifestyle that you put into action, it’s time to grab your copy on Amazon today, or head to educate and rejuvenate.com/book to read the first chapter and the introduction today.
More about Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast
Being an educator is beyond a full-time job. Whether you’re a teacher or a homeschool parent, the everyday to-do list is endless. Between lesson planning, grading, meetings, and actually teaching, it probably feels impossible to show up for your students without dropping the ball in other areas of your life.
Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast is the show that will bring you the teacher tips, practical strategies, and inspiration that you need to relieve the stress and overwhelm of your day-to-day. Your host, Kelsey Sorenson, is a former teacher and substitute turned homeschool mom. Tune in weekly to hear Kelsey and her guests cheer you on and help you thrive as a wife, teacher, and mommy. Because with a little support and community, you can do it all. To access every single Educate & Rejuvenate resource, join the club at educateandrejuvenate.com/club.