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Are you ready to start celebrating your wins and setting intentional goals as an educator? As teachers, homeschool parents, and caregivers, we tend to be our own toughest critics, often overlooking our accomplishments. In this post, we’ll explore how to shift from self-doubt to self-celebration, flip the script on negative thoughts, and set meaningful goals that align with who you are. Join me as we look at the mindset shift to embrace your wins, build confidence, and reach your goals from a place of positivity and intention.
As educators, we wear multiple hats and often focus on what’s still on our to-do list rather than what we’ve already achieved. But celebrating those small (and big!) victories is more than just a feel-good exercise; it’s crucial for sustaining motivation and setting the stage for future success. The truth is, beating yourself up about perceived shortcomings doesn’t help you reach your goals—it holds you back.
Our thoughts have an incredible impact on how we feel and ultimately on what we accomplish. The way we think about our circumstances shapes the feelings we carry and the actions we take. Inspired by Brooke Castillo’s “Model,” we can look at how every situation fits into these categories: Circumstance, Thought, Feeling, Action, and Result. When we start to notice the thoughts we’re having about ourselves or our work, we can begin to identify which of those thoughts serve us and which don’t. From there, it’s easier to reframe and replace those unhelpful thoughts with ones that support our goals.
A simple way to build momentum is by setting aside time to track your wins each day. Choose three small wins you can accomplish tomorrow and check them off at the end of the day. This exercise not only highlights what you’ve achieved but also fosters a sense of progress. Writing your wins down at the end of each day helps you recognize growth, even on days when the to-do list might feel endless.
One of my favorite ways to visualize goals is with a vision board. This can be as simple as a piece of paper with images or quotes that represent what you’re working toward. For example, if your goal is to move into an administrative role, add a mock-up certificate or a picture that symbolizes that goal. When you keep your goals visible, you’re training your mind to focus on those achievements, helping turn aspirations into realities. When you accomplish something on your vision board, celebrate it, then remove it and place it in a binder of accomplishments as a reminder of your growth.
Gratitude isn’t just a positive mindset—it’s an intentional practice. As Brene Brown explains in Atlas of the Heart, gratitude helps us fully participate in our lives rather than just observe them. By actively practicing gratitude, you’re less likely to take the good things in your life for granted. This perspective is about appreciating the journey and celebrating each milestone, no matter how small.
In their book The Gap and the Gain, Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy talk about two ways of viewing progress: focusing on the gap between where you are and where you want to be (the “gap”) or celebrating how far you’ve come (the “gain”). It’s easy to slip into focusing on the gap, especially as teachers who often feel there’s always more to be done. But shifting your focus to the gain can help you feel accomplished and keep building momentum.
When setting goals, it’s important to come from a place of positivity and acceptance. You’re already amazing as you are—goals should be about exploring what more you’re capable of, not filling a gap or fixing something you feel is “lacking.” One way to do this is to think of your “future self” and what that version of you would advise. By setting goals that align with your long-term vision, you’ll feel more energized and motivated to see them through.
Whether you prefer journaling, tracking in a spreadsheet, or using an app, find a goal-setting method that works for you. Here are some ways to track progress:
With a regular practice of celebrating wins, expressing gratitude, and setting intentional goals, you’ll find it easier to see your growth and potential. These practices are essential for sustaining motivation, improving your mindset, and creating a positive feedback loop that builds confidence and resilience. So, whether you’re setting big goals for the new year or simply reflecting on this week’s wins, take a moment to honor your journey. You’re doing an amazing job, and I’d love to hear about your progress!
If you’re ready to go deeper with these concepts, I’d love to invite you to join us at Educate and Rejuvenate, where we’ll explore more goal-setting strategies, mindset tools, and community support designed to help educators thrive. In addition to practical tools and strategies, we’ll have inspiring sessions and even a comedy keynote to lift your spirits and remind you why you started this journey. Check out the details in the show notes or visit EducateAndRejuvenate.com for more information.
Thank you for reading, and if this post resonated with you, please share it with a friend or leave a comment below! Let’s keep celebrating those wins and moving forward with intention.
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**Transcript: Episode 52 of Wife Teacher Mommy: How to Own Your Teacher Wins and Set Intentional Teacher Goals**
Welcome to episode number 52 of *Wife Teacher Mommy: The Podcast* – *How to Own Your Teacher Wins and Set Intentional Teacher Goals.*
Do you ever find yourself beating yourself up as a teacher or in other areas of your life? It may feel like you’re helping yourself by reminding yourself of mistakes, but the truth is, this is not helping you reach your goals, my friend. Let’s take a look at how we can flip the script to focus on all your wins in today’s episode.
I’m so glad you’re here listening to *Wife Teacher Mommy: The Podcast* today. I’m your host, Kelsey Sorenson, a former elementary teacher turned homeschool mom. Whether you are a teacher or a homeschool parent, my goal here is to provide you with both teaching ideas and mindset tools to help you live your best teacher life. Be sure to hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss an episode. Let’s dive in!
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Alright, from that teaser, you can probably tell I’m excited and passionate about this topic of owning your wins, setting teacher goals, and growing along our journeys, whether in teaching, homeschooling, parenting, or whatever else life throws at us. We wear more than one hat, right? And we all need a reminder now and then of just how far we’ve come.
This isn’t the first time I’ve talked about this topic. You’re getting a well-seasoned presentation of this content today. It’s my third time presenting it, though this one’s not live – I’m recording it for you. But this content was also our top-voted session at *Educate and Rejuvenate Summer 2022*. And it’s not because of me but because the concepts themselves are powerful. If you attended that event, you might think, “I’ve heard this, Kelsey.” Stop right there! Listen up – we all need reminders, even me.
Earlier today, I was down on myself about a goal I hadn’t yet reached. I sent a Voxer, a walkie-talkie message, to my coach, expressing my frustration. She listened, sympathized, and encouraged me. Then I thought, “I need to look at my wins.” I took her advice, opened a Google Doc, and listed 30 accomplishments from this year alone. That exercise flipped my mindset and filled me with positivity – perfect timing, as it led right into recording this episode! So if I need reminders, we all do.
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As teachers, homeschool parents, and humans, we often feel frustrated with where we are versus where we want to be. Today’s episode is that reminder we all need, myself included. Since *Educate and Rejuvenate Summer 2022*, I’ve added even more insights, inspired by my journey, my life coaching certification, and my own self-improvement. We’re not just talking about owning wins; we’re going to explore setting intentional goals and using our energy to propel us toward the future – without judging ourselves for where we are now.
So let’s dig into this important topic. Why is owning your wins essential? As teachers and parents, we’re natural lifelong learners, always striving to improve. But it’s vital to recognize success as it looks for *you*, rather than feeling bad about not doing it all. With a positive, intentional approach, we can look at our progress and set our goals on the right foot.
Now, I don’t think New Year’s is the only time to set goals. You can do it anytime! But, of course, many of us start thinking about goals around January 1st. So as we move into that season, let’s do it right.
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One reason we struggle with owning wins is our nature to look at what we could have done better rather than what we’ve accomplished. I know I’m not alone in this. Whether you’re driving, doing dishes, or going on a run right now, mentally raise your hand if you’ve ever thought, “I should have done better” or “Why is someone else doing it better?” We’ve all been there, right?
Our thoughts are powerful; they drive our feelings, which, in turn, drive our actions and create our results. This concept, often called “The Model,” was created by Brooke Castillo from The Life Coach School, my teacher and mentor. The model shows that everything in life fits into one of five categories: Circumstance, Thought, Feeling, Action, and Result. By recognizing our thoughts, we can understand the results in our lives. Although I won’t dive too deep into the model today, I’ll link resources in the show notes if you want to explore it further.
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Let’s move on to tracking our wins and progress. You can use a journal, spreadsheet, or app to track wins – whatever helps you look back at your progress. Here’s a simple, impactful idea: list three wins you can achieve each day. Then, at the end of the day, check them off, celebrate, and list any additional wins. This shifts your focus to what you did accomplish, not what’s left on your to-do list.
Another powerful tool is using a vision board to visually set goals. This can be a physical or digital space where you visualize your goals, so your brain gets to work on how to make them happen. When you achieve a goal, take it off the board, put it in a binder of accomplishments, and reflect on how far you’ve come. This simple practice creates positive momentum.
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Another aspect to consider is gratitude. Practicing gratitude helps us fully appreciate our progress and life’s blessings, as Brene Brown beautifully explains in her book, *Atlas of the Heart*. Practicing gratitude makes us participants in our lives, rather than mere spectators. Reflecting on what we’re grateful for daily is incredibly powerful.
Once we’ve grounded ourselves in appreciation and positivity, we can set meaningful goals. Remember, you’re already great just as you are – setting goals is about seeing what more you’re capable of. Imagine your future self and ask what steps you need to take to become that person. Visualizing goals, whether short-term or long-term, and celebrating each small win along the way builds incredible momentum.
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In summary, here are the key takeaways from today’s episode:
1. Our thoughts create our feelings, which drive our actions, creating the results in our lives. Being mindful of our thoughts empowers us.
2. The Gap and the Gain concept: Focus on how far you’ve come rather than where you want to be. Remember, you are already where you once hoped to be.
3. Track your wins each day, and celebrate the process – it’s a journey, not a destination.
4. Cultivate gratitude for where you are now. Practicing gratitude helps us appreciate life more fully.
5. Set intentional goals from a place of love and confidence in yourself.
I’d love to hear how this episode impacts you. Please send me an email or a DM at *Wife Teacher Mommy*. Let me know how you’re owning your wins, and if you’re trying any of these practices.
Thank you for listening. Remember, we’re diving even deeper into these concepts at *Educate and Rejuvenate 2022*, where we’ll explore goal-setting, classroom management, and data tracking – plus, our comedy keynote from Gaspar Randazzo will bring lots of laughs! Visit *EducateAndRejuvenate.com* to learn more, and if you’re listening to this after the event, replays will be available for members. So jump in now, and we’ll continue growing together.
And if this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review, sharing it with a friend, or joining us in *Wife Teacher Mommy Club* for access to even more tools, resources, and our exclusive private podcast. Together, we’re transforming teacher lives – one step at a time.
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*Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Wife Teacher Mommy! Subscribe to the podcast and join our community at WifeTeacherMommy.com.*
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.
Wife Teacher Mommy: 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. For access to every single Wife Teacher Mommy resource, join the club at educateandrejuvenate.com/club.
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One Response
Thanks Kelsey.