Hey there, readers! We are trying something new on the iTeach Blog this year. In addition to answering your questions every month, we will periodically feature posts written by guest bloggers. This week, iTeach Director Stephanee Stephens is sharing insight about setting your intentions for the new year.

“New year, New you!”

“It’s time for a Glow-Up!”

“Out with the old and in with the new!”

I could keep listing out catchphrases, but you get the point! This time of year, everyone is keen to set new goals, clean up their surroundings, and begin a new year (or semester) with fresh energy. I, for one, am happy folks are happy - Any chance we have in education to celebrate, reset, and be happy, we can’t afford to miss!

I have been thinking and studying intention a lot over the last year. I sure do wish I had stumbled upon setting intentions earlier in my career. Goals are specific achievements focused on the future, while intentions represent an awareness of who, what, or how we want to be everyday. Unlike goals, which are specific and attainable items on a ‘list’, intentions are a thematic glue that binds together all of our actions.

Perhaps you find it difficult to stay motivated and keep a positive outlook as you work toward your goals. You might find that shifting your mindset a bit to first establish your intentions gives you that boost of daily fuel needed to attain your goals. As you set your own intentions for the year, consider the suggestions below. Which intentions resonate with your own vision for your classroom, your students, and your life?

Intention #1: Order Over Chaos

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and KonMari that classroom!

Being intentional with order, cleanliness, and a minimalist approach to the physical space we spend time in changes so much about how we feel. Check out Jennifer Roy’s post on the We Are Teachers blog for a look at how one teacher, who was brave enough to allow a stranger to help her tidy her room, is living this intention.

Intention #2: Compassion Over Comparison

Assume the most generous interpretation of others' words and actions.

It is really easy to start the semester with rose-colored glasses. But when testing deadlines loom, and Flu A is ravaging the school, and summer seems SO FAR AWAY, it doesn’t take much to push us to a point of feeling beaten up and stressed. In those moments, set an intention to be compassionate with yourself and others.

One of my favorite bloggers/podcasters Jennifer Gonzalez interviewed Elena Aguilar about her book Onward. Elena gives twelve monthly ways that teachers can build resilience, and January’s is all about compassion! “When we practice compassionate thinking for others and ourselves, we become better equipped to handle difficult situations,” Elena explains, “...So when students misbehave, a colleague is short with us, or a parent challenges one of our decisions, being in the habit of viewing these situations through the lens of compassion can help you not take that behavior personally, which leads to smarter, less reactive decision-making.” Learn more on the Cult of Pedagogy website.

Intention #3: Fun Over Frustration

“Humor is the soothing balm over the wound of a bad day.” -Anonymous

I have a pet peeve about the ‘breakroom pileup’ that happens when it seems that everyone is trying to prove their day was more difficult or stressful. It’s like a grumpy Girl Scouts badge ceremony. We can lift this pervasive cloud of gloom by setting an intention to make room for fun. Infusing fun into our interactions with one another, rather than exaggerating frustrations, can truly revitalize our working environment.

There are countless Facebook teacher humor groups, and there are some funny folks out there on YouTube, but I find the right meme at the right time to be especially powerful! Try using the Make a Meme Generator to create your own.

Intention #4: Progress Over Perfection

I intend to learn more with every failure.

Understand that even with the very best intentions, we are going to fall short of perfection more times than not. Celebrating those moments of progress helps us honor our journey as a professional PRACTICING educator. If this is a struggle for you, check out our blog post about Reframing Thinking for Growth Mindset Reflection!

Intention #5: You do you, boo!

Look, I have given you a lot of unsolicited advice, but at the end of the day, you decide your path. You set your intentions. Remember that intentionality is just like riding a bike. Your bike and body go where your eyes are pointed. So, where are your eyes pointed this year? Set your intentions on a path that will bring you order, compassion, fun, and progress!

Are you ready to take it a step further? Being intentional is a great mindset for you and your students. Read this article to learn more about the influence of setting intentions with students.