I am a big believer in affirmations.
Affirmations are statements that I say to myself each morning to remind myself of the educator, leader, parent, husband, co-worker, and friend I want to be.
I find that the more I say them, the closer I get to becoming that person identified by the affirmations.
For example, one of my affirmations is, “I am a smiler. I demonstrate with my body language that I am happy.”
This is something that I have to remind myself of every day. I am not a natural smiler. I’ve had students come up and tell me, “I thought you were a mean teacher, because you never smiled.”
This was not the image that I want to portray.
I’m getting better, but if I want to improve this part of myself, I have to reinforce this every day with my affirmation.
As I wrote in a previous post, there is power in student affirmations. We need to remind our students on a daily basis how special they are.
What about us?
I believe there is power in reminding ourselves of what kind of teachers we are committed to become.
I start each morning reading my affirmations aloud. They remind me of what actions I need to take to become the person I want to be.
These affirmations have a way of revving me up for the day, and blocking out any negative thoughts that may have crept into my mind.
What I have decided to do recently is create a separate set of affirmations more specific to my job as an educator.
My goal is to read these every morning before I even turn on my computer at work.
Before I even return that parent phone call or look at my to-do list, I will close my door, get comfortable in my chair, and read my list of affirmations aloud.
I know that sounds weird, but if I’m working on being a better educator, I need to start by convincing myself of the person I want to be. Some pretty impressive people would agree with me.
Belief consists in accepting the affirmations of the soul; unbelief, in denying them. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions. – Albert Einstein
If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right. – Henry Ford
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. – Epictetus
Here is my current list of affirmations (I know I will be adding to them as I find other areas where I need to be reminded to improve.)
1. I am committed to purposely focus on what people are saying, so I am someone who listens sincerely.
2. I am committed to take time every few minutes to put things in their place, so I can be more organized.
3. I am committed to not dwell on past mistakes or on things I cannot change.
4. I will focus on the positive instead of the negative.
5. I am committed to offer compliments to people often.
6. I am going to remind myself every chance I get to smile, so that smiling becomes natural.
7. I am committed to taking more time to demonstrate gratitude.
8. I am amazing.
I know what you’re saying, “Sam, it’s a little conceited to say you’re amazing.”
Probably, but just like I’m working on being the person who listens sincerely and is organized, I’m also working on being amazing.
It’s better than saying, “I’m mediocre.”
Go ahead and say it aloud – “I’m amazing.”
It feels good. Right?
This is how I’ll be starting my mornings from now on. I believe repeating these affirmations will help me on my journey to being that educator who has a greater impact on my students, my fellow educators, parents and my community.
What about you?
Do you have affirmations? What are they?
Please feel free to leave a comment or send me a tweet.
You can also connect with me on Facebook.
Thank you again for all you’re doing for our kids.
You are amazing!
Until next time, here’s to your Success in the Classroom!
Thanks,
Sam
