Setting Your Personal Theme: Navigating Growth and Well-being in the New Year

Have you ever considered the transformative power of setting a personal theme for the year ahead?

Embarking on a new year often feels like setting sail on a vast ocean of potential, and at times, overwhelming. Let me be your navigator through the ebbs and flows of teaching and side hustling. I'm here to share my compass with you. 

 This episode of Teach Hustle Grow is your invitation to join me in a ritual that could reshape your outlook, as we create a curriculum for personal growth that resonates not just through the new year, but every day thereafter.

We'll explore the importance of well-being and the role affirmations play in maintaining our focus, a practice I've found invaluable in my own quest for courage. 

As we share triumphs and face challenges, I encourage you to reflect on the qualities you wish to nurture within yourself—perhaps it's balance or maybe the spark of innovation. 

This conversation is not bound by the calendar; it's a timeless catalyst for listeners aiming to ignite a spirit of empowerment and aspiration at any stage of the year. 

So, grab your favorite notebook and get ready for an episode that promises to inspire, enlighten, and embolden your journey as an educator and a dreamer.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:11

Greetings, incredible educators. Welcome to Teach Hustle Grow, the podcast dedicated to transforming frustration into freedom and empowering you to thrive in both your teaching career and side hustle. I'm Tineo Martinez, a fellow teacher, coach and side hustler, and I'm thrilled to have you here today. Each episode takes a deep dive into the mindset and strategies that can truly impact your teaching journey. Stay tuned for engaging reflections and occasional nuggets of wisdom that could be the game changer you've been seeking. Before we jump into today's episode, I want to invite you to join our community by signing up for the weekly newsletter. It's packed with exclusive teacher tips, resources, recommendations and, of course, a bit of humor to brighten your day. You can find the link in the show notes. Alright, let's get started with today's episode. Get ready to be inspired and empowered. Welcome, fellow teachers, and happy new year.

Speaker 1: 1:13

Last year was a bit of a whirlwind. I was in the throes of my podcast adventure, teaching my middles and just trying to live. But, as life would have it, life became complicated and, for my own sanity, I had to take some time off to prioritize my well-being and life. I had to take a moment to re-center, refocus and regroup something I always say when I'm in the classroom, and if you were to speak to some of my students, they would tell you I have plenty of affirmations that I repeat over and, over and over again. And here we are With a brand new season of Teach, hustle, grow. We find ourselves at one of the most exhilarating moments of the year the start of a fresh new chapter. It's reminiscent of the beginning of the school year, when we're all brimming with hope, excitement, boundless energy and inspiration. So, as we kick off the new year, I want to open up and share what I usually do privately to get things started. And hey, if you happen to be listening to this episode in August, during the back to school season, russ assured that you can apply this exact same process anytime of the year.

Speaker 1: 2:32

Today, let's delve into the art of setting a theme for the new year, a practice I particularly enjoy. This process holds special significance for me, as it allows me to reflect on the past year and envision the possibilities that lie ahead. Setting a theme for the new year provides a framework for growth, inspiration and renewed focus. It serves as a beacon, guiding us towards personal and professional development and empowering us to overcome challenges and determination. And, as a teacher, we all know that is what we face on a daily basis. So let's embark on this journey together and create a meaningful theme that will inspire and uplift us throughout the coming year.

Speaker 1: 3:17

First things first. Let's dive into the process of coming up with a theme for the year. It may seem daunting at first, but fear not, it's a lot like what we do in the classroom we reflect on past lessons and we figure out what it is that we want to tackle, and then we plan for it. We plan for the future, and you too can embark on this journey of self development. So let's take a moment to reflect on your past triumphs and challenges. Think about the lessons you've learned and the experiences that have shaped you. Now grab your favorite notebook and if you're anything like me, you probably have too many to count. So just grab your favorite one and let your thoughts flow free onto the pages. Just like how we encourage our students to express themselves through writing, we must do the same, definitely practicing what we preach. So, by engaging in this exercise, you'll be amazed at what you can uncover. It's like creating a curriculum for your own personal growth. So embrace this opportunity to explore your inner thoughts and pave the way for an incredible year ahead.

Speaker 1: 4:23

This year, I've made the brave decision to cultivate more courage in my life, and if you listen to next week's episode, I will be discussing my word and my theme in depth. So, as we work through this process, I want you to think about the range of qualities that you would want to implement into your life, for example, like encompassing a range of qualities such as balance, resilience or innovation. It's important to select something that deeply aligns with your goals, just like teaching life lessons while juggling a side hustle and pursuing lifelong dreams. Yes, I think I'm talking about myself. Your theme should inspire you and serve as a constant source of motivation throughout the year. Envision crafting a captivating theme that ignites inspiration in both you and your students as a school year draws to a close. You can even consider a theme like culmination celebration, capturing the remarkable achievements and growth experience throughout the academic term, or looking ahead to the new year. Embrace the theme infinite horizons, symbolizing the limitless possibilities and aspirations that lie before us. It could mean starting that passion project or infusing more joy and spontaneity into your life. Let these themes resonate and guide you on your journey of excellence and fulfillment, whatever it may be Now, while that may be a topic fitting for the classroom, let's dive into the realm of personal themes for our own growth.

Speaker 1: 5:59

If you're anything like me, you possess the heart of a dreamer, the mind of a planner because we're always planning and the determination of an achiever. So how can one harmoniously blend they're personal and professional aspirations within their chosen theme? I'm going to give you a few ideas and just want you to take a moment. Imagine kicking off your new year by finally diving into that side hustle you've been dreaming about for years. Your personal theme could be daring entrepreneurship. It embodies the courage to explore uncharted territories and seizing opportunities. Let's say you yearn to infuse more intentional fun in your life. Amidst late nights of grading and monotonous routines and leaving school a little too late beyond the contractual time. Your theme might be something similar to joyful living. Let it inspire you to find joy in every aspect of your daily routine and create moments that make your heart sing. So, as you contemplate your theme for the upcoming year, consider its impact on various aspects of your life. Explore ways to incorporate your theme into your classroom, home life, teaching, relationships, finances, health, spirituality and beyond. Remember our lives are multifaceted, extending far beyond the confines of the classroom, even though some of our students think that is where we live, sleep and eat. So allow these themes to guide not only yourself, but also those you influence, including your students and your future side hustle. Let your chosen themes serve as a driving force for positive change in the lives of everyone you touch.

Speaker 1: 7:46

From my own personal experience, I've found that taking the time to reflect on what truly matters in life can be incredibly valuable. It's like going on a captivating journey following breadcrumbs that lead to a feast of ideas and insights. I draw inspiration from books, quotes and captivating stories I hear and read along the way. Some of those stories are even found on Instagram or TikTok some of the few things that I enjoy during my past time. All of these sources fuel my growth and understanding, and it elevates how I see in a program.

Speaker 1: 8:23

For me, the word courage continued to surface in my reflection writing for the year. This word is the center of my theme. After analyzing my reflections and reviewing the aspirations that I want for this new year, I created a concise and memorable segment in affirmation of sorts which I'm fearlessly embracing challenges, propelling myself to new heights in my teaching career. Inside hustle, this year, I will soar and I will make sure that I use my theme as an affirmation, and if you are one of my students, you know that I constantly repeat affirmations all day long and they know which one I'm talking about. Now your theme can be a variation of that, or a quote from a famous author. It can be whatever you like.

Speaker 1: 9:16

There is one thing I do recommend Don't go on this journey alone. Incorporate friends, colleagues, mentors and coaches into this process. A mentor can provide valuable insights and a coach can offer structure support to help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals. And if you don't have a mentor or coach, let me be that person for you. Throughout my extensive experience in education, I've had the immense privilege and honor of serving as an instructional coach for numerous phenomenal teachers. Teaching can often feel like a solitary journey, leaving us without someone to rely on or even seek guidance from. That's why I loved being a coach. I became the extra pair of eyes, offering valuable feedback and seamlessly stepping into facilitate a small group during instructional rotations. And guess what? That same level of support and collaboration can happen right here. You need a cheerleader unit coach. I can be your person.

Speaker 1: 10:19

Connect with me on Instagram, at teachhustlegrow, and as we start to close out this episode, just remember that setting a theme is just the beginning. It's more than a word, it's more than an affirmation, it's more than a phrase. The key is to integrate it into your daily life. Your theme is a commitment to your personal and professional evolution. Embrace the transformative power of setting a theme and watch as it becomes the driving force behind your journey from frustration to freedom. Here's to a year of growth, happiness and the freedom to choose your path. Until next time, stay inspired and keep reaching for the stars.

Speaker 1: 10:58

No-transcript. T-chessel GROW. We appreciate you investing your time with us today. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon to get notified about new videos every week. And if you haven't subscribed to our channel yet, please leave a like and a comment below and I'll see you in the next episode. Thank you for tuning in to Eat. Thank you for tuning in to another empowering episode of T-CHESSEL GROW. We appreciate you investing your time with us today. Don't forget to hit the follow button and leave a rating or review. Your feedback fuels our mission to support educators like you. Connect with us on Instagram at teachhouselgirl. Share your takeaways, insights and any aha moments from today's episode, and don't miss out on the wealth of resources in our show notes. Click the links to join our information pack weekly newsletter. It's a gateway to relevant blog posts, resources, teacher tips and more. Remember your journey to personal growth and empowerment as an educator is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep hustling, keep growing and we'll catch you in the next episode. Until then, stay inspired.