10 Habits of Positive Educators

My mom is my role model for happiness. She taught me, years ago, that you do not just have good days, you CREATE them. Throughout the years, this quote has stuck with me and has shaped me into the person I am and the person I strive to be. This overarching idea of positivity has inspired me to create this post.

Most people may not realize that positive educators are habitual in nature. Here are 10 Habits, of the many, that I have curated to help shape my own mindset.

Positive people and educators:

1. Look for the positive, rid the negative

As Tony Robbins says, you cannot pretend that the negativity or the “weeds” around you do not exist. For example, continually repeating “there are no weeds, there are no weeds,” will not magically cause the adverse aspects of your life to disappear. Instead, focus on the positive and actively LOOK for it. What you focus on, you will find. When you do see negativity, train your brain to do something about the issue, rather than venting and sulking. Action and mindset are the only ways to accomplish change.

2. Are fountains, not drains

Listen to your inner dialogue and outer dialogue. What tone and messages are you communicating to others about yourself and your values? We need to be aware of the messages and body languages we are sending out to others. Be the fountain, not the drain.

3. Lift those up around them

I often think to myself, “What can I do to make ___________’s day?” I try to be in tune to those who may need an extra lift of love and I do everything in my power to act on that observation with purpose and care.

4. Are grateful

Cheerful people notice the small things that others do around them to be positive change makers. Try to show your appreciation to others in all they do. When you show others that their time is valuable to you and that they matter, you are more likely to see continued positive results from that individual; This applies to students and colleagues alike. Every single person wants to feel noticed, even if they do not show it.

5. Do not forget about other happy people!

When you see a happy person, it is usually not a coincidence. Happy people regularly make efforts to maintain joyful spirits. Do not forget about your happy people! Your blissful colleagues, students, and friends are often the people who need love the most. Happy people fill up the buckets of others, but also crave and need that same love in return.

6. See life through outside lenses

Positive educators do not just understand their life; They take the time to think about what others are dealing with in front of and behind the scenes. Positive educators do not just consider their opinion; they think of the “why” behind the views and actions of others before making irrational judgments and conclusions.

7. Do not make a mountain out of a molehill

Stop. Breathe. Refocus. Positive people catch themselves before reaching an oblivion of pure terror and stress. When you feel your heartbeat rising, ask yourself: Will this problem matter tomorrow? In 3 weeks? In a year? Regain perspective and move forward accordingly.

8. Find value in everyone

Everyone around you has a strength and personal treasure to share with the world. Find value in EVERYONE around you, even in times when it may be difficult. Once you find that special gift in someone, your viewpoint of them will change forever.

9. Read regularly

Find a happy person and I guarantee you that you also have found an avid reader. Happy people look to the advice of others to continually self-improve and read, read, read!

10. Think of each day as another chance to start fresh!

Positive people do not allow yesterday’s problems to weigh them down today. Moreover, they know that each moment and each day is an incredible opportunity to begin again with a fresh slate of limitless opportunities!