Stuck?! Now What?!? Podcast for Teachers: Recent Episodes
Sarah
Conversations to help educators plan an escape route from the disappointment of the education system, fire their admin, and transition to the next chapter of their lives without feelings of guilt, worry about money, or second-guessing.
How clearly can you see your vision? You should be able to see your vision come to life in your thoughts and words in order to be closer to making it reality.
I’m turning your ideas of fear inside out and upside down by considering the possibility that fear is good.
Offering grace to others not only benefits the person offering the grace, it benefits you - the grace-giver too.
What may seem like a little goal for others might actually be a huge goal for you. Ignore the chatter and keep moving w.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
We are often so hard on ourselves that we forget to realize how awesome we are. Let me remind you!
I wonder what some of your non-negotiables are when considering where you’re redirecting your purpose.
Do you naturally tend to think positively or negatively about a situation? I don’t think either is necessarily preferred, but being self-aware can benefit you.
If things aren't going the way you had hoped or had wanted, is that a sign that you should give up and move on?
When you’re feeling frustrated with your job, your lack of progress on accomplishing your goals, or feeling stuck use that as fuel for focusing.
You give so much of yourself to your students, your admin, your colleagues. Make sure you use your downtime to be good to yourself.
I've always been really good at dreaming, but I used to be really bad at the follow through ... the actual doing. I'll tell you how I overcame this.
Life is about adapting, adjusting, and revising. If we are able to successfully accomplish this without (much) delay, we will have lived a full, complete life.
Don’t network, connect and serve. Ask for knowledge and wisdom instead of having an agenda to get something from them. Build relationships instead of stepping stones.
As I get older time seems to go by more and more quickly. It’s easy to consider this as a negative, but here’s a different way to view it.
We look to ancient Hawaiian wisdom for guidance on how to move forward into the future.
Our perspective dictates how we feel about a situation. If we alter our perception, our feelings about that situation can change for the better.
Why is this podcast devoted to mindset? Why is mindset so important? We talk about the dangers of negative thinking and how you can keep yourself from falling prey to it.
In the spirit of the documentary that I promised that this podcast would be, I talk about two things going on right now that I’m struggling with and how I’m coping.
We are celebrating our 100th episode with talking about the key to unlocking the state of mind we all want to be in ... the zone.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” We consider this quote and what it means in our daily lives in this episode of the podcast.
Looking forward to my future self, I hope I have been a good steward of my dream, my purpose, my life's mission.
Have you ever thought of what you would say to your younger self? I explore this question and my answer might surprise you.
Revisiting a previous episode (see episode 81), we have an enormous amount of power over our circumstances simply by our perspective of what’s happening. And what seems impossible to one person is completely possible to another because everything is relative.
But not everybody lives. This quote from A. Sachs reminds us that how we choose to live our lives is of utmost importance.
When you get scared, you might freeze like I do. Learn how to use this self-awareness to get you moving toward your goal.
Along with the determination we discussed in the last episode, we also need pigheaded discipline. We need to work methodically - not haphazardly - toward achieving our goal.
Things don’t always fall easily into place. Often they require you to approach the situation with a stubbornness that can only be described as pigheaded.
As crazy as it sounds, perhaps fear of success and everything it involves is holding you back. After all, if you are successful then you have to recreate it again and again and the bar is higher.
What if I don't succeed in my new career path? What will I do if I hate it? What if I regret leaving education? All of these "what if's" and more come down to the essential question of "what if I fail". We discuss this possibility honestly.
Letting other people's opinions stop you from your purpose is a common fear (and one that has a powerful hold on me too). Let's explore what this means and how to combat it.
All of the "what if's" running through your mind are causing you to question yourself and making you wonder if it's all worth it. We discuss those what if's and talk about how to handle them.
We talk about worry … the benefits of it (yes, there are benefits) and the reasons it can prevent you from taking the next step forward.
We kick off a special in depth look at what is holding you back from making change and how to overcome those things so you can successfully move forward to the next chapter of your life.
By acknowledging our areas of weakness and allowing others who are naturally gifted in those areas to shine, it frees us up to hone in on our strengths and make them even stronger.
We often try to hide our scars whether they are physical or emotional, but what if we celebrated them instead and used them as motivation to push forward and remind ourselves of our strength and ability to overcome?
Despite being very ill and short of breath, I’ve continued to record and publish my daily podcast. The reason is simple and one you can apply to your own situation.
There are no absolute truths in terms of what you are capable of … it’s all a matter of the story you tell yourself.
The destination seems far away, so it’s only natural to want to arrive as soon as possible. However, if you are looking at a shortcut to get there faster it may backfire on you.
One of the main things I am missing my work in education is real, strong leadership. I don't just want a boss ... I want a leader. We discuss the difference and how if affects our day to day roles at work.
When it comes to other people's expectations of your or when you catch yourself second-guessing the size of your dream (I don't really need that ... I would be happy with this instead) don't shrink yourself down to fit these expectation which come from fear and a desire to be excepted (I don't want to shine too bright or else I might upset my friend/family member/co-worker). Nothing good ever comes from playing small.
How do you know when your mission ... your purpose is complete? We consider a quote from a book I read 30 years ago (and proceeded to forget) until I was reminded about it recently.
In response to the questions I asked a few episodes back, I pondered, prayed, and read and I’m excited to share with you my insights about the reason why I’m not satisfied with where my life is (and why you’re probably not satisfied either).
What do you know to be true? Without any doubt, without any question … these core truths guide your life and your choices.
The moment you take FULL responsibility and accountability for yourself and your choices is a game changer. We are not victims of circumstance. Our circumstances don’t dictate our reality.
Sometimes the best way to help yourself is to help others. We discuss how to use this strategy to help with your transition out of education.
We've talked about the importance of visualization and imagination before, but when taken with the other ingredients of success, it helps push you through the messy middle.
Tenacity is one of the most important ingredients as you transition out of education and redirect your purpose. It's going to get difficult, but with tenacity you will be able to see it through to the start of a new chapter in your life.
Continuing on our recipe for transition success, we're talking about courage today. You can't even think of embarking on a new chapter of your journey without exercising your courage muscle.
The next ingredient we dive into is inspiration … how to be an inspiration to others and how to live life with inspiration.
The first ingredient for our recipe for transition success is hope. Without hope, you won’t be able to get very far because hope enables us to push forward even in the most difficult of times.
This is the first episode of a five-episode mini-series diving deep in the key characteristics to find success transitioning out of education and into the next chapter of your life.
When running through the “what if’s” in your mind, most of them are likely negative. Embrace all the things that could go right instead.
What are you telling yourself about a situation that is annoying or uncomfortable? If you change the story you tell yourself, you can change your situation.
The way you perceive things shapes the way things become. Can you visualize your next chapter in your career, or are you letting your doubts and fear affect the future you think you can have?
You aren’t just seeking a better job, you want a better life. This comes from work that gives meaning, being seen and validated in your work, and having good relationships in the work environment.
Without knowing the steps to take, you likely aren’t going to set out on your journey to redirecting your career and purpose. We talk about the path forward.
If you’re thinking about leaving education and all the benefits, you may be asking yourself if you’re delusional for even considering leaving that safety net. We check these fears at the door and honestly discuss if leaving education is a good decision.
We are longing for something to give us meaning and purpose. Why is it so hard to figure out?
You see colleagues leaving education on a regular basis, and the positions are going unfilled … nobody wants the job you have. We talk about how that affects us personally and professionally as well as how to move forward.
As you are setting goals and learning and embracing a new positive mindset and perspective, support it by keeping it at the forefront of your thoughts. We talk about some strategies to help with this transition.
I watched an interview with Ken Coleman and this was written on a board behind him. I was inspired to share this simple reminder with you.
I remember my dad constantly saying these words to me as I grew up. I didn’t realize it at the time, but he laid the groundwork for my growth mindset.
Turn your ideas of adversity upside down and inside out to see the positive attributes of this typically negative thing. We consider the quote by Charles Stanley in our discussion: "Adversity is always unexpected and unwelcomed. It is an intruder and a thief, and yet in the hands of God, adversity becomes the means through which His supernatural power is demonstrated."
I was inspired by a talk given by Brandon Burchard and the questions he wants to be able to answer affirmatively at the end of his life to know he lived a life with purpose and meaning.
Maybe you’ve been visualizing your next chapter in life, but are you dreaming small? Are you playing safe? I want to challenge you to get outside your comfort zone and dream big!
If you are in pain or are suffering, this pain can be used to fulfill your purpose. Don’t be discouraged about where you are or where you came from because it will be put to good use.
If you are just getting by, you can’t show up for life in a way that gives you purpose and joy.
Are you having a hard time visualizing your next chapter because your identity is in education? We talk about how to separate the two so you can move forward with your next chapter in peace.
Consider your default perspectives and turn them sideways for a fresh perspective and mindset.
I’m celebrating my 46th birthday with the 46th episode of the podcast! I share more details of my story with you.
I urge caution when answering this question about yourself and your professional future as well as using caution when answering this question as an education professional.
Looking back to when you decided to become an educator, did it line up with your goals and purpose for your life? Is that where all your frustration with education originate?
When you choose to view your life as a series of choices instead of have-to’s, you receive an amazing freedom.
I feel like I’ve spent time and energy on complaining about my circumstances. Instead I need to channel that into changing circumstances and being more positive.
I say goodbye to the glories of summer break and look ahead to the new school year that awaits me. You might be surprised with my mindset that I’m taking with me.
I often say that with admin (or any government agency) that logic and reason need not apply (and I don't mean it as a positive thing) ... but what if we turn this on its head and see if from a different point of view? Listen to find out exactly what I mean ....
Have you ever noticed that when you buy a new vehicle, suddenly everyone is driving the same one? When your brain focuses on something, it becomes magnified and you see more of it. What are you focusing on with your journey to leave education?
Committing to the process of changing your career is necessary and will help shorten the process.
We’re talking about boundaries around your work and your escape route from education. Why we need them and how to establish them.
Think beyond the goal of leaving the education system and dream big, audacious dreams for the next season of life.
Change is hard, but it can be easier to cope with if we acknowledge it and honor it by grieving.
I’ve talked on more than one occasion about planting seeds in our students, but have you considered who and what seeds are being planted in you?
Today my marriage is old enough to drink! To celebrate I tell you the unexpected story of how I met my husband.
Failure can be defined in a lot of different ways, but it is definitely NOT as a result of wanting a change in your career (no matter what other people say).
I was recently asked for some advice for those thinking about transitioning away from their career education. Here's what you need to keep in mind when you decide that it's time for a change.
Where are my Ally McBeal fans? She had a theme song to help her keep going or stay focused when life throws curve balls. You should have one to!
Living your purpose is an abstract concept. What does it actually look like on a daily basis? I’ll share three ways that told me that I was living my purpose.
No matter where you are on your journey in education, perseverance is the key to getting to the next step.
Just like a bad marriage, you can stay in education for the sake of the kids. It’s noble to want to stay and serve, but are you missing out on your new purpose by doing so?
When you are not treated in a positive manner, how do you react? How can you take that situation and use it as fuel for your fire?
Although it may be scary, it's important to leave your comfort zone if you want to realize your dream of leaving education.
Desire is not a hope or a wish. It burns within you. Follow the process discussed in Napoleon Hill's book, "Thing and Grow Rich" to help turn your desire into reality.
Are you dreaming about leaving education, or are you yearning for it to happen? I explain the difference in this episode.
The education work environment sends the message that we are not valued, worthy, talented, or skilled. Don’t believe it!!
It's time to fight back against the majority who try to force your square-peg self into the rounds holes that they think is the best thing for you. Stop shaving off of your square corners to fit into the round hole! You were made for more than that. Get your free report of 60+ careers for teachers other than teaching at stucknowwhatpodcast.com.
The importance of visualizing and learning to use it as a tool to take a step forward in changing your life.
To go for what you really want and to live a life with meaning it sometimes means answering this question.
I know you're looking forward to the day when you can fire your admin once and for all! Help yourself to make it more real by visualizing yourself on that day. Listen for questions to ask yourself and some tricks to make this monumental moment one step closer to becoming your reality.
I give a behind-the-scenes look at my personal life with an introduction of my husband on his birthday.
What happens when you feel like a fraud and that you may be found out at any moment? This fear is real, and it can certainly interfere with your ability (and desire) to find work that is more meaningful for your life. I give a couple of tips of how to calm the fear so you can move forward with your life.
I was inspired when I read the quote from Catherine Booth when she said, "To better the future we must disturb the present." This SO fits the quest of pursuing the escape route from education that you are on on the way to firing your admin and moving on with the next chapter of your life!
Changing your line of work takes clarity, but what is clarity? How can we find it? I talk about some simple strategies and places to look.
What is a positive growth mindset and how can you apply it to your everyday life? Take a quick test to assess your mindset and learn a couple of quick tips to improve it. Go to stucknowwhatpodcast.com for my free report of 60+ career ideas for teachers instead of teaching.
Listening to the experts' advice of doing what makes you happy for a career led me down a path of misery and feeling even more lost. I later realized what I was seeking was joy. What's the difference? Find out in this episode.
A symbol of strength and bending without breaking. Learn why this is the new symbol of the Stuck Now What community.
In this mission to help teachers who want to exit education, I've been called an admin's worst nightmare. On the contrary, I think I'm an admin's best friend. How can I possibly be both sides of the same coin? I defend my position ...
Picking up on our conversation from the last episode, we'll be discussing the many different skill sets teachers need to possess despite the grade, age, or subject they teach.
Teachers often forget how amazing they are. In this episode we will review a handful of personal qualities most teachers possess.
Continue to hear my story as I detail how I journeyed to finding the key to my escape route from education.
I tell the story of where it all began for me in education, and how I went from working my dream job to being stuck in my work nightmare.
This podcast is for all of the educators who don't feel seen, heard, or appreciated and are fed up! We'll go on a journey together to plan an escape route from the education system and eventually firing our admin!