How I Overcame Burnout (Even with 2 Young Kids)
Aug 02, 2022
You are such a dedicated teacher—whether you're an O&M specialist, a VI specialist, an AT specialist, a parent, or an administrator. I can see how dedicated you are because you're listening to this during the summer. That’s phenomenal!
Summer: A Time for Rest and Reflection
Summer sometimes gets a bad rep. Yes, it's the time when teachers are supposed to rest, but I’ve been working through it! Teachers often crave time off to recharge, and that's completely understandable. It's essential to lead a balanced life, be excited for the new year, and still have time for personal growth. I want to share how I overcame burnout, even as a mom of two young kids, and how I found a way to balance it all.
I wanted to mention the audio quality difference from last week's episode with Joan, who was amazing by the way! I recorded that episode at my desk, and you may have heard some shuffling noises. Typically, I record in my bedroom, but I didn’t find that ideal for the podcast. I appreciate your understanding on this.
Clearing Out the Notes App
While going through my notes app, I stumbled across an old journal entry. A few years ago, I had written about being envious of another teacher and comparing myself to them. I thought they were making a greater impact than I was. Looking back now, I realize that the biggest change in my life and career was consistency. I stuck with my goals for five years, showing up every day, while that other teacher chose a different path.
The only thing that made the difference was consistency. The secret to achieving our goals lies in the ability to stay the course, even when life gets tough and stressful. Whether you're in your dream job or feeling overwhelmed, it’s essential to keep going and stay consistent.
Overcoming Envy and Comparison
Sometimes I still feel that envy and comparison creep in, but it’s important to remember that we’re all on our own journeys. We’re exactly where we’re supposed to be. There will always be highs and lows, but that’s part of the process. The key is to keep learning, growing, and showing up.
Let’s rewind to the start of my career. When I first began teaching, I was 22, juggling my bachelor's degree while working on my master's program. The workload was intense—working 14-hour days, completing assignments, and managing my responsibilities.
Navigating Burnout and Transitioning
As the years passed, I found myself stuck in a cycle of burnout, trying to be the best, but feeling like I wasn't making enough of an impact. That’s when I started to realize the importance of balance and prioritizing what truly matters.
The real turning point came when I had two kids in 19 months. With the added responsibility of being a mom, I realized that I needed to re-evaluate my career and personal life. That’s when I decided to start my own online business, teaching yoga to busy moms, and learned how to balance both work and family life.
It wasn’t until I learned about time management and the importance of setting systems in place that everything began to click. I realized that by focusing on the most important tasks and eliminating unnecessary work, I could be more efficient and still have time for my family.
The Importance of Lesson Planning
A major breakthrough for me was realizing the importance of lesson planning. Without a solid plan in place, it’s like building a construction project without blueprints. Planning ahead allowed me to be more creative and effective in my teaching, and it gave me the freedom to focus on what mattered most.
Having a structure in place allowed me to be more creative in the classroom. I knew exactly what I was teaching and what materials I needed before the week began. This planning process gave me confidence and peace of mind, knowing I was ready to give my best every day.
Teaching Strategies for Impact
In addition to lesson planning, I discovered the value of innovative teaching strategies. By focusing on creative, effective approaches, I was able to make a bigger impact on my students while reducing stress and burnout.
The ultimate goal is to balance your professional life with your personal life. You can be a dedicated teacher without sacrificing your well-being. With effective time management and lesson planning, you can leave work on time, enjoy personal activities, and still make a difference in your students' lives.
A Call to Action: Join the Free Live Training
If you're ready to learn more about optimizing your IEPs and lesson planning, join me for a free live training session. During this training, we’ll dive into how to create impactful lesson plans without the stress and burnout. You’ll learn systems to help you save time and maximize your effectiveness in the classroom.
The Path to Success
With the right strategies, time management, and a positive mindset, you can be unstoppable. Your learners will thrive, and you’ll have more time for yourself and your family. I hope you’ll join me for the live training—let's step forward together and make this school year a success!
