Jan 2, 2012

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One Word for the New Year

Every single blog and TV program right now is making goals, talking about resolutions and also looking back on the past year.  Some of this is very inspiring to me and other times overwhelming.  This is why I was happy to come across a new approach to the resolution called “One Word”- Basically you choose one word to inspire you and guide you for the entire year. Your word could be something practical like “organize” or something spiritual like “calm”- Choose something you struggle with or a goal you have.  Let this one word drive all that you do, in order to form your best self. It’s a lot less overwhelming than an entire list of resolutions or “to do’s.”

This idea is widely used, but I think some of the best inspiration for these ideas and word ideas comes  from my new favorite guru Christine Kane. Read more about her ideas on her post “Resolution Revolution.”

 

I like the idea of a word for your teaching year.

(or just a word to get you through the rest of the school year), so here are some ideas:

“Efficient” - reminding you to use your time wisely

“Caring” - reminding you to remember the little people in your classroom are just that; Little people who need a caring voice each and every day

“Innovation” - could help you remember to try a few new lessons this year

“Patience”- Remember kids are not machines and we must always strive to be more patient in our line of work

“Smile” - is a great one – don’t forget to smile at your colleagues in the hallway

“No Complaining” - is an important one for me, as I believe negativity is a teacher’s biggest nemesis

I am having trouble coming up with a word for this year. I am thinking perhaps “Grace”- Reminding me to give myself grace when returning to teaching from my leave. Grace to myself because I will have a new norm caring for a family, blog, business and home. I will keep thinking on this one. I do know one thing- I think a word to guide me will really help bring clarity and focus to all aspects of life.

What is your one word for 2012?

Share with us and tell us why. It could be personal or professional. Or you could have one for each.

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    • Karen

      I have been choosing words for a couple of years now. My word for 2011 was Balance. I learned that I could not segment my life. I learned to accept that it is ok to focus on what needs to get done and not feel guilty that I am not doing something else in that moment. Everything ties together.
      My word for 2012 is Confidence. I am looking at Confidence not as an attitude, but as a way of looking at the choices I make. I want to be a confident wife, teacher, friend and artist.

    • Clare

      FOCUS As a wife, mother, and teacher I have lost focus on ME. I am always trying to what is best for my husband, son and students that I forget about me. Even saying that is hard……because I always put me last. But if I am not at my best then how can I give my best. I need to FOCUS on time for ME this year!

      • http://theartofeducation.wordpress.com Jessica Balsley

        Great one, Clare! I always plan to make time for me and then at the end of the day it’s the last thing and I wonder if I’d feel better just checking something else off the to do list, but in the end, time for me will make me more productive…hard lesson.

    • http://Www.theinspiredclassroom.com Elizabeth Peterson

      What a fantastic idea! I’m jumping on board here. This whole week off I’ve been trying hard to not live by lists and enjoy my kids and husband and home. I may use CALM, but more likely BALANCE. That’s what it’s all about after all. What you all say is so true and keeping my mind focused on that word will be an easy way to find peace in all aspects of my life! Thanks, ladies!

      • http://theartofeducation.wordpress.com Jessica Balsley

        I am finding balance is even more important for moms! I am happy you found this idea helpful. Keep in touch and we’ll help each other keep our goals!

    • Sarah

      My team and I are wondering if you ever do staff development courses? Please email me crestviewart1@gmail.com

      Thank you!

    • http://twitter.com/theatrerachel Rachel Evans (@theatrerachel)

      I don’t have one word; I used Chris (of http://www.chrisbrogan.com) Brogan’s Three Words this year. Now that I’ve been musing on these 3 for the past week, I don’t think I could eliminate any of them. They are:
      STEADY.
      INCH.
      BLOSSOM.
      I see all 3 as verbs: reminders that I am capable of steadying myself and others, that it’s ok if my forward motion is only to inch, and that it takes no effort to blossom– flowers blossom not through exertion, but through alignment of optimum conditions. Imagining how these words apply to my teaching is easy, as is seeing them as goals for my students to embrace too.

      For 2013: I’ll try one word! In the meantime, Happy 2012!

    • http://www.k6art.com Rina

      GROWTH. I started an new elementary art blog – k6art.com – in November and my goal is to blog all 2012 at least 2x/week. Big learning curve.
      And….I take adult art lessons….the teacher asked if I would teach children with him all summer. He has a completely different method, philosophy, environment and goals. I said yes (although I am little scared at this point!)

      Thanks for all your tips! I am implementing ‘attention getters’ in my art room.

      • http://theartofeducation.wordpress.com Jessica Balsley

        Your blog looks great- and nice theme, by the way! :) Great minds think alike! Good luck with it all and you will keep your blogging goals, it’s addictive once you start and get into that routine.