Build Your Impossible

In the world of athletics, visualization is a well-known secret weapon. From basketball players sinking free throws to runners crossing the finish line, athletes often credit their success to the power of mental imagery. But what if this practice isn't exclusive to the world of sports? As educators, we can harness the same strategy to navigate the challenges of the classroom and beyond, and we can teach our students to do the same. Picture this: before stepping onto the court, a basketball player closes her eyes and visualizes the perfect free throw. She sees the arc of the ball perfectly glides through the net. This isn't just about wishful thinking; it's a strategic mental exercise. Similarly, as teachers, we can model and teach our students to use visualization as a tool for success. Visualization isn't solely about imagining everything going smoothly; it's about seeing challenges arise and visualizing oneself overcoming them with grace and efficacy. Just as athl

  In the pursuit of happiness, Kim Strobel’s wisdom from her new book, Teach Happy , illuminates a truth often overlooked: we deserve a life that radiates joy, both professionally and personally. Far from feeling invisible, we deserve to enjoy the brilliance of a life that brings us fulfillment each day. Strobel dismantles the common notion of linking happiness to specific achievements. Instead, she reveals that happiness isn't the result of reaching a goal but rather what happens first. It's a mindset or a choice that frames our entire existence. But is happiness truly a choice? Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, in a recent conversation on the Mel Robbins podcast, unveils the elusive nature of happiness. Drawing an analogy to staring directly at the sun, he suggests that chasing happiness directly often leads to frustration. Instead, like using eclipse glasses to glimpse the sun's brilliance, happiness reveals itself indirectly through the things that bring us joy and the people who upl

Finding Your Formula to Thaw the Icy Grip of Inactivity Have you ever experienced that moment when you're fully aware of all the tasks awaiting your attention, yet you find yourself immobilized, unable to kickstart your momentum? This experience is called the "functional freeze" - a temporary state of paralysis where even the most motivated individuals find themselves stuck in a cycle of inaction. I have found myself in a functional freeze a number of times. However, what is intriguing is the ability to recognize it, name it, and ultimately work through it. And, if I can recognize it myself, hopefully I can help students move through it. It's a concept I first heard through the insightful teachings of Dr. Nicole LePera, also known as The Holistic Psychologist. Functional freeze isn't just about lacking motivation; it's about being momentarily trapped, unable to transition to a state of productivity. It's like mentally drafting a to-do list filled with ambi

I have been watching a lot of basketball lately. In the fast-paced game of basketball, there's a move called the "And One" – a play that focuses on resilience, determination, and seizing opportunities. It's when a player drives to the basket, faces obstacles, draws a foul, but still manages to sink the shot. And then, as if that wasn't enough, there is a chance to stand at the free-throw line or an extra point. “And One” is a testament to the mindset of refusing to settle even when faced with challenges. In life, we often find ourselves in situations where it feels like we're driving towards our goals, only to encounter obstacles that threaten to throw us off course. We face burnout, lose sight of our purpose, and struggle to maintain balance. But much like in basketball, it's crucial to adopt the "And One" philosophy – to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Magic happens when we decide we can go through difficult moments. Author Jo