Creating habits that truly serve you requires two essential ingredients:
intentionality and time. Yet, these can feel like luxuries in a busy classroom filled with active learning, engaging lessons, and the ever-changing needs of students.
So how do you build habits when time feels short and intentionality gets drowned out by the day-to-day rush?
Tips for Teachers
Start Small, Stay Consistent
Begin with one small habit that will make a meaningful difference. For example, start your day by setting a clear intention: "Today, I will focus on praising effort more than results."
Small, consistent actions add up over time.
Pause.
When a trigger arises—whether it's a stressful situation, a challenging behavior, or even a specific time of day—it’s easy to respond on autopilot. Instead, pause and take a moment to observe the trigger without judgment, I sometimes ask "is this how I want to respond?"
This space, however brief, gives you the power to choose a response that aligns with your goals rather than falling into old, reactive habits. Over time, this practice rewires your brain, making intentional responses your new default and paving the way for sustainable change.
Small, consistent actions add up over time.
Changing behavior isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. With intentionality and time, even in a busy classroom, you can create habits that not only support your teaching but also energize and sustain you.
What’s one small behavior change you can start today?
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