You Are So Much More Than A Teacher

Sometimes as teachers, we get caught up in believing that our life as a teacher is all consuming. We believe that to be a great teacher we don’t have time for a family, we don’t have time for hobbies, social activities or to pursue other interests. Our self image is connected primarily to being a teacher. Your self-image is the way you view yourself. Some people might view themselves as a parent, construction worker, friend, blonde, sports fan, intelligent, impatient, and middle-aged. But you’re more than your career, gender, and age. You’re more than just a teacher.

You’re a unique person with nuances that are unique to you! There are many times when the expectations and demands of being an educator do not align with who we are as individuals. We are often asked to do things that we do not believe in or that are not congruent with our core values. This misalignment between what you do and your values, beliefs, and attitudes can cause you to suffer from stress, anxiety, guilt, and depression. It might seem easier to live up to the expectations of others in the short-term, but the long-term costs are significant.

If you are unhappy as a teacher or feel like you have lost yourself in teaching, then it’s time to reclaim your joy and live a better life. We should all enjoy what we do and live happy and fulfilled lives. The benefits of living in alignment are enormous: success, greater happiness, higher self-worth, and inner peace.

Follow these steps to determine your true self and live life on your terms:

Identify your core values. An authentic self-image is one that is aligned with your values. By knowing your values, you’ll gain an understanding of what is important to you. Once you’re aware of your values, you can build a self-image and life that are more meaningful and enjoyable.

Make a list of your values. Create a long list and include everything that you think applies to you. Then, reduce your list to the ten values that are most important to you. You might struggle to narrow your list to just ten, but ten values are plenty.

Determine if you have any conflicts. For example, you might say that adventure and freedom are two of your most important values, but what if you also strongly favor responsibility and security? Those values could be in conflict.

When you’re faced with an inner conflict, you’re likely to shut down and do nothing. If you’ve ever been paralyzed while making a decision, it’s possible your values were in conflict. Think back to when you’ve struggled to make a decision and see if it’s true.
Do you have any values listed that aren’t really priorities for you? We often carry around perspectives instilled by our parents or society. Here’s a newsflash: they may have been wrong. Take the time to determine your values for yourself. Disregard what society says you should value. You’re an individual.

Create an action plan for each value. Imagine one of your values is freedom. You could create a plan that incorporates that value. You might plan to start by freeing up your time. Take time to enjoy life and not just work to grade papers, create activities and spend time with your students. Start by putting boundaries in place when it comes to protecting your time. Free up your weekends by only allotting 4 hours of your weekend to be spent grading paper or doing other school work.
Make a list of activities you enjoy that are in alignment with your values. For example, if generosity is a priority, you could find an enjoyable way to spend your time helping others. If health is a value you cherish, you could join a yoga class or take a healthy cooking class. Find your favorite sport and participate.
Reflect at the end of each day. Think about the instances when you failed to live according to your values. Likewise, contemplate the times you were able to live according to your values and self-image, particularly when doing so was challenging.

Create a self-image that is in alignment with your values. First, it is necessary to identify and choose your values. Next, construct a life that allows you to live those values consistently and to thrive. Authenticity eliminates many of the common emotional ailments in life, but it’s not always the easiest choice.

Be bold enough to choose the person you want to become and live accordingly. The benefits are enormous!