The Principal Purpose Podcast

Episode Show Notes:- Welcome to the Principal Purpose Podcast hosted by Lynn Hardin, a Principal and Certified Life Coach. - This podcast aims to shape you into the Principal everyone adores by discussing trust, relationships, and commitment.Main Discussion:- Lynn shares personal experiences of getting derailed from her routine due to selling her house.- Discussion on effective time management and its importance in boosting productivity and well-being.- Time management techniques shared:  - Setting clear goals.  - Prioritizing tasks with methods such as the Eisenhower box or ABCD method.  - Utilizing the two-minute rule.  - Importance of technology like Todoist, Trello, and Google Calendar.  - Breaking down overwhelming tasks.  - The Pomodoro technique.  - Dangers of multitasking.  - Grouping similar tasks.  - Setting deadlines.  - Delegating tasks.  - Combating procrastination.  - Reducing distractions.  - Reviewing and adjusting weekly plans.  - Allocating time effectively using the '8-8-8' rule.  - Starting the day early for increased productivity.  - Allocating time for self-care.Highlight:- Lynn introduces the 'worry list' technique:  - List down all worries.  - Categorize them into 'no control', 'some control', and 'full control'.  - Reflect on items where one has control to act upon them.Closing Notes:- Introducing the 'Tiny Time List' for tasks that can be done in short time bursts.- Encouraging listeners to live and act on purpose, serving their students, community, and staff.- Offering a special gift for listeners: A Principal Planner available for download on Lynn's website.

EPISODE NOTES:Introducing Danny Bauer: A renowned principal development and retention expert, best-selling author, and the host of two globally recognized podcasts.Bauer's Mission: Aimed at building better leaders for schools, Danny discusses how he helps educators combat isolation and find solutions to their major challenges.Personal Touch: Diving deep into Danny's favorite childhood memory of a Renaissance Fair and its connection to his leadership journey.Discovering the Podcasting World: Bauer's inspiration from "Entrepreneur on Fire" by John Lee Dumas and his realization that there was a gap in the market for school leader-focused content.The Importance of Focus: Bauer emphasizes not diversifying too much but instead honing in on what works, which for him is the "Ruckus Maker Mastermind."Origin of "Ruckus Maker": Danny's inspiration from Seth Godin's ideas on disruption and "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon, leading to the birth of the term "Ruckus Maker" as a descriptor for trailblazing leaders in education.Staying in Your Lane: Emphasis on the value of consistency and staying true to one's mission, as key advice for both leaders and entrepreneurs.Impact on Education: An overarching theme throughout the interview is Bauer's dedication to creating a positive disruption in the world of education, molding better leaders, and ensuring a brighter future for students.Danny Bauer Websites and Social LinksBLBS Website: https://betterleadersbetterschools.comDownload The School Leadership Scorecard™: https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/scorecard Build Leadership Momentum: How to Create the Perfect Principal Entry Plan: buildleadershipmomentum.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danevanbauer?ref=bookmarksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielevanbauer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdannybauer/Medium: https://alienearbud.medium.com/BLBS on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-leaders-better-schools-podcast-Danny-bauer/id1036167679?mt=2BLBS on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3c1dkdobcUbAmUHfBWovuk?si=zTD5xZRTSj6rxXlucl6sUQSchool Leadership Series on Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/school-leadership-series-with-Danny-bauer/id1352995134?mt=2School Leadership Series on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ok6PzXGfcbuqyiOYT0hZfFREE PLANNER: https://www.lynnhardin.com/This planner for a school principal will make it simple to map out the school year, months, weeks, and days so you can be what your were meant to be, a principal everybody loves.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve deep into the intricacies of our brain, exploring the negative biases imprinted on our minds by our ancestors. We offer insights and practical steps to help school principals and leaders navigate these biases, hone emotional intelligence, and evolve into leaders who are loved, respected, and admired.Episode Notes:IntroductionObjective: To nurture leadership qualities admired by all – from teachers to district personnel.Brain Basics 101The architecture of our mind: growth vs. closed mindset.Importance of understanding basic brain biology for leadership.Qualities of Strong LeadershipThe role of emotional intelligence in leadership.Dealing with negativity: Converting challenges into opportunities or comfort.Understanding Negative BiasEvolutionary origins: Why our brains focus on potential dangers.Modern-day implications: Principals might not face saber-tooth tigers, but the bias persists.Real-life examples: The fixation on criticism and overlooking compliments.Mental ReconfigurationFun experiment: Humming the ABC song to shift thoughts.Steps to navigate negativity:Observe the thought.Normalize the thought.Neutralize by focusing on facts.Deep Dive: 'Not Enough' SyndromeThe subconscious standards we set for ourselves.Challenge: Asking ourselves why we believe certain standards are needed.The importance of self-acceptance.Solutions and StrategiesRecognizing the brain's concerns with compassion.Viewing challenges as learning curves.Reminder: Leadership isn't about perfection.Closing ThoughtsAll humans grapple with negativity; it's our response that differentiates us.Challenge for listeners: Transform your mindset and evolve into a more effective leader.FREE PLANNER: https://www.lynnhardin.com/This planner for a school principal will make it simple to map out the school year, months, weeks, and days so you can be what your were meant to be, a principal everybody loves.

**Episode Notes: "Dear brain, you can be quiet now." or how to Empower Your Mindset - Conquer Negative Thoughts and Lead with Confidence***Introduction:*- Welcome to an empowering episode designed specifically for school leaders like you!- In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating world of self-talk and its impact on our lives as educators.- The start of a new school year is the perfect time to cultivate a positive and empowering mindset.- We all face challenges, but today, we're going to equip you with practical techniques to overcome negative thoughts.*Segment 1: Understanding the Power of Self-Talk*- Self-talk influences our emotions, actions, and overall experiences in life and leadership.- Recognizing negative thought patterns and their effects on our decision-making.- The importance of self-awareness and identifying triggers that lead to negative self-talk.*Segment 2: Flipping the Script - Reframing Negative Thoughts*- Learn powerful strategies to reframe negative thoughts into positive and growth-oriented ones.- How to transform challenges into opportunities for personal and professional development.- The significance of affirmations and how they can shift your mindset for success.*Segment 3: Creating a Positive School Environment*- Discover the impact of a positive school culture on staff, students, and parents.- Practical tips for fostering a supportive and empowering atmosphere within your school community.- Leading by example - how your mindset influences the culture of your school.*Segment 4: Overcoming Leadership Challenges*- Addressing common challenges faced by school leaders and how mindset plays a crucial role.- Coping strategies for managing stress and pressure in your leadership role.- Tips on effective communication to bridge gaps and build strong relationships.*Conclusion:*- Embrace the power of a positive and empowering mindset as you embark on the new school year.- You have the potential to lead with confidence and make a lasting impact on your school community.- Remember, self-talk is a skill that can be honed and improved over time.- Practice self-compassion and celebrate your growth as a leader.- Thank you for joining us on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button to stay inspired on your leadership path.So, let's get started and make this school year one of growth, learning, and leadership excellence! Tune in now and let's dive deep into the world of self-talk and embrace the incredible potential that lies within each of us. You've got this!

In this episode join us as we dive into the world of education and problem-solving. Our focus is on the persistent challenge faced by school principals – unmotivated teachers. Discover how a creative approach, using the powerful Zwicky Box technique, helps a school principal explore unconventional solutions to boost teacher motivation. From identifying key factors to fostering a positive school culture, this episode reveals the journey of unleashing teacher motivation through innovative thinking. Tune in and be inspired by the transformative possibilities of the Zwicky Box!

It is crucial to balance the need for teacher support with you and your responsibilities. I know by implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage the timing of when teachers pop-in.  If you address these underlying needs first, provide appropriate channels for communication and support your life will be so much easier.   You'll be able to minimize the occurrence of that inconvenient pop-in while still maintaining a productive, supportive working environment, and a positive school culture.   https://www.lynnhardin.com/ Instagram Facebook Linkedin

As principals, we dedicate ourselves to the success of our students and schools throughout the academic year. However, it's crucial to remember that we also need time for rest and rejuvenation. Today, we'll explore practical strategies that will allow you to make the most of your summer break, ensuring you return in the fall feeling refreshed and energized.Let's dive right in!Our first key topic is prioritizing self-care. As principals, it's easy to neglect our own well-being while attending to the needs of others. However, taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining long-term effectiveness. So, what can you do to prioritize self-care during the summer break?- Establishing Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Designate specific days or times for relaxation, family activities, and pursuing personal interests. Avoid the temptation to constantly check work emails or engage in work-related tasks during your designated time off.- Engaging in Activities You Love: Identify activities that bring you joy and make them a priority during your break. Whether it's reading, hiking, painting, or spending quality time with loved ones, engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Remember that indulging in your passions is not only rejuvenating but also enhances your overall well-being.- Nurturing Your Physical Health: Use this time to focus on your physical well-being. Engage in regular exercise, eat nutritious meals, get plenty of sleep, and consider engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga. Prioritizing your physical health during the summer break will contribute to your overall energy levels and help you start the new academic year feeling revitalized.While it's crucial to prioritize relaxation, we also want to ensure that we make the most of our time off. Let's explore some strategies for maximizing productivity during the summer break.- Setting Clear Goals: Define what you want to accomplish during your break. Whether it's completing professional development courses, organizing your workspace, or planning for the upcoming school year, set clear goals that align with your aspirations. Break these goals down into smaller tasks to ensure a sense of progress and accomplishment.- Time Blocking: Create a schedule or use a digital calendar to allocate specific time blocks for work-related tasks and personal activities. This helps maintain balance and ensures you allocate sufficient time to both work and relaxation. By assigning dedicated time slots for specific tasks, you can stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed by an endless to-do list.- Delegation and Empowerment: Identify potential leaders within your school community and delegate tasks accordingly. Empowering others not only lightens your workload but also provides growth opportunities for aspiring leaders. Trusting your team and allowing them to take on responsibilities fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, ultimately benefiting the entire school community.- Embracing Technology and Systems: Leverage technology tools to streamline tasks and improve efficiency. Whether it's using productivity apps, project management tools, or automation software, embracing technology can save you time and energy. Explore how technology can support your workflow and help you streamline administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on high-impact initiatives.Lastly, summer break presents an ideal opportunity for reflection and professional growth. Let's explore how principals can make the most of this time to further develop their skills and passions.* Reflecting on the Past Year: Take time to reflect on the previous academic year. What worked well? What challenges did you face? Use this reflection to identify areas for improvement and set goals for the upcoming year. Consider journaling or engaging in conversations with trusted colleagues to gain different perspectives on your experiences.* Professional Development: Explore professional development opportunities that align with your interests and goals. Whether it's attending conferences, participating in online courses, or joining webinars, invest in your professional growth. Choose topics that inspire you and expand your knowledge base, ultimately benefiting your leadership abilities and the overall success of your school.* Networking and Collaboration: Connect with other principals and educational leaders through networking events or online communities. Collaborating with like-minded professionals can provide fresh perspectives and insights. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can support your growth as a principal and enhance your effectiveness in leading your school.As we wrap up today's episode, remember that your summer break is a valuable time for you to recharge, reflect, and grow. By prioritizing self-care, maximizing productivity, and focusing on professional development, you'll set yourself up for a productive and fulfilling summer break. When you return in the fall, you'll bring a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm, ready to lead your school community to new heights.Thank you for joining us today on "The Principal Purpose Podcast." Until next time, keep living on purpose!Visit: https://www.lynnhardin.com/ for this free guide:  Learn how to leave work at work with this free survival guide!Want to have a healthy life-work balance, but aren't sure where to start? Or maybe your work is great, but your home life is out of whack?This complimentary survival guide will help you find balance. Three simple words and three simple steps create the results you want in your workday and life, without the guilt or shame.

What's interesting about effective leadership is it's also about how to be an effective anything, effective life, coach, effective parent, effective friend, effective human being. So to be an effective leader, he must first start from the authentic part of who you are. Each of us has an inner being. As you may call it a. spirit, a source, whatever is not instinct or what's going on in a primitive part of our brain. This inner being is our primary tool to being great. So I want to encourage you to be yourself. To experience beyond. Your limitations. And to become stronger. More alive. We all achieve better results. When we have a sense of expansion, we are expanded. And I'll explain what that means later. It doesn't mean. Like gaining weight or expanding, and the hip barrier from sitting at your desk too much. That's not what I'm talking about. I'm really talking more about. Uh, mindset expansion of our minds, expansion of our heart expansion of our being expansion of our willingness to take massive action. And we've become more of who we are. When we practice. Looking at our thoughts. Looking at our feelings, which are vibrations and in combination. Of thoughts and feelings in this vibration, we will attract outer successes. Authenticity. It's your own style? It's your own personal style. Oh, your strengths and skills, life experience, intuitive sense. Lead from the center of your authentic being, you are valuable just the way you are in this moment. You're enough just as you are right now to be a really great and successful leader. And I wish I had known that my first week as a new principals, so many years ago. I was enough at that moment. If I had been authentic. And instead I was trying to be this persona or my perception of what a great principal was. I was really modeling the principals that I had had in high school and middle school and elementary school, you know, the kind of principles that sit behind the desk and they're large. Charge. And if there's a problem it's off with your head and you never see them. That way. Was not me. That was not who I am as a person, but that's what I thought. And I wish I had known at that moment that I was enough. I'm here to say right now you are, whether you're starting out in your new school. Or whether you're in your 20.  I'm going to let you in on a well kept secret. I don't think that. You learn this in school or graduate school? At least I didn't, when I was getting my credential and I don't know that mentors will, will tell you and. This is my experience. Everyone else are the experts. The parents are the experts of their children. The teachers are the ex. Bursts of their teaching and their instruction, their classroom, their classroom management. The special education. Directors and assistant supes. They are the experts. We do not have to be experts in really any area. Except. Being authentic we don't need to know more than our teachers, our parents, our students, our district. Personnel. We don't need to know more. Leadership is all about listening to and responding to whoever it is that you are interacting with rather than advising or trying to fix. Active and deep listening requires practice. Not expertise. And this is the number one secret. To being a great leader. I remember. My first year. When I did not, I believe that I had to be everything and no more. And of course I didn't. So I was terrified and acted accordingly. And I wasn't real present. I was always in the future trying to problem solve. And I remember a wonderful father coming in. So concerned about his son who. mean, how much trouble can you really get in elementary school? Something had happened on the playground. I don't even remember what it was, but I remember him saying to me, and it changed my leadership. He looked at me, not happily and said, I don't think you're listening to me. And you know what he was right. I wasn't, I was just responding and trying to get him out of my office and move on to the next problem. And it woke me up. And I told him, I said, you're right, let's start again. I'm here.  We can listen and respond appropriately when we are being rather than doing, when we're asking questions, instead of giving advice. Wherever we're talking to teacher, parent, student, and expecially students have answers within themselves. And a good leader, a good principal reminds them of their infinite wisdom, helps him to see things from a different perspective and come to their own conclusions and solutions. When someone comes up to their own conclusions or solutions and has the answers within them. They take action. They're more apt to do it rather than say. Yep. I'll try. I'll try. And then. They're not going to, because it was your solution, your aunt's or my solution. My answer. My job. As a principal, as a leader is to hold. Stakeholders. My community teachers, staff, students in a safe place. While seeing their higher vision. When someone comes to me with his or her own conclusion. There's a bigger impact and an actual energy shift. But then this person is able to take personal responsibility because the solution was his or hers. This accountability allows them to move closer to his or her goal. Remember. What do you focus on? Or what you focus upon expands our thoughts create our reality. When we are coming from a place of doing I'm making air quotes, the aspect of leadership and building.  Our positive school culture building our community. That is when fear perfectionism dread doubt surface. Of course, we need to take action. To create a positive school environment and be great leaders. But our main focus is to be on our vision of what we want. So I'm a big journaler. I have my client's journal. I think even as staff meetings, I've had teachers do writing. And good teachers have their students do writing. So I'm going to give you some homework, pull out your journal. And I want you to answer this question. Or put it as a title. What makes me who I am? What are your character traits? What are your strengths? What are your skills? What are your talents? This will give great information about who you are authentically. And if you're not quite sure, ask a trusted friend or a spouse or partner or family member. To help you see how you really are. Some other homework. I want to encourage you to be aware of when you shift between being and doing. Once you see the impact that being has on your community. Make corrections in the future to focus more on. Being with them and being yourself rather than doing, having an intention, having a strategy. I'm not talking about vision, but I'm talking about being one sided  it's like the other person doesn't even exist. We're going to do it. My way or the highway.  And then in your daily life, how are you showing up authentically? Is there any way that you're not being true to yourself? And write that down also.  And this is not done as some form of judgment or criticism. But what it is, even if you only had one out of the 12 characteristics. What happens is you stay focused on what is working. Rather than what is not because we remember what we focus on expands. So if you were focusing on the one characteristic characteristic trait that showed up, you will attract more of what is working with that person. You hold a focus for that person that can influence even more of what will help them. And we'll build that relationship. We as human beings have a tendency to focus on what is not working. So I think this is a...

In This Episode: Learn why our reality may not be working Learn how to create different results Why we try to change actions before mindset Meditation for The End of the School Year Learn more about how our thoughts create our reality at www.lynnhardin.com  

In this Episode: The end of the school year drama and fatigue Why being tired is not an emergency Why circumstances are not the problem How our thoughts create our reality All problems are thought problems that can be solved at the level of the mind How to motivate ourselves and students How to take massive action to achieve desired results Reach out to Lynn with questions or concerns at lynn@lynnhardin.com or go to www.lynnhardin.com  

What's in This Episode: My personal and professional background on setting boundaries with teachers What is a boundary? The three steps to setting successful boundaries For more information or to contact Lynn go to https://www.lynnhardin.com/

What's in This Episode: * Meet Jethro Jones, national award-winning former school leader. podcaster, and author  * What is the greatest challenge assistant principals face at this time? * What does building a safe community provide * You are normal if disappointed * How to show up and get the job you seek * Learn about the workshop Move Up designed for assistant principals Take a QUIZ and find out what you need to do in order to “Move Up”  

What's in This Episode: My personal and professional background on surviving the end of the school year What is resistance and why does it persist? What it means when there is a school days left countdown posted Why the human brain sees everything as scary What is the principal's superpower? For more information or to contact Lynn go to https://www.lynnhardin.com/

What's in This Episode: My personal and professional background and how I got into coaching. Who this podcast is for and what it is designed to accomplish. What life coaching is all about. The only true way of relieving painful thoughts, feelings and actions that do not serve us. What is a root cause of a problem vs the symptoms of the problem, and why you need to know the difference. For more information or to contact Lynn go to https://www.lynnhardin.com/

About the host Lynn Hardin is a Retired Elementary School Principal and Certified Life Coach for educators.  She understands the stress and anxiety associated with being a principal and leading a school.  She is a wife, mother, grandmother, dog lover, and artist.  She is passionate about helping principals have less stress and more success to live happier and healthier lives.  Connect on Instagram @_lynnhardin.  To work with Lynn privately go the http://www.lynnhardin.com and schedule a call.

In this episode we are talking to Ashley Wolf a teacher, librarian, and life coach about the shift in teachers' mental health and the impact of mindset on a classroom. About the Guest Ashley Wolf is the host for podcast The Teacher Mindset Coach for teachers who want to do the hard work to up-level themselves and have fun along the way.  Ashley rocks your world through mindset stories, strategies and skills that you've probably never been taught before.Email her at ashley@teachermindsetcoach.com Continue the conversation and comradery in The Teacher Mindset Coach Facebook Groupwww.facebook.com/groups/teachermindsetcoach www.teachermindsetcoach.com About the host Lynn Hardin is a Retired Elementary School Principal and Certified Life Coach for educators.  She understands the stress and anxiety associated with being a principal and leading a school.  She is a wife, mother, grandmother, dog lover, and artist.  She is passionate about helping principals have less stress and more success to live happier and healthier lives.  Connect on Instagram @_lynnhardin.  To work with Lynn privately go the http://www.lynnhardin.com and schedule a call.

Rhonda Farr, a Certified Life Coach, joins The Principal Podcast to discuss emotional intelligence and emotional intimacy.   Rhonda Farr works with high performers who are struggling in their relationships and marriage. She helps people who thrive at work, but can't connect emotionally or physically in relationships.  She says about herself that emotions are her jam! Processing them, healing them. Feeling them creating them. Rhonda and Lynn discuss: Rhonda gives the best definition of emotional intelligence Rhonda talks about going through the day and being triggered physically and emotionally “And so the first thing that we have to do is notice those situations where we are being trigger. And then get curious about them.” Rhonda shares how to increase one's emotional intelligence “What does one do after getting curious?” “When we can tolerate and handle our own emotions and regulate, regulate a little bit, we might get to have a more honest conversation, which is a layer beneath that.” Lynn and Rhonda talk about how to handle or what to say when feeling defensive. Rhonda explains why children have an easier time with emotions than adults and shares how to teach our children emotional intelligence. Learn how to teach our children about emotional intelligence Learn more about Rhonda's work and how to work with her privately at https://rhondafarr.com/work-with-me/ or follow her at @rhondafarr_coaching You can also listen to her podcast https://rhondafarr.com/podcast/ Subscribe to The Principal Podcast to get more deep-dive interviews, tools, and inspiration for educators on topics making a difference for educators.   Visit https://pod.link/1570909211 to learn more about The Principal Podcast for educators. About the guest Before having her four boys Rhonda was as a family counselor for a substance abuse center.  She married her counseling background with life coaching to help others feel emotionally connected in their marriages.  She loves to sort through all the feels.  She believes and knows intimacy work + emotional work= growth and connection.  She helps high-performers such as school leaders who thrive at work but struggle to connect emotionally in relationships. About the host Lynn Hardin is a Retired Elementary School Principal and Certified Life Coach for educators.  She understands the stress and anxiety associated with being an educator pre and post pandemic.  She is a wife, mother, grandmother, dog lover, and artist.  She is passionate about helping teachers and school leaders overcome anxiety, chronic stress, and worry to live happier and healthier lives.  Connect on Instagram @_lynnhardin.  To work with Lynn privately go the http://www.lynnhardin.com and schedule a call.

Jane Pilger, a Master Certified Life Coach, joins The Principal Podcast to discuss the phenomena of binge eating and how to support yourself instead of shame yourself.  As women and educators, we understand that food takes up a lot of mental space. Jane and Lynn discuss: Jane shares what a Master Certified Coach is and why she decided to become one and work with women who want to stop binging and feel safe in their body or safe around certain foods. Jane talks about her first binge and what she did to stop. Lynn describes binging as a young woman “The nervous system is going to respond based on its perception of safety.” Jane talks about how we use food to disconnect and when we can look at it without shame or judgement, we can approach the behavior with understanding What is binging anyway? “In talking about it, that we can remove the shame” Lynn and Jane emphasize the importance of talking about it Jane describes her program where one learns there are 8 reasons for binging and there are 8 solutions Thoughts on Jane's favorite teacher Mr. Apple and his impact on her   Learn more about Jane's work and how to work with her privately at https://www.janepilger.com/work-with-me and more about her program The Binge Breakthrough here https://www.bingebreakthrough.com/blueprint You can also listen to her podcast https://www.bingebreakthrough.com/podcast   Subscribe to The Principal Podcast to get more deep-dive interviews, tools, and inspiration for educators on topics making a difference for educators.   Visit https://pod.link/1570909211 to learn more about The Principal Podcast for educators.   About the guest Wife. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Cat mama. Christian. Triathlete. CPA. Commercial real estate broker and developer. These are a few interesting things about me that I can fully embrace and appreciate now that I am no longer consumed by thoughts about what I have eaten, what I will eat, or collapsed in shame thinking something is wrong with me. Now I spend my time and energy connecting with others, helping women end the cycle of shame around food and their bodies, and chasing finish lines. I strive to make a difference in the lives of those around me while living a life of love, trust, adventure and growth.  About the host Lynn Hardin is a Retired Elementary School Principal and Certified Life Coach for educators.  She understands the stress and anxiety associated with being an educator pre and post pandemic.  She is a wife, mother, grandmother, dog lover, and artist.  She is passionate about helping teachers and school leaders overcome anxiety, chronic stress, and worry to live happier and healthier lives.  Connect on Instagram @_lynnhardin    

Relationship Coach Kari Lynn Morgan and Former Principal and Life Coach Lynn Hardin got together over tea and chatted about the following Transitions from work to home Communication Skills for getting what you need Connection creating safety Relationships being important because we work with people The power in expressing one's concerns Parent complaints misnomer chickens Her favorite teacher and why To learn more about Kari Lynn go to https://www.karilynncoaching.com/   or send an email to /karilynn@karilynncoaching.com To learn more about Lynn go to https://www.lynnhardin.com/ or email her at lynn@lynnhardin.com    

Happy New Year and this is the month that we put the pedal to the metal for advancing student learning.  There are three random tools that are making my new year fun, simple, and productive.  They are easy to implement and can be used for all ages. The three new things that I'm doing for the new year and I invite you to join me is to add a sensory experience using your five senses to your planning. Whatever it is that makes you feel present, that makes it more enjoyable using sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. The second thing that I'm doing is noting the remarkable using notes, journals, planners or bulletin boards, and the third thing is ditching or donating and de-cluttering my digital and physical environment.  

Choosing a word of the year is a great alternative to doing New Year's resolutions. Which I'm not a big fan of because I don't, they've never worked for me. I personally don't know anyone else they've ever worked for, and the research shows that about 99% of us give up by January 19th. Plus, there are a lot of other ways to fulfill one's purpose, to accomplish goals, to live our best life to to make changes. And the practice of choosing a Word of the year is that instead of setting a lot of different New Year's resolutions, you just select one single word to be your focus or purpose for the year. And besides, another thing about those New Year's resolutions is, , we can change our lives at any time. All right, so back to our word of the year and how we're going to do it.   You can use this word to set your goals or intentions for each area of your life.

"Grief is deep love with no place to go." What losses have you experienced this year?  Is it an object or possession, a relationship, emotional well-being, a loved one or pet, money, your career or calling, health, or spiritual connection?  Odds are you have experienced a loss in one or all of these categories. As if a loss wasn't enough the grieving process comes next.  Loss and grief are partners. The holiday season is here, and the expectation is that this is supposed to be a time of happiness and joy. However, if you are grieving any loss, it may seem hard to find hope in dark days or strength to celebrate. I want you to know that you are not alone, and I get it. What if you could finish out the year inviting more peace into your life?  This is my hope for you. Download my guide “Leave Work at Work and Drive Home Happy” – https://www.lynnhardin.com/resource Or simply come and say hello over on Instagram @_lynnhardin https://www.instagram.com/_lynnhardin/

The topic of mistakes is vital to work-life balance for educators because thinking about or ruminating about them is one of the top ways we bring our work home. The work in paper form travels in the trunk of our car from school to home and back to school again. Then there is the mental work we bring home. You know when we can't focus and keep replaying what happened in our head, wishing we had said something different or done something differently? You can't sleep or wake up thinking and reliving what happened. We all make mistakes. The good news in this podcast is that you will learn three simple things that can help you leave work at work when you make a mistake. To make mistakes is the human experience and a school leader's best learning.

Today's episode is all about the to-do list. More specifically, the doable to-do list. As educators, we have multiple to-do lists that seem impossible! I will share tips and tricks in compiling a feasible to-do list you can create on your own. I'll lead you through the mindset and perspective around this practice and discuss the importance of having a to-do list that is meaningful and believable to you. Finally, you'll receive a plan with steps to create a doable to-do list that will simplify your life and give you the balance and freedom we so desire as educators. Stay tuned for this insightful episode about creating a personal doable to-do list!   In This Episode: [01:50] What is an achievable to-do list?  [04:11] After making your doable to-do list, honestly rate the possibility of making this list happen. [07:56] Create a doable to-do list with the intention of success and happiness for that day. [11:02] How to create a doable list. [16:23]  What is valuable about the doable to-do list is we begin by loving ourselves, committing to ourselves and making what we are doing realistic. [17:16] When is the best time to create your doable to-do list?   Key Takeaways: Do not create your to-do list from a place of judgment or shame. Create a doable to-do list with the intention of success and happiness for that day. The most important thing when creating your doable to-do list is to think about what you want to do for that day, what you need. Also, always reflect on where you are. It's about creating a to-do list that you can commit to. Keeping our word to ourselves not only gets things done that need to be done, but it also lightens the load in our minds. Then we start to become a person who states what we are doing or going to do and is intentional in our word which builds confidence and self-esteem. When creating a doable to-do list, it is important to only look at the next 24 hours, no further.

This episode is all about journaling. Do you ever think to yourself, why can't I just simplify my teacher life? Most likely, you start the year strong, but by November, you are simply exhausted. This exhaustion will lead to what we call 'stinking thinking.' It's time to take those self-limiting doubts and turn them around. Tune in as we help you learn how to use your conscious brain more consciously to work in partnership with the instinctual part of your brain, rather than just having knee-jerk reactions and stinking thoughts.   In This Episode: [02:00] Noticing your ‘stinking thinking' is a skill that you can develop.   [05:35] It's time to work together with the conscious part of your brain, AKA the human spirit.   [08:50] Look at your thinking and decide what is true; remember, you have the power to choose.  [10:10] Journaling 101: what you need to know.     Key Takeaways: The best way to look at your thinking is through journaling.  Get a journal – don't overcomplicate it and find something simple.  Keyboarding will not get the same results as writing it down with pen and paper. Try writing about yourself, writing your thoughts, and write down what you think about your students. 

So many teachers complain about how difficult it is to balance work and home. Sadly, work takes a more significant percentage of time and energy. Since it is human to strive for homeostasis and balance, that's what we're going to dive into during this episode. Plus, we will discuss a simple solution for refining work-life balance and finding out how all of this connects to our thoughts. We go in-depth on our beliefs, specifically, 'stinking thinking.' Tune in as I give tips, tricks, and what to do about those self-limiting thoughts in our head.   In This Episode: [01:30] We spend the most amount of our time doing work. Well, work-life balance is possible!  [08:10] Start simple and figure out what slight shift you can make today.  [12:00] Make sure to put energy into your self-talk and think about your boundaries.  [17:00] When you become aware of your thoughts, then you will no longer fixate on them.     [22:15] Call to action: look for teeny tiny thoughts that you can change in your life.     Key Takeaways: Buy an uncomplicated and straightforward journal. Then, write down simple steps on how you will achieve work-life balance.  Decide what time you will end work each day. Write it down in your calendar, so you don't forget.  Remember, if you don't do something perfectly, you still need to be kind to yourself.  Watch your self-talk. Talk to yourself the way that you talk to other people. 

In this first episode of Happy Teacher, Happy Life host Lynn Hardin speaks to overwhelmed teachers who feel school takes over their whole life. She shares her story and simple processes that guarantee balance and freedom to get back to what makes one happy. Join Lynn as she uses her own experiences in education to inspire other teachers to improve their self-care, communication, and relationships. Learn how to achieve happiness with the results of balancing home and school life.    In This Episode: [00:31] Lynn's background as a teacher and principal and why she is so passionate about sharing her experiences and desire to help other educators [02:20] Achieving work-life balance and avoiding burnout [05:30] Lynn's struggles as a child that led to never feeling like enough, depression, and anxiety as an adult and also an educator [11:11] The journey of self-help and self-development to become a better mother and wife [13:36] Lynn's path to teaching and becoming an administrator [16:22] Using journaling, listening, and reading as simple tools to find balance and to get better results at work and at home. [21:00] What Lynn's goals of this podcast are to fellow educators and administrators   Key Takeaways: Constant overwork and overwhelm is not going to make you a better teacher- it will instead make you stressed and out of balance Finding tools to help you de-stress, and work on your personal development will help you prioritize and do your very best more efficiently. Gifting yourself self-love and self-esteem with simple tools will help you stop thinking about the things you aren't doing and dwell less on past mistakes and you'll start to feel better and think clearer and be more productive and positive in your career and life.    Links Mentioned: happyteacherhappylife.com