smh... student motivation hints

When a student comes in flustered, confused, emotional, I know we can solve the problem no matter what- BECAUSE they took that one step to come in and talk to me. You don't have to do the entire assignment, or know how to complete something to take that one step. Don't sit on thoughts and emotions- go for the simplest easiest action now!

When you are open to understanding the truth behind your actions and thoughts, you are listening! Be open to advice, criticism, from someone else, or yourself! This kind of studying is how we learn the best solutions to improve however we truly want.

Let your relationships inspire you, motivate you. Work at them, rely on them, contribute positively to your friends, family, and significant others. Even when it's hard, especially when it's not going well. This will teach you how to practice the skills of positivity and perseverance that we know will be useful in all aspects of life. 

You are born into some identities, others happen to you unknowingly. But if you want to change your life, first you have to change you mind. You have to change how you view yourself. 

Fear drives a lot of our behavior, in fact maybe all of our negative behavior? So understanding what you are afraid of can help fix the negative, self-destructive behavior you want to eliminate from your life. Don't be afraid of learning about your fears :)

something you don't want to do? Welcome to life! But the more you fight the things you know you have to do or should do, the harder your life becomes. Solution? LEAN IN! Be agreeable, let it happen, say YES! even if you don't want to, you will make your life easier. And who doesn't want that?!

Tons of new things on your plate got your overwhelmed? No worries, take it one at a time, and it'll be easy peasy before you know it.

As a teacher we want our kids to be mature. Most students would probably like to be treated like mature adults, but have to demonstrate it first. So, how can we bridge the gap? Choices. No judgement. No emotion. Just choices and consequences. 

Humans tend toward negativity, shoot every animal does! We focus on the bad stuff naturally, but it doesn't have to be that way! Find the good in everything, because it is absolutely there. Because the alternative isn't fun, we know that! It takes practice, but you will see rewards. Promise.

Your brain and mood affect your facial expressions, but ALSO VICE VERSA! When you move that face into a smile, you actually release hormones to increase positive feelings. Negativity has a huge toll, and most of our reactions are involuntary. When you can, notice negativity, and fight it with a voluntary smile.