smh... student motivation hints

I have to remind myself to not be frustrated or stressed with kids who haven't made the right changes yet because there are SO MANY who have, and more and more changing every day. I'm so excited to see the improvements and watch kids grow and develop because that's what all living things do, FOR A LIVING. and if this podcast or anything else i do can influence that change, i'mma die happy knowing I made a positive change in the world. 

These two freshman girls just met this semester, and they are making huge changes so they can make a better future because they don't want to stress and struggle. One is new to sahuaro and the other had a bad 1st semester, but their future looks super positive because they know if you surround yourself with motivated people, life is so much better, and success is easier! Very proud of these two

sitting down with the hardest working runner i've never taught, we talk about how failing calculus in college twice didn't defeat him because of his experience on the cross country team. Listen in as we dive into his methods for keeping his long term motivation and grind up no matter what obstacles life throws, how to stay driven for YEARS. this 2 hour interview could have easily gone for another 2, we finish with some radical thoughts on how the whole education system could be improved. truly one of the greatest conversations i've had, well worth the time. 

you can choose to lower and raise your cortisol and adrenaline with your sympathetic nervous system to perform when you need to, the question is, how high to raise those hormones? how long do you need to perform? and can you view this stress as excitement with a positive perspective? stress isn't bad if you know how to PLAY with it

i've never seen this student this stressed. she's usually so happy, motivated, and positive, so i had to investigate. turns out she CHOSE all of these responsibiblties, and she knows they are all good things! but... we have to deal with the negative feelings. by the end of our chat, she had vented and identified the root of the problem and left with a smile and some relief but most importantly: A PLAN OF ACTION. 

these awesome girls inspire me SO MUCH they don't even know... some of the most dedicated girls know how to improve their life with structure and schedules, but they're worried it'll be boring? listen here as they search for some solutions to make their lives even better, dropping all sorts of wisdom and encouragement for each other and for everyone listening. 

5th period raised my adrenaline today, and not in the good way. sympathetic nervous system stress raises your heart rate in a fight or flight situation that threatens life, but in school there is no threat to life, so when students fight me, i fight back. BUT THIS IS WRONG, i need to be sympathetic to the stress you feel and teach you that there is another type of GOOD stress, good adrenaline that is exciting and enjoyable. this enthusiasm for education makes everyone here on this learning team happier and more successful. 

when his parents stepped in he had 9 missing assignments, but most of his other classes are boring. when your dad is a basketball coach, of course ball is life, so bryce is working on specific drills to learn to play with his left hand. He holds himself to a higher standard than just D's, and his goal in life is to be able to do whatever he wants like his grandma. 

establishing good habits can be hard, but there is a formula, and it's WORTH it. when this student started getting their work done they learned that having good habits and getting stuff done feels SO GOOD. your parents are proud of your accomplishments and so are you, but ultimately you become able to change your life however you want through habits, and the reward is feeling you are proud and in control of your achievement. 

amazing academic performance with daily skilled habits can be fueled by a long term goal, and all of them can make you happy. but are you motivated by happiness, or habits, or goals...