We're diving deep into the world of self-care this week with the amazing Robin Bates, the mastermind behind Coaching for Geeks! Right off the bat, we're tackling the idea that instructors often forget to prioritize themselves while juggling all the demands of teaching. Robin shares his journey from feeling lost and overwhelmed to discovering how vital it is to care for our mental and physical health. He spills the beans on how to rejuvenate, avoid burnout, and even embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Plus, we're sprinkling in some fun anecdotes about his life, geek culture, and how it all ties together. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let’s chat about how to love ourselves a little more in this crazy, instructor-filled world!

Robin Bates is the overlord at Coaching for Geeks and he joins us today to discuss self care and how it applies to driving instructors. We discuss the importance of routines and how they can help us relax at the end of the day, how to find out what we actually enjoy doing and how to make time for it. We speak about the need to make hay while the sun shines, but not to overwork and risk burn out. 

Robin also shares some examples of how he's stepped out of his comfort zone and some of the success it resulted in. And, as always Robin is gracious enough to share some of the things he's not great at but trying to improve. 

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We are also joined by Chris Bensted of the Driving Instructor and Trainers collective to give us a round up of all the latest ADI news, looking specifically at the new safe driving for life website.  You can find out more about the DITC here. Or if you'd like to provide feedback on the safe driving for life website.

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The instructor podcast dives into a delightful chat with Robin Bates from Coaching for Geeks, where we explore the often-overlooked topic of self-care in the driving instructor industry. Robin, a former confidence coach turned audience growth guru, shares his journey from a carefree life of video games and questionable life choices to becoming a beacon of support for content creators. Together, we discuss the importance of instructors taking care of themselves, especially after the intense pressures of the pandemic. It’s not just about being a great instructor; it’s about being a happy and healthy one. We laugh, we relate, and we realize that it’s okay to admit we need a breather sometimes. With tips on how to find balance between work and self-care, Robin encourages us to prioritize our mental health. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll, indulging in a favorite hobby, or simply taking a day off, self-love is the name of the game!

Takeaways:

• Self-care is crucial for instructors, especially after the stress of the pandemic; take breaks!
• Robin Bates emphasizes that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone to growth.
• Building a supportive community can help instructors navigate challenges and feel less alone in their journeys.
• Finding your passion takes experimentation; try new things without the fear of failing!
• Instructors should focus on consistent self-improvement to provide the best training for their students.
• Taking time off is not just okay, it's necessary for maintaining mental and physical health while teaching.