Most educators by their very nature are passionate people. As with anything a person is passionate about, educators generally care deeply about the well-being of the students entrusted to their care. Educators must be teacher, mom, dad, counselor, disciplinarian, nurse, and whatever else the moment calls for. To say that educators have a huge job and responsibility is an understatement. In keeping with this thought process, then it is easy to understand why an educator might take on the burden of the shortcomings of their students.
When those we mentor daily fall short of the goals that have been set before them, it is easy to take the entire blame on oneself. This attribute of educators can be beneficial in growth but can also be very detrimental to the educator who focuses too much on the failures and rarely celebrates the victories.
Self-compassion, by definition, is the process of turning compassion inward. Teachers by nature, are compassionate toward their students, their parents, and co-workers. Being compassionate in the educational workplace is critical to the success of the student body we work with. But just as important as compassion toward others is, self-compassion is just as important in guarding ourselves from inevitable teacher burnout.
Self-Compassion: An Agent in Preventing Burnout
As discussed above, we, as educators, are often our own worst enemy. We need to accept responsibility when we “blow it.” It is important to be honest with ourselves when we miss the mark by not emphasizing critical parts of teaching enough. We must realize when we have been too harsh and work diligently to correct where we have fallen short.
We should always strive to correct shortcomings. But we must also learn to realize we are human beings. We must acknowledge and embrace that we are a life-long work in progress. And yes, believe it or not, we are not perfect! We need to embrace our own mortal selves, be open and willing to correct those shortcomings and move forward in the belief that tomorrow is another day, and we are going to be better tomorrow. Then, with that said, put it in the rearview mirror, and enjoy life and the gift that you are to the world. Educators are wonderful people, and as an educator, you are just that. Take the passion that makes you what you are and move forward toward better times.
A good educator is going to be honest with themselves. But, after being honest and resolving the problems and the “fixes” to implement, one should remind themselves that they are good, and good for their students. The heat of the battle of a typical school year can and does weigh on educators. Remember to be gentle with yourself as you evaluate. Think of what you would say to a fellow teacher that is struggling with what you are going through. Take care of yourself. Give yourself a break. Wake up tomorrow with a resolve in your heart to be better than you were today. And sometimes look back and be willing to laugh at yourself; as the “Frozen” teaches us: let it go!
Ways to Practice Self-Compassion
As we consider ways to show self-compassion to ourselves, consider some self-compassion exercises to help yourself.
- Be self-aware of how your talk to yourself or about yourself in a negative way (self-talk). When you realize that you are being negative to yourself, try to stop ASAP and practice mindfulness. A person can honestly self-evaluate without being negative toward themselves.
- Consider how you would treat a friend, family member or co-worker going through the same thing. Would you go in and berate them, and tell them how terrible they are? Would you condemn them forever and suggest they leave the teaching profession immediately? Or would you show compassion to them, and help them through the difficult time? Would you help them resolve the issues and help them to come out on the other side better than they were? Of course, most of us would gladly help others out and try to build them up. With this said, do the same thing for yourself and your self-esteem.
- Find ways to decompress that work for you. Anyone can tell you what they would do, but finding those things that work for you is important. Maybe it is alone time, or family time, or hobbies that take your mind off the strife of daily life and your profession. Whatever it is, strive to identify those things that help you to feel good about yourself. Life does not have to be dedicated to personal improvement 24/7. Sometimes we need to just let go and be what we want to be for a little while.
Education can be tough. Many aspects of the awesome responsibility that God has given us are oftentimes difficult to work in. But the truth is, if we stay true to ourselves, we can and will grow in the wonderful profession, and along the way children will grow and thrive under our guidance. Be good at what you do, but when you aren’t show self-compassion and be ready tomorrow for another day in the greatest occupation a person could ever desire to be a part of.
You are an educator because you are called to be an educator. Just remember even educators struggle sometimes. Just don’t let your struggles defeat you. Instead, let your struggles become your strengths. Our children are counting on you, so be the best for them by taking care of you first. Finally, be thankful for this opportunity you have, embrace it. Your students will love you for it.
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