When I was writing my dissertation, I would stop and dream about receiving my doctorate. The day would be perfect, celebrating with my family. I would graduate in spring, which signals new beginnings and another goal accomplished.
The day came to walk across the stage, and it was joyful but not quite as beautiful as the dream. I was appreciative, but I was already onto the next goal. Isn’t that the way it is with goals? It may sound cliche – the joy is in the journey, but Isn’t it so true? The joy is in dreaming of the goal. The joy is in the successes and the challenges the journey brings to you.
Think about a goal you achieved. Maybe it was dreaming of purchasing a house, getting a job promotion. Think about how you would daydream about it. Didn’t dreaming of the goal put you into the joy of the moment?
How does this relate to classroom management?
Let’s say your goal is to have a calm, productive classroom. However, your classes are offering you consistent resistance. You become frustrated, and your communication diminishes along with your energy. Take a moment and revisit your vision of a calm classroom. Sit down and dream about the perfect classroom. Make a list of all the positive aspects – what does it sound like? What does it feel like? What does it look like? Each morning and right before you go to bed, take a moment to envision your calm classroom. Visualize it in the present moment, as if you already have a calm classroom. Try not to state it in the future (I will have); state it as if you have it (I am). This will give you the feeling of having it, and you will then begin to believe your vision. Go on about your day knowing that your vision will manifest.
When you find yourself facing contrast as you are on the path to reaching your goal. Take a moment and go back to your dream. Imagine how it feels to accomplish the goal. This will instantly put you in a better feeling place. You are then able to go back to the challenge you are facing with a renewed perspective.
Let me know your thoughts. I have had some great responses from past articles. Thank you for reading and responding. I appreciate you! Keep doing great work! 🙂
