Will and Intention: Are You Ready for a Change?

Sometimes change hits us broadside: downsizing or divorce, falling love at first sight, or finding out you're unexpectedly going to become a parent.

But more often, change is intentional. Sometimes subtle. Sometimes slow. Sometimes we only change when there is no other choice.

When we're thinking about changing from unconscious to conscious educators, change is often motivated by feelings of burnout, frustration, not being valued, or not in alignment with our ideal selves. We wonder "Is this it? Wasn't teaching in higher education supposed to be more meaningful, more rewarding, more fun?"

When we get to this point, sometimes earlier than we expected, but more often in the mid-to-late phase of our career, we can contemplate a big change: a new institution, a new role, a new career path, a new life! But do we really have to throw away all that we have worked so hard to achieve so far?

When we are truly ready to change, it can be helpful to start from within. When our inner lives are clear, when we know what we need, value, and believe and pay mindful attention to living in alignment with those values, needs, and beliefs with compassion and boundaries, profounds shifts can take place.

Where There is a a Will, There's a Way: Action Follows Intention

In my coaching practice, we work more often with intentions than with goals: we identify the feeling or outcome we intend, rather than setting goals. (Read more here about the difference between goals and intentions, and why this matters.)

True transformation and integrated (i.e. deep, long-lasting) change begins with your desire to have a different outcome than the one you are currently creating in your life. When you apply your will, you will also set an intention for that change.

For example, perhaps you identify that your students are all answering the same test question incorrectly and you would like them to better learn the material. Because you are a great teacher (yes, you), you have the will to change an aspect of your teaching with the intention of improved learning and success for your students...and maybe saving time on grading and feedback and 1:1 sessions going over that same concept with each student individually. If you don't have the will and intention, not much is likely to change. But because you want to change the outcome, you must change something about your teaching behaviors.

Similarly, if you feel frustrated, burnt out, undervalued, overworked or otherwise fed up with your teaching career, you might have the will to change with an intention to feel more energy, engagement, and enjoyment.

So What?

If you're feeling burnt out, frustrated, worn out, disillusioned, overworked, and/or undervalued, I invite you to ask yourself

• How would I like to feel instead?

• What am I willing to do to facilitate a change in my life?

• What do I make it mean that I feel_______________? (e.g. Do you make "worn out" mean "I'm a hard worker"?)

• What do you deserve to feel in your teaching career?
  

You might consider taking some or all of the following actions:

• Noticing when you feel the most burnt out, frustrated, undervalued, etc.

• journalling on the questions above

• Working 1:1 with me or another helping professional

• Setting an intention for how you would like to feel instead and noticing any shifts when you act from that intention

• Subscribing to this blog for more ideas on how to shift into a place of alignment, energy, and joy.

I’m glad you read this today. I’m here to help.

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