End-of-the-School-Year Resolutions

Other ideas can be found, believe it or not, in this little clip from the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Take time out to access your own personal and professional goals. After all, if our emphasis and focus is TOO much centered on school and classes, we lose our essence of self. Really! This might sound pretty New Age, but where do you think a lot of burn-out comes from? If you're married or a parent, don't forget about that side of you. We, as music teachers in particular, often define ourselves JUST as musicians and tend to forget how multi-faceted we are. Cater to the other things you enjoy: teaching Sunday school, gardening, mountain climbing, whatever! Contrary to my article of last week, don't spend your WHOLE summer getting ready for next year!

To keep things focused and in perspective, write down your goals and resolutions. Next year, keep them clipped in your plan book. It does really help to write yourself notes. A nifty idea I learned from one of my school's secretaries: Mary takes notes and staples them around her purse handle! This really works if you're a traveller. It's such a fulfilling feeling to check things off.

By doing these resolutions while this past year is still fresh in your mind, you can help yourself get off to a great start come September. Next week, my article will be on great ways to honor Memorial Day and other patriotic holidays.