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Choosing a Word of the Year for 2024

Published on by Sandy Davis

Happy New Year! I hope you are having a restful holiday and I wish you all the best for the new year.

I’ve recently discovered a simple practice that has the potential to shape the entire year—choosing a Word of the Year.

The idea is elegantly straightforward: select a single word that encapsulates the essence of what you want to manifest in the coming year. This word becomes your guiding light, a beacon that directs your focus, shapes your priorities, and fuels your journey. Some examples include: Renewal, Growth, Resilience, Balance, Harmony, or Transformation, but the posibilities are endless. You could even brainstorm by making lists or a word web before settling on your word.

The benefits of this practice are far-reaching. At the end of this post I’ll share the word I’ve chosen, why I’ve chosen it, and how I plan to use it to focus my goals. I will also invite you to share your word.

Here are some examples of how a single word might impact your year:

Renewal: A Fresh Start

“Every morning brings new potential, but only if you take the first step.”

Choosing ‘Renewal’ as your Word of the Year is an invitation to embrace fresh beginnings. It’s a commitment to shedding the old, obsolete layers and stepping into a revitalized version of yourself. This year, make it your mission to approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose and energy.

Growth: Cultivating Your Potential

“Like a tree, your growth is not defined by imperfections, but by the strength to keep reaching for the sun.”

Opting for ‘Growth’ signifies an unwavering commitment to personal and professional development. It’s about expanding your horizons, stepping out of your comfort zone, and allowing yourself the space to flourish. Cultivate the mindset of a lifelong learner, and watch as your world expands in ways you never thought possible.

Resilience: Bouncing Back Stronger

“In the face of adversity, resilience is your greatest ally.”

Resilience, your chosen word, becomes a source of strength when faced with challenges. Life is unpredictable, but your response to adversity is within your control. This year, let ‘Resilience’ be your armor, helping you bounce back from setbacks and emerge stronger than ever before.

Balance: Nurturing Harmony Within Chaos

“In the dance of life, find your rhythm and savor the harmony.”

‘Balance’ is a powerful word that resonates with the need to harmonize the various facets of your life. Juggling work, relationships, and personal well-being can be challenging, but by choosing ‘Balance,’ you commit to finding equilibrium. Strive to allocate time and energy to each aspect of your life, creating a symphony of fulfillment.

Harmony: Creating Synchronicity

“In the orchestra of life, let harmony be the melody that guides your actions.”

Selecting ‘Harmony’ is an acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of your goals and values. It’s about aligning your actions with your beliefs, fostering positive relationships, and creating a cohesive narrative for your life. Allow ‘Harmony’ to guide your decisions, bringing a sense of unity to your journey.

Transformation: Embracing Evolution

“To transform is to evolve; embrace the journey of becoming who you are meant to be.”

‘Transformation’ is a bold choice, representing the profound shifts you aspire to make. This word calls for embracing change, challenging the status quo, and evolving into the best version of yourself. Let ‘Transformation’ be the catalyst for growth and the driving force behind your pursuit of excellence.

How to Harness the Power of Your Word:

  1. Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on the past year—its triumphs, challenges, and the lessons learned. Identify the themes or aspirations that resonate with where you are now and where you want to go.
  2. Choose with Intention: Select your Word of the Year with purpose. It should be a word that inspires you, resonates with your goals, and encapsulates the essence of what you want to achieve. Trust your instincts; the right word will find you.
  3. Visualize: Create a visual representation of your word. This could be a vision board, a piece of art, or simply a written statement. Place it where you’ll see it daily, serving as a constant reminder of your focus and aspirations.
  4. Incorporate into Goal Setting: Align your goals with your chosen word. If ‘Growth’ is your word, set specific objectives that contribute to your personal and professional development. Let your word inform the direction of your goals.
  5. Check-In Regularly: Regularly revisit your Word of the Year. Consider how it’s influencing your decisions, actions, and overall mindset. Use it as a touchstone to ensure alignment with your aspirations.
  6. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make throughout the year. Small victories are stepping stones to more significant achievements. Celebrate your journey and the person you are becoming.

Embrace the power of your chosen word, and watch as it transforms your year into a masterpiece of growth, resilience, balance, harmony, and, ultimately, transformation. This is your year—empower it with intention, purpose, and the transformative energy of your chosen word.

For my word of the year, I’ve chosen ABUNDANCE. For the past two years I’ve felt the constant constriction of LACK. Lack of time, lack of energy, lack of money. I’m determined this year to focus on what I WANT, not what don’t want.

Abundance means and abudance of time, energy, happiness, money, contentment, ideas, creativity, memories, and love.

If you share your word in the comments, I will create a custom blog post in the next week based on your word, sharing images, thoughts, ideas, and resources based on your word. I will also spend time each month revisiting my word and how it is impacting my year.

Finding Peace Amidst the Holiday Chaos: A Guide to Self-Care and Mental Well-being

Published on by Sandy Davis

The holiday season is often associated with joy, celebration, and spending quality time with loved ones. However, for many, it can also be a time of stress, overwhelm, and overstimulation. Between the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, social gatherings, and the pressure to create perfect moments, it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to stay sane during the holiday season by prioritizing self-care and creating a safe mental space.

Establish Boundaries: 
Setting clear boundaries is crucial to maintaining your mental well-being during the holidays. Learn to say no when necessary and don’t feel obligated to attend every event or take on every responsibility. Prioritize activities that align with your values and bring you joy, and graciously decline those that contribute to stress and overwhelm.

Practice Mindful Breathing:
When things start to feel overwhelming, take a moment to practice mindful breathing. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple technique can help calm your nervous system and bring you back to the present moment.

Create a Safe Haven at Home:
Designate a space in your home where you can retreat and recharge. Whether it’s a cozy corner with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and your favorite books or a meditation nook with cushions and calming decor, having a dedicated space for relaxation can provide a mental escape when the holiday chaos becomes too much.

Prioritize Self-Care Rituals:
Don’t neglect your self-care routine during the holidays. Schedule time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s a warm bath, a nature walk, journaling, or practicing yoga, prioritize activities that bring you a sense of peace and rejuvenation.

Digital Detox:
The constant stream of messages, notifications, and social media updates can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Consider implementing a digital detox during the holiday season. Set aside specific times to check your devices and use the remaining time to be present with yourself and your loved ones.

Express Gratitude:
Amidst the chaos, take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Expressing gratitude can shift your focus from stressors to positive aspects of your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and jotting down a few things you’re thankful for each day.

Connect with Loved Ones:
While social gatherings can be overwhelming, meaningful connections with loved ones can provide a sense of support and understanding. Prioritize quality time with those who uplift and inspire you. Share your feelings with them, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or support when needed.

    Staying sane during the holiday season is about recognizing your own needs and making intentional choices to prioritize self-care. By establishing boundaries, practicing mindfulness, creating a safe haven at home, and nurturing your well-being through self-care rituals, you can navigate the holiday chaos with a greater sense of peace and resilience. Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your mental health and make choices that contribute to your overall well-being.

    The Creator Mindset Course

    Published on by Sandy Davis

    I have been giving a lot of thought to the idea of mindsets and why they are so important.

    A mindset refers to a set of beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions that shape the way an individual perceives and interprets the world around them. It is essentially a mental framework or lens through which people view situations, make decisions, and respond to challenges. Mindsets can influence various aspects of life, including how individuals approach learning, handle setbacks, pursue goals, and interact with others.

    For example, I was recently reading advice about fitness and nutrition, and it recommended visualing yourself as a fit, healthy person when making choices about what to eat. In other words, instead of thinking about having a list of restrictions (“I can’t have these french fries.”), think of yourself as a fit, healthy person who doesn’t eat french fries (“I don’t eat french fries.”) This may seem like silly semantics, or word games, but research shows it really works.

    One of my most popular posts is The Creator Mindset, in which I discuss what it means to think like a content creator and develop a creator mindset. I’ve become convinced that changing your mindset is the most effective way to achieve your goals. Here is why mindsets are more important than goals.

    A Creator Mindset:

    Improves Resilience: Having the right mindset helps build resilience by encouraging you to see challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement. Instead of being discouraged by obstacles, those with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere and find solutions.

    Embraces Learning and Development: A mindset shift towards growth fosters a love for learning. Instead of fearing failure, individuals with a growth mindset view it as a natural part of the learning process. This mindset encourages continuous improvement and development over time.

    Increases Motivation and Effort: A belief that effort leads to improvement is a core aspect of a growth mindset. This perspective can increase motivation and effort, as individuals understand that their actions have a direct impact on their abilities and success.

    Adapts to Change: In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is a valuable trait. A growth mindset facilitates adaptability by promoting openness to new ideas, experiences, and challenges. It allows individuals to see change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.

    Enhances Self-Reflection: Changing your mindset involves becoming more aware of your beliefs and attitudes. This increased self-awareness allows for more effective self-reflection, enabling individuals to identify and challenge limiting beliefs that may be hindering their progress.

    Leads to Long-Term Success: While setting goals is important, a fixed mindset can limit one’s ability to achieve those goals. A growth mindset, on the other hand, supports the sustained effort and learning required for long-term success. It’s not just about achieving specific goals but about continuously evolving and reaching new heights.

    Over time, I have done a great deal of research into the concept of mindset, beginning with the work I did while earning my doctorate in Education and Curriculum Design, in which I learned how to motivate learners without using the traditional (and ineffective) cycle of punishments and external rewards. Once I realized the impact that developing a resilient mindset had on student motivation, I began turning those tools toward myself, working with a success coach, taking courses, and reading books that provided me with the insight and methods needed to be successful. After putting together a system that worked for me, I decided to develop the Creator Mindset course to share that system with you. I’ll be launching in early January. Here is a sneak peak of the course content:

    If you’re already a content-creator or want to be one, this course will catapult you to the next level. If you’re a writer, teacher, or student, you will also find this course helpful for improving your motivation, outlook, and results.

    Developing a creator mindset is about creating a foundation for achieving goals more effectively. A positive and growth-oriented mindset can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development, enabling individuals to navigate challenges, learn from experiences, and achieve sustained success.

    If you’re interested in learning more about how developing the right mindset can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals, be sure to subscribe to ELA Source by entering your email below. As always, I NEVER share your email with anyone, and I don’t spam your inbox.

    The Profound Benefits of Prioritizing the Learning Process over the Final Product

    Published on by Sandy Davis

    In a world driven by outcomes and results, there is a growing need to shift our perspective from the end goal to the journey itself. Focusing on the process of learning or creation, rather than fixating solely on the final product, brings about a multitude of benefits. This shift not only fosters a healthier learning environment but also helps to mitigate issues such as cheating, plagiarism, overreliance on AI, anxiety, and procrastination.

    1. Encourages Genuine Understanding: Prioritizing the learning process promotes a deeper and more genuine understanding of the subject matter. Instead of seeking shortcuts to achieve a polished final product, individuals engage with the material, grapple with challenges, and develop a comprehensive comprehension that goes beyond mere surface-level knowledge.

    2. Cultivates Critical Thinking Skills: The journey of learning involves navigating through complexities, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Focusing on the process encourages individuals to analyze information, connect concepts, and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This cultivation of critical thinking skills is essential for personal and professional growth.

    3. Reduces the Temptation of Cheating and Plagiarism: When emphasis is placed on the process, the need for shortcuts diminishes. Cheating and plagiarism often stem from a fixation on the final product, pushing individuals to cut corners to meet deadlines or expectations. By valuing the journey, the pressure to resort to unethical practices decreases, promoting academic integrity.

    4. Mitigates Overreliance on AI: While AI, such as ChatGPT, can be a valuable tool, an overreliance on it can hinder individual cognitive development. Focusing on the learning process allows individuals to grapple with challenges independently, enhancing their problem-solving skills and reducing dependency on external sources.

    5. Alleviates Anxiety: The pursuit of perfection in the final product can lead to heightened anxiety. Shifting the focus to the process eases the burden of unrealistic expectations, allowing individuals to embrace mistakes as opportunities for learning. This shift in mindset fosters a healthier relationship with learning and creativity.

    6. Combats Procrastination: The overwhelming pressure associated with producing a flawless final product can often lead to procrastination. By breaking down tasks into manageable steps and valuing the learning process, individuals are more likely to approach their work with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm, reducing procrastination tendencies.

    7. Fosters a Growth Mindset: Emphasizing the learning process aligns with the principles of a growth mindset. Individuals with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This mindset shift promotes resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude towards learning and creativity.

    In a society that often prioritizes outcomes, it is crucial to recognize the profound benefits of focusing on the process of learning or creation. By embracing the journey, individuals can develop a deeper understanding, cultivate critical thinking skills, and mitigate issues such as cheating, plagiarism, overreliance on AI, anxiety, and procrastination. This shift not only enhances individual development but also contributes to the creation of a more ethical, resilient, and creative society.

    Happy National Novel Writing Month to All Who Celebrate It.

    Published on by Sandy Davis

    I had so many plans to offer a course for NaNoWriMo, but life came at me completely sideways this past month and I’m still reeling. Nothing serious, I’m fine, but I’ve never been so busy and exhausted in my life. However, miraculously, I am past the worst of it, and I am now able to start working on my NaNoWriMo Novel. If you’re a writer or interested in writing, and have never participated in NaNoWriMo, I encourage you to check out the website. The site and forums aren’t as good as years past, but it’s one of the best online communities I know, and the whole spirit of NaNoWriMo is wonderful.

    I’ll be writing more about what’s been keeping me so busy, and also sharing some resources for teaching writing heading into the holidays, so if you haven’t already, please subscribe! I don’t share your email with anyone, ever, and I don’t spam your inbox. You just get my posts in in your inbox, which is MY favorite type of “newsletter.”

    Have a wonderful first day of the month!

    3 Tips for Improving Sales on TpT

    Published on by Sandy Davis

    If you’re just getting started on Teachers Pay Teachers, you might be frustrated with slow sales. It can sometimes take months to make your first sale, especially if you start your store during slow times. Luckily, this is one the busiest times on Teachers Pay Teachers, and I’ve seen great results in my store from making the following changes:

    1. Make more products! If you following other TpT creators or participate in TpT forums, you’ll hear this advice again and again, but it really works! When you post your first 5-10 products, it can be easy to give up if you’re not getting sales, but remember that your competing agains thousands of stores and millions of products. However, I have found that as I increase my product numbers, my sales go up consistently. I’ve heard that 50 products is that magic number, and that’s my current goal. Some stores have hundreds of products. Each new product you create increases your changes of having your products show up in search.

    2. Learn how to write long-tail search terms and create long titles. Keep in mind that the title that you list for search does NOT have to be the same as the title that’s on your cover (similar to creating searchable titles on YouTube vs. clickable thumbnails). One of my most popular products, the Passport Project, increased in sales when I changed the title from Passport Project to Passport Project: Editable Passport Template and Maps for Teaching Geography.

    3. Make the text on your covers as large as possible. Do NOT try to put information about your product on the cover. If you get the buyer’s attention with your cover, they will click on it and read the description. My tip is after you create your cover to look at it on your phone. Many teachers shop on TpT on their phones, and if you can’t read your product title on your cover, it’s too small. Here is an example of a cover that I use on a very successful product, Superhero Origin Stories.

    I was astonished at how quickly my sales picked up after I implemented these three simple tips for improving my store.

    Click here if you’re interested in following my store on Teachers Pay Teachers.

    Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail

    Published on by Sandy Davis

    You may have noticed that I’ve missed a few days here and there this month. My 30-day challenge has had a few blips, but I don’t consider it a failure, and still plan to keep going and post my stats at the end of this month and every month.

    Instead, I see those blips as a learning experience. I’ve left too much up to chance with my blogging, and I’ve failed to devlelop a cohesive plan for the month of September. As a teacher, I realize the importance of planning–I couldn’t live without structured lesson planning, but it’s also important for writers and content creators.

    I’m publishing this on Saturday night because Sundays are my favorite days to plan. Tomorrow I will share some ideas for you about effective planning, and the best planning strategies that work for me, from the pros and cons to paper vs. digital planners, to whether or not you should do daily, weekly, or month planning layouts.

    Planning is also a form of self-care for me, because it helps me feel more in control of my time, helps keep anxiety at bay, and reduces the nasty surprises and panicked Monday mornings when I’ve gotten behind on my tasks.

    Leveraging Language Models for Effective Communication: A Guide for Teachers and Content Creators

    Published on by Sandy Davis

    Language models have revolutionized the way we interact with text and information. Models like Chat GPT and Bard, though freely available, possess immense potential for educators, content creators, and anyone seeking accurate and insightful responses to their inquiries. It’s important to learn how to to maximize the utility of language models, focusing on writing effective prompts to extract the most valuable and nuanced information.

    Understanding the “Stochastic Parrot” Mental Model

    Before delving into the nuances of utilizing language models effectively, it’s crucial to grasp the “stochastic parrot” mental model. Language models generate responses based on patterns learned from the data they were trained on. They don’t possess personal opinions, beliefs, or creativity. Hence, the output is a variation or amalgamation of existing content in response to a given prompt.

    To optimize the use of language models, it’s essential to frame prompts that align with this understanding. Instead of seeking personal opinions, it’s better to request objective information, best practices, or consensus on a particular topic.

    Writing Effective Prompts: A Paradigm Shift

    Consider the scenario where you seek advice on managing a common parenting issue: a baby struggling with sleep. Employing the “stochastic parrot” mental model, we can redefine the prompt to extract comprehensive and comparative information.

    Example:

    Original Prompt: “My baby has a hard time sleeping. What do you think about the cry it out method?”

    Revised Prompt: “My baby has a hard time sleeping. Give me a list of reasonable solutions. Compare and contrast each to the cry it out method.”

    Breaking Down the Revised Prompt

    The revised prompt encourages the language model to provide a list of potential solutions for the baby’s sleep issue. It explicitly requests a comparison of each solution with the cry it out method. This structured approach yields a more informative and balanced response, showcasing different perspectives and options.

    Another Example

    Another example is to think about how to use a tool like ChatGPT to best learning new strategies for teaching and content creation.

    For example, instead of asking: How can I stop students from talking and distrupting class?

    Ask: What are some effective classroom management techniques that can be used in different contexts?

    Utilizing LLM Responses Wisely

    When you receive responses from the language model, it’s crucial to assess and verify the information for accuracy and relevance. Cross-reference the generated content with reputable sources, consider various viewpoints, and use your judgment to arrive at well-informed decisions or conclusions.

    Summary

    Effectively leveraging language models involves understanding their inherent limitations and aligning our expectations accordingly. The “stochastic parrot” mental model underscores the importance of framing prompts that aim for objective information and consensus rather than personal opinions.

    By adopting this mindset and structuring prompts to encourage comparative analysis, educators, content creators, and individuals at large can harness the power of language models like Chat GPT and Bard to access valuable insights and information on a myriad of topics. Remember, language models are tools to aid and enhance our understanding, not arbiters of truth or creativity.

    NaNoWriMo is Coming!

    Published on by Sandy Davis

    If you’re not already familiar with NaNoWriMo, it stands for National Novel Writing Month, which takes place every November, in which writers from around the world try to write 50,000 words in 30 days. It’s incredibly fun and inspiring, and is a great way to get to know a community of writers.

    As I was sitting down to think about what I might write this November (I have participated almost every year since it started in 1999), I realized that although November might seem a long way away, it’s really only 7 weeks away, which means it’s time to begin planning.

    I have two courses that I’m going to run this year. One is a free mini course for prepping in October (you’re not supposed to start writing until November 1st, but there is plenty you can do ahead of time to get ready), and other is a 30-Day writing intensive that runs during the entire month of November.

    If you think you might be interested in either course, be sure to follow this blog for updates. I’ll be posting more info about how to sign up for NaNoWriMo and the courses in the next week or so. I’ll also be sharing information on how to do NaNoWriMo with your students.

    If you have any interest in writing, I highly encourage you to follow this blog for updates. My immersive writing courses will transform your writing and your creative process. This is an amazing experience, and all kinds of writers can participate. People have used this time to write novels, but also nonfiction books, ebooks, poetry, blog posts, essays, and screenplays.

    Hope to see you here in November! Be sure to subscribe below for updates.

    Self-Care for Busy People

    Published on by Sandy Davis

    I tend to live my life putting out fires. The email I forgot to send, the report that was due YESTERDAY, then my kids need something for school, and what in the world am I going to make for supper? By the time I crash on the couch at night I barely have the energy to get through a single episode of The Crown. I think about self-care, I buy books about it, and scented candles to light during the baths I never find time to take.

    But as I age, I’ve come to realize taht self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Fortunately, even for the busiest of individuals, there are simple yet effective ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of self-care and provide a list of practical examples tailored to those with packed schedules.

    The Importance of Self-Care

    Self-care is about intentionally taking time for yourself to recharge, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy balance in life. It’s not selfish; it’s self-preservation. When you neglect self-care, you risk burnout, decreased productivity, and compromised mental health. Here’s why self-care is crucial for busy people:

    1. Stress Reduction: Self-care activities help you unwind, relax, and reduce stress. This, in turn, improves your ability to cope with the demands of your busy life.
    2. Improved Physical Health: Prioritizing self-care can lead to better physical health. Exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are all part of a self-care routine that keeps your body in top shape.
    3. Enhanced Mental Health: Self-care activities like meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking a break can boost your mental well-being, improving focus, concentration, and resilience.
    4. Increased Productivity: Regular self-care can actually make you more productive. When you’re rested and emotionally balanced, you can work more efficiently and creatively.
    5. Better Relationships: Taking care of yourself allows you to be a better partner, parent, friend, or colleague. When you’re at your best, your relationships benefit as well.

    Now, let’s explore some practical self-care activities that can easily be incorporated into a busy schedule:

    1. Mini Meditation Breaks: Take a few minutes to practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation. These brief moments of mindfulness can reduce stress and increase focus.
    2. Exercise Regularly: Even if you can’t commit to a long gym session, aim for short, intense workouts or incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
    3. Healthy Eating Habits: Prepare nutritious meals in advance or opt for healthy takeout options. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar intake, which can lead to energy crashes.
    4. Prioritize Sleep: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Proper rest is vital for overall well-being.
    5. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary to avoid overcommitting yourself. Protect your personal time and space.
    6. Unplug from Technology: Designate tech-free times during the day to disconnect from emails, social media, and work-related tasks.
    7. Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a spa day at home, complete with a bubble bath, soothing music, and a good book.
    8. Connect with Loved Ones: Make time for meaningful interactions with friends and family, whether it’s a quick phone call, a text message, or a short coffee date.
    9. Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Maintaining a gratitude journal can help shift your focus to the good things around you.
    10. Hobbies and Interests: Dedicate time to activities you’re passionate about, whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument.

    I will admit that most of these ideas come from books and videos, and I love to read and watch the things I SHOULD be doing, but I’m determined to start incorporating the things from this list in small ways throughout my busy days.