Latest Tip of the Week

When Motivation Pauses

Starting fresh in a new school building this year has been an exciting adventure—new town, new room, same grade. If you’ve ever moved classrooms, you know the drill: wrestling with desks, crafting bulletin boards, finding that perfect spot for flexible seating, and . . . oh yeah, organizing the classroom library. Cue the overwhelm.

I stepped into my new room and was instantly happy—bright walls, a skylight letting in natural light. A great start! But then came the library. Hundreds of books staring back at me. (I know that sounds like a great problem to have—and it is! But it’s also overwhelming when you’re trying to organize them in a way that’s inviting and accessible.) I dove in, but pretty quickly hit a wall—not a literal one, thank heavens, but a motivation wall. Organizing became overwhelming. I took a break, then packed up for the day, and the library sat stagnant, untouched.

Sound familiar? Whether it’s cleaning out a closet, trying a new recipe, tackling a complex report, or pushing through a tough workout, we all hit those moments when motivation disappears. It’s not you; it’s just part of being human.

Just when I wasn’t sure I’d get my spark back, one of my incoming students stopped by with her mom to say hello. Her bright smile and genuine excitement reminded me why I do what I do. That little encounter was all I needed to reset, refocus, and get back to the books.

If you find yourself stuck or overwhelmed this year, take a moment to pause and reflect on your “why.” What brought you to teaching in the first place? What little moments—a student’s smile, a breakthrough, a kind word—keep you going? Those reminders are powerful anchors, helping us push through the tough days and find joy in the work again. Sometimes, all it takes is reconnecting with that purpose to spark the motivation you need.

And if you’re still feeling stuck, just remember: Sometimes the best way to organize a classroom library is to put a comfy chair nearby, sit down with a book, and let the kids help you sort it out. After all, a little teamwork can turn any overwhelming task into a manageable one.