We are thrilled to announce the release of the first two sessions of our new Training Calendar for the year, which are now open for registration – click here.
Additionally, we have received a great number of professional development requests from a number of our centre and service teams. We can’t wait to collaborate with you on achieving your team goals!
I would like to build on the ideas that David presented in the last newsletter regarding goal setting. As educators and staff of Early Education and OOSH, we belong to a sector that supports lifelong learning. We set goals for individuals and groups of children, our services, and ourselves. However, following through with these goals is often the most challenging part. Just like New Year’s resolutions, our goals can get lost in the busyness of our daily lives. To help, I would like to share some strategies that we suggest for students when working towards their goals.
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Start by committing to small steps and breaking down your goal into manageable pieces.
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Sharing your goals with others can also help you hold yourself accountable. Write it down and place it somewhere visible, such as your locker or share it with your parent, partner, or best friend.
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Don’t forget to reward yourself when you reach milestones towards your goal, whether it be with your favorite treat, a nice dinner, a shopping trip, or a vacation.
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Creating a vision board with pictures, words, and quotes can also help keep you motivated.
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Keep a record of your progress, whether through a reflective diary, journal, photographic progress, voice recording, or video.
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It can also be beneficial to find a mentor, someone who can listen and help you achieve your goals. The Pathways team can be a great resource for this.
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And lastly, if you find yourself stuck, take a break and get outdoors. Nature can be the best remedy for clearing your mind and helping you focus.
To share my own goals for the year, Carolyn and I will be returning to school to complete a Diploma in Vocational Training. Personally, I will be making time for my interests, such as playing hockey again after nearly 20 years! If you see me hobbling around in a few months’ time, you’ll know why.
We wish you all the best with your goal setting and would love to hear about the goals you are planning.
– Erica