The Compelled Educator: COMPELLED: Week 13

Welcome to week 13 of a 15-week series where I share quotes, examples, and/or stories about 15 of the characteristics that I believe are demonstrated by Compelled Educators everywhere.

I hope you will share your favorite quote or story each week in the comments below. You can also leave a comment on the Compelled Educator Facebook page.

Enthusiasm as an educator is passion that grows from deeply connecting with one’s work. Enthusiasm for a subject matter is not enough, and enthusiasm for students is not enough (in my opinion.) There must be enthusiasm for students, content, and for connecting the two through engaging lessons.

There is much research that points to the positive effects of a teacher's enthusiasm, especially towards the intrinsic motivation of a student. A teacher's enthusiasm is contagious and social, and students are more likely to be curious and interested.

Here are some reflective questions to ask yourself about enthusiasm:

How do people stay enthusiastic during adversity?
What behaviors must be modeled to demonstrate enthusiasm?
What do great leaders do to build enthusiasm?
What leadership mistakes dampen enthusiasm?
How does perfectionism impact enthusiasm?
The opposite of enthusiasm is _______. Why?
How do you sustain enthusiasm?
How does being enthusiastic help you? Others?
What would you say to someone who thinks that being enthusiastic is just too much trouble?

Want to be more enthusiastic? Here are three ideas that are simple, but not necessarily easy.

1. To become more enthusiastic, act more enthusiastic. This was the number one rule from former baseball player turned salesman, Frank Bettger. He wrote the book, How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling.

2. Avoid negative people and negative thoughts. Enthusiasm is contagious. A person's energy shows up before he even speaks. Curb negative thoughts by choosing not to dwell on things that can't be changed, and choose to forgive yourself when you make a mistake.

3. Take care of your physical health. This includes diet and exercise. Avoid too many sugary and fat-laden foods, and be sure to stay active.

If you find these suggestions to be hard to do, enlist an accountability partner or coach to help you. Reach out to me on twitter, and/or share your journey with the hashtag #CompelledEd.

"Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over obstacles and adds significance to all you do."

- Norman Vincent Peale

Previous posts in this series:

COMPELLED: Week 1 - Humility
COMPELLED: Week 2 - Compassion

COMPELLED: Week 3 - Overcomer

COMPELLED: Week 4 - Servantship

COMPELLED: Week 5 - Forgiving

COMPELLED: Week 6 - Passion

COMPELLED: Week 7 - Self-Growth

COMPELLED: Week 8 - Hopeful

COMPELLED: Week 9 - Grit

COMPELLED: Week 10 - Excellence