As the school year winds down and your coffee cup has officially replaced your water bottle, it’s the perfect time to hit pause. The final weeks of school are like the last 10 minutes of a workout—you’re sweaty, exhausted, slightly delirious, but somehow still standing. And now? It’s reflection season.
This time of year invites more than just countdowns to summer. It’s a chance to zoom out and ask the big questions:
Why did I become a teacher? Am I still connected to that? And how did I survive that one Tuesday in February?!
Even the most passionate educators can feel a little worn down by standardized tests, parent emails, and the black hole that is staff meetings. But here’s the good news: your purpose isn’t lost—it’s just under a pile of permission slips and half-used Expo markers.
So before you sprint into summer break, take a breath. Inspired by the soul-soothing wisdom of Jay Shetty and the no-BS motivation of Mel Robbins, here are 6 ways to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover why you do what you do.
Spoiler: You’re doing way better than you think.
Reflect on Your Origin Story
“Your passion is for you. Your purpose is for others.” — Jay Shetty
Take a few minutes to think back: What made you become a teacher in the first place? Was it a magical moment in your own schooling? A teacher who believed in you? A deep love of literature, science, or helping kids find their voice?
Or maybe you just really like whiteboard markers and repeating yourself—no judgment.
Whatever it was, your origin story still lives inside you. Reconnecting with it is like rebooting your inner GPS. It won’t necessarily make the copier stop jamming, but it will help you remember why all the chaos is worth it.
Pro tip: Journal it. Or voice note it. Or tell it dramatically to your dog. Just get it out.
Practice the 5-Second Rule
“If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it.” — Mel Robbins
No, not the “pick-it-up-off-the-floor-before-it’s-gross” rule (although, respect if that’s how you power through snack duty). This 5-second rule is Mel Robbins’ signature move, and it’s all about taking action before your brain talks you out of it.
Got an idea to try something new in class next year? Thinking about starting that teacher podcast or book club?
****Count down: 5-4-3-2-1—go! Write it down. Send the email. Order the book. Don’t let hesitation become your hobby.
Purpose isn’t a passive feeling—it’s built in moments of tiny courage.
Keep a “You’re Actually Crushing It” Journal
Sometimes, in the hustle of teaching, you forget that you’re actually doing a great job. Enter: the purpose journal. No, not the kind you need glitter pens for (unless you’re into that). Just a simple spot where you jot down:
- That student who finally smiled at you.
- The lesson that didn’t flop.
- The parent email that said, “Thank you.”
- That time you didn’t cry in the book closet.
This is your evidence. As Mel Robbins says, confidence comes from proof. And proof doesn’t have to be big. It lives in the ordinary magic you create every day, often without even realizing it.
Write a Mission Statement
Forget the jargon. This isn’t about buzzwords. It’s about getting real with yourself. Try this prompt:
“As a teacher, I’m here to…”
Fill in the rest with heart, honesty, and zero concern about sounding polished. Maybe it’s:
“…help kids feel seen and safe.”
“…teach math in a way that makes sense (and is kinda fun).”
“…be the adult I wish I had at that age.”
Put that mission somewhere visible—your desk, your laptop wallpaper, your coffee mug. Let it anchor you when you feel like you’re floating in a sea of grading and school policies.
Final Thoughts
You’ve made it through another school year. That alone is wildly impressive. If your passion feels a little low right now, that’s not failure—it’s a sign you’ve given a lot. Reconnecting with your purpose isn’t about doing more. It’s about remembering who you are underneath the to-do lists.
So breathe. Reflect. Celebrate. You’re doing real work that matters—even if it sometimes feels like controlled chaos with extra hall duty.
And as Jay Shetty might say: “Don’t chase your purpose—live it.”
Teaching is better when we don’t do it alone. What’s something that helped you reconnect with your purpose this year? Hit reply, leave a comment– bonus points if it involves an instructional coach, teacher colleague, or unexpected student wisdom.
Bloom with Aubrey 