Plan your break SMART goals, smartly
By Susan Jerrell, TOFT Founder
SMART goals take on a whole new meaning when a break from school rolls around. In school, many teachers use SMART goals in planning. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based. You must have a meaning and a reason for everything.
Outside of school be SMART with your SMART goals and approach them differently.
Here is a guideline for a little R&R. Be SMART about it!
Satisfying
Choose activities that you find satisfying. It doesn’t matter if it is purposeful, just satisfying. For me, sitting in the dark, drinking my coffee with only a lit Christmas tree is satisfying. I enjoy the peacefulness of a quiet house before the day gets hectic. I also enjoy reading a good book as I snuggle under a warm blanket. Whatever works for you, it’s break time, so just do it! No need to feel guilty, and no need to justify yourself.
Memorable
It doesn’t have to be a big event, but something that you will remember. One of my best memories is from a long snow break from school when I was in sixth grade. Because my dad was a teacher, we stayed up late every night playing solitaire, watching old movies and eating popcorn. That activity cost no money and is one I will never forget!
Arbitrary
Teachers plan so much, down to the minute, every single day. Let break time give you a chance to be spontaneous. I’m not even going to give you any ideas because the very idea is for you to NOT plan!
Relaxing
Enjoy not setting an alarm, eating on a prescribed schedule or changing activities every 20 minutes. You can sit and ponder life, watch mindless TV, surf the internet, sleep until noon or stay up until 2 a.m. It doesn’t matter what you do, just find a way to truly unwind.
Tantalizing
Make some time just for you. What are the things that tantalize you while you are working that you never have time to actually do? Make the time to do a couple of those things now.
Follow the SMART goals plan for teacher break and you will return more refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of a new year. Have fun!
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