When You're The Chain & The Paperclip: Examing Your Own Belief in Leadership

It is early November, and every educator is ready for a break. The kids are feeling it too, if we’re being honest. This time of year brings a need for a reset for many reasons. Assessment data comes in, and it’s often not what you hoped for. Students sense the upcoming break, and they start to turn up the energy. Teachers crave time off, and PTO requests increase. Every role feels the weight of this season in a different way.

Reflecting on My Journey

This blog has always reflected how I see myself and my belief in my work throughout my middle school math journey. This post feels deeper, though. It feels like something leaders carry but rarely articulate.

Tired seasons leave space for doubt. You hold on to your “why.” You wake up and push yourself forward. You walk into your workday searching for a strength that doesn’t always match what you feel. Your internal voice is quiet. You lead others while questioning your own clarity. Steadiness trades for dizziness.

Examining Efficacy

Then you reach that moment where you examine your own efficacy. It’s the belief you hold in your ability to lead with purpose. That belief shifts when you move through blurry seasons. You feel tired in ways sleep cannot solve. You push through mornings when your thoughts spiral into questions you cannot answer. You work because you’re committed to your people, even when your own belief feels unsteady.

I think about efficacy often. Not only in math or in teachers, but in leadership too. Efficacy grows with support, yet it erodes in silence.

Many leaders know this feeling. They show up strong while feeling fragile. They deliver excellence while doubting their identity. They pour into others while ignoring their own needs. They stay steady for everyone else while their inner story drifts.

Restoring Belief

And it brings me to this thought: If leadership rests on belief, what do you do when that belief feels like it’s slipping, and you need to get it back?

Because it’s still there.

Faith is believing even when what you see in front of you doesn’t make sense or align. In this season of tiredness, this is your reminder to keep your faith, rest, and renew your belief in yourself in the ways you know.

My quiet question is, how do you restore it for yourself when the things around you start to erode your belief?

Strategies for Renewal

1. Take a Break

   Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to regain clarity. A short break can help you recharge and return with a fresh perspective.

   
   

2. Connect with Peers

   Reach out to fellow educators. Sharing experiences can provide comfort and insight. You’re not alone in this journey.

   
   

3. Reflect on Your Achievements

   Take a moment to look back at your successes. Remind yourself of the positive impact you’ve made on your students and colleagues.

   
   

4. Set Small Goals

   Focus on achievable goals. Small wins can help rebuild your confidence and remind you of your capabilities.

   
   

5. Practice Self-Care

   Prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or simply enjoying a hobby, self-care is essential for maintaining your efficacy.

   
   

6. Seek Professional Development

   Engage in workshops or courses that inspire you. Learning new strategies can reignite your passion for teaching.

   
   

7. Embrace Vulnerability

   It’s okay to admit when you’re struggling. Sharing your challenges can foster deeper connections with your colleagues and create a supportive environment.

   
   

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey through leadership and teaching is filled with ups and downs. It’s essential to remember that belief in yourself can waver, but it can also be restored. By taking intentional steps to care for yourself and connect with others, you can navigate these challenging times.

Let’s keep the conversation going. How do you find your way back to belief when it feels out of reach?

---wix---