The Classroom Newsletter

TCN: Special Edition

Teachers, It’s Time to Reset: Start the New Year Refreshed and Recharged

Heads Up: No AI Prompts today! I don’t want us working with ChatGPT (or your prefered generative AI platform) today. We’re on BREAK, remember! Instead, I want us to focus on the coming year and how we can set ourselves up for success as we take our first steps into 2025. NOTE: The program that I cover (75 Hard) is the same exact FREE program I used to create a new (and much needed) mindset. One that is centered around being the best I can be…which spill out on to others (family, friends, co-workers, and students). This is also the program that allowed me to lose 200 pounds in 12 months. Please note… the benefits of the mindset shift far outweighs the benefits from the weightloss. Sounds crazy…but it’s true. Once your have the right frame of mind…you can accomplish anything! So, grab a cup of coffee… relax… and let’s talk…

Teachers, let’s be honest—by the time Christmas break rolls around, we’re exhausted. The fall semester often leaves us feeling drained, overwhelmed, and juggling more than we can handle. The classroom chaos, endless to-do lists, and mounting stress have a way of creeping into every corner of our lives.

But here’s the good news: Christmas Break is the perfect time to hit pause, reset, and prepare ourselves for a fresh start. Before the new semester begins, let’s take a moment to clear the clutter—not just in our homes, but in our minds and habits as well.

I’ve adopted a practice inspired by the Japanese tradition of Osoji—a “big cleaning” ritual that symbolizes renewal and preparation for the New Year. I’ve adapted this custom for my own life, and it has made a world of difference. Now, I want to share this with you, my fellow educators, because I know just how transformative it can be for starting the new year with energy, focus, and a sense of purpose.

A Teacher’s Reset Plan: My Version of Osoji

This isn’t just about cleaning your physical space (though that’s a great start). It’s about setting yourself up to walk back into your classroom ready to tackle the semester with clarity and confidence. So what’s “the strategy”? I’m glad you asked…

• Declutter Your Home and Classroom Supplies
  If you haven’t used it in the past six months, it’s time to let it go. Clear out your home, desk, and even digital spaces like your inbox or lesson plan folders. Less clutter means more clarity, both at home and in your classroom.

• Do a Deep Clean
  Take a day to give your home the kind of cleaning it deserves—those baseboards, windows, and closets you’ve been avoiding. This process can feel therapeutic, like wiping the slate clean. If you’re feeling ambitious, give your classroom a little TLC too before heading back to work!

• Let Go of Unhelpful Habits
  Reflect on the habits that have been draining your energy or adding stress. Maybe it’s procrastinating on grading or saying “yes” to too many extracurricular commitments. Identify them, then replace them with better habits that align with your goals.

• Purge Unhealthy Foods
  The holidays often bring indulgence, and that’s okay! But now’s the time to refocus on fueling your body with foods that give you energy for the classroom. Start fresh with meal prep ideas and healthy snacks that help you stay on track.

• Start a Reset Program
  To make these changes stick, I like to pair this tradition with a structured program. For me… it’s 75 Hard. 75H is not just about physical fitness; it’s a program that helps you build discipline, accountability, good habits, and resilience.
  
  75 Hard is a mental toughness program designed to build discipline, accountability, and resilience over 75 days. It involves daily commitments like drinking a gallon of water, following a diet (a diet of your choice), completing two 45-minute workouts (one HAS TO BE outdoors), reading 10 pages of a self-development book, no alcohol, and taking a daily progress photo. Oh…and if you fail to do one of the daily requirements… you gotta start over! While it may sound intense, the program isn’t just about fitness—it’s about developing habits that transform your mindset and push you to consistently show up for yourself, making it perfect for teachers seeking a reset and renewed focus. I honestly can’t praise this program enough. If you want to reach out and ask me about it… I can talk about it all day long.
  
  Just so we’re clear… you don’t have to do the same program, but find something that challenges you to take consistent action toward your health and mindset.

Why It’s Important for Teachers

C’mon! You know why… teaching is tough, and we often put everyone else’s needs before our own. This process gives you permission to prioritize yourself, your well-being, and your energy. By decluttering your life, you’ll feel lighter, more organized, and ready to bring your best self into the classroom.

When you start the semester from a place of renewal, you’re not just benefiting yourself—you’re showing up as a better teacher for your students.

How You Can Get Started Over Break

• Reflect: What’s been weighing you down? Write it out. This could be physical clutter, mental stressors, or unhealthy habits.

• Act: Choose one area to tackle each day you have left of your break. Start with your home, move to your mindset, and then your habits. Small, consistent actions add up.

• Prepare: Set yourself up for success in the classroom. Refresh your lesson plans, organize your desk, and brainstorm new ways to manage stress once you’re back at school.

Bottom Line Y’all…

As teachers, we carry so much on our shoulders. Let’s use this Christmas/New Year Break to lighten the load and start the semester strong. Together, we can embrace the new year with fresh energy and a renewed sense of purpose.

The best teachers are those who take care of themselves first. Let’s do this—for ourselves and for the students who need us at our best. Are you in?

~Mitch