School Counseling Goals

Why does it seem like setting goals for school counseling is always relevant?  This blog post is based on this podcast episode where we discussed school counseling goals with a twist.  We recently read the book, The Deepest Well by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris.  We realize that the rest of the world read this book several years ago.  We acknowledge that we should have read it when everyone was raving about it!  We loved it, and we decided to use it as inspiration for 6 school counseling goals this year.

Neither of us really set resolutions for the new year.  Throughout the year we may try to implement new habits, but we don’t like putting so much pressure on that one day each year.  We recently heard a quote that made us change our approach to changing habits.  The quote is, “You can’t change a habit without a why.”  That helps recenter your focus on WHY you’re working to create or change a habit, or in this case- school counseling goals.  

The Principle of 1%

About a year ago we heard a story about the man who was hired to coach the less than successful French cycling team.  Their losing streak was so severe that even bicycle companies were refusing to sell bikes to them because they were concerned it would hurt their image and future sales.  So the man who took over as coach made small changes to things like the bike seats, the type of rubber used on the tires, the material that their uniforms were made of, etc.  These small changes overall contributed to big gains in the program.  Soon, the French cycling team started winning races and had their most winning season in a hundred plus years!

That’s the principle of 1%. Can you be 1% better today than you were yesterday? 1% better tomorrow than you were today?  Then think of where you’ll  be this time next year.  So stick with us as we go through 6 goals for this new year, and think of how you can be 1% better in this area than you were last year.

School Counseling Goal #1- Get Some Sleep!

We are designed to have sleep so that our bodies can rest and recover from the day and then do it again the next day.  Science says that the average person needs between six to eight hours.  This is no problem for some people (Kim- she can get 12 hours of sleep a day).  Others have a difficult time getting the minimum amount of sleep to function.  

We’re sure you’ve heard these tips, but really try to put away electronics at least an hour before bed time.  There are studies about the effects of the electronic lights and what it does to our brains before bed-time.  Also, keep a notepad by your bed so that if you wake up thinking about something, you can write it down and go back to sleep.  Sometimes I need to back my kids’ bedtimes up so that I can have quiet time earlier in the night.  That way I can be relaxed and ready for my own bedtime when it rolls around.

Goal #2 Get Moving!

Before you close out the window and stop reading, remember that our goal here is to be 1% better than yesterday.  I still haven’t gotten back to normal after my near-death experience from my gallbladder surgery.  If you haven’t heard about that, listen us we discuss it on THIS podcast episode.  But I do look for ways to improve each week.  The effects of exercise can’t be argued with.  It sends messages to your brain that make you feel better than you would without exercising.  I dread the workouts every day, but I have never regretted doing them once they’re finished.

Beachbody is what I’ve used for years.  I don’t sell it, but it helps me feel like I’m doing something to stay healthy.  I am able to work out without leaving my home which is great because I am certain I would end up on one of those videos showcasing people using gym equipment incorrectly.  Some people need the accountability that a gym provides.  You figure out whatever works for you, even if it’s going to P.E. and walking the track with the students.  What a way to achieve two goals at once! 

Kim tries to get outside daily.  She loves to breathe in the fresh air and observe the sights of nature.  I, however, am a target for mosquitoes, and may be the only person ever to be bitten by stink bugs TWICE!  I’d much rather exercise with the comforts of central heat and air.

There are great videos on Youtube.  Every time I throw my back out, I do yoga videos for beginners on Youtube.

#3 Nutrition

We are probably not the best to listen to on this.  We’re from the south, which means that we deep fry our vegetables.  Similarly, fried apples and macaroni and cheese are considered “vegetables.”  I recently read a book by Dr. Livingood.  It made me rethink some of the food items I had been eating.  It’s difficult as school counselors with unpredictable schedules.  We know that it’s important not to skip meals, but that isn’t always avoidable.  I usually keep turkey sticks and cheese sticks in my refrigerator just in case I need something quick.  I also take those bags of salad and mix them up right in my office! If I leave those in the school refrigerator, I can eat those for a day or 2.  My favorite snack on the go is bananas with peanut butter.  What are your favorite snacks and easy lunches?  We always need ideas!

#4 Focus on Relationships

We all know that one caring adult can change a student’s life and reverse the physical effects of trauma.  If one person can cause that much change in a student, what could one meaningful relationship do for us?  We always say, “Find yourself a Kim or a Laura.”  Find another school counselor, whether that person is in your school system or not.  We all need someone who understands our role.  We need someone who will allow us to vent for a little bit, but won’t let us stay in that mindset.  

School Counseling Goal #5 Mental Health

All of these are factors that can affect a person’s mental health.  The previous tips all fall under the mental health umbrella.  Know what helps your mental health the most.  For me it’s laughter.  I try to find things that make me laugh each day.  We always say that a day without laughter is a day wasted. So share a funny story with a coworker, listen to a funny podcast, or even just fake some laughter.
If we’re not mentally healthy, it’s even more difficult to help others.  Remember the phrase, “physician, heal thyself”?  That’s you!  

Think about professional development, too.  What is going to help you get better in your role?  Try listening to the guests we’ve had on our podcasts, take notes, and how you can apply what they’ve said to your situation.  There is a lot of pressure that comes with our role.  We’re responsible for students who are pouring out their hearts to us.  We all suffer from imposter syndrome sometimes, so take a few minutes out of each day and read a book, listen to a podcast, or sign up for a course.

School Counseling Goal #6 Mindfulness

Try to be present in the moment.  We have so much technology that is supposed to be making our lives easier, but we often wonder if it’s actually causing us to feel like we’re pulled in hundreds of directions.  We are always connected to our jobs, our relationships, our doorbell camera, our kids at daycare, etc.  While all of those things are wonderful and convenient in moderation, it makes the boundaries of each of those areas spill over into other areas of our lives.  This means our brains are tempted to check in on the video feed of our child sleeping while we’re preparing for a 504 meeting.  Or we are able to check test scores while we are cooking dinner.  Try to be 1% better at this and focus on just one task at a time.

Don’t forget that our overall theme here is 1% better.  Document where you are in each of these areas when you first read this.  Come back to this list of school counseling goals in a month or 2 and see if you have improved by 1% or more.  We are working on these things, too.  As school counselors ourselves, we know that it can be tough to balance all. the. things!  We hope it’s an easier pill to swallow when you know we’re right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on, and working on these things alongside you.  You’ve got this and we do, too!