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Energy Is Infectious: How to Catch and Share It

When we experience positive energy emanating from others, we tend to feel happier, safer, and more relaxed. On the other hand, when we sense negative energy, we often become tense, depressed, deflated, and less secure. We are remarkably sensitive to the energy vibes we pick up from around us, and others are susceptible to ours. The influence does not always even require words; we can feel it in the atmosphere.

The energy we project and perceive in others is more than an abstract idea. It is a real, experienceable force. It is also infectious. It influences our interactions with others and their interactions with us. Energy is a source for forming relationships and it is an influence we can tap into, whether you are an administrator working with teachers and other staff, or as a teacher working with students.

Occasionally, we encounter what might be considered “energy vampires." They consistently project gloom, doom, negativity, and cynicism. They sap our energy and challenge our optimism. The key is to recognize who may be sapping our energy, leaving us depressed, and feeling pessimistic. To the extent we can, these are people to avoid or spend as little time with as practical. They are free to choose negative energy as their vibe, but we can choose not to be infected.

Of course, at times we can all feel negative. Events, experiences, and even our current mood can leave us feeling energy depleted, but it is important not to stay there. We have the power and responsibility to manage the energy we carry with us and project to others.

Beyond the role of energy in our personal and collegial relationships, it also plays an instrumental role in our effectiveness with the staff we supervise and the students we teach. Let’s examine seven connections via which our energy is communicated and influences our work with staff and students.

Inspiration. Enthusiasm matters. Students respond to teachers who are passionate and truly care about their teaching. In conjunction, teachers can sense the passion and commitment of their leadership team. This energy feeds creativity, stimulates curiosity, and stirs passion. The result often is the emergence of new possibilities and the inspiration to pursue them.

Responsiveness. Staff and students are quick to pick up on supportive, interest-infused attitudes. Our open-mindedness, desire to understand, readiness to encourage, and shared confidence communicates the respect and support they need to add fuel to their energy and reinforce their commitment.

Authenticity. Others notice when we are comfortable in our skin. When we signal that we are not perfect or all knowing, we become more human and approachable. Our willingness to share our experiences and value humor also makes us more relatable. Our authenticity draws others to us; it is reassuring and trust evoking. When we model authenticity, we also make it safe for staff and students to let go of their expectations to appear to be perfect and never make mistakes.

Empathy. Caring is a powerful source and transmitter of energy. Trust thrives in accepting, nurturing, and supportive environments. Students feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings, and staff feel respected and valued. As a result, their confidence and commitment grow.

Adaptability. We demonstrate positive energy when we look for the upside of situations without being naïve or overly optimistic. Our flexibility in the face of barriers and setbacks models resilience and agility. Our commitment to be proactive and ready to try something different communicates confidence and optimism; two energizing habits.

Consistency. Clear expectations and structure can give staff and students reassurance and reduce the energy they must spend trying to discern what is expected of them. Consistency also generates a sense of calm and predictability, a key element in sustaining energy for engagement and resilience.

Of course, there are times when we, too, want to find energy to be inspired and need to feel reassured. We may seek security and authenticity on which we can depend. The same connections and influences we often share with others can be sources of energy we can tap into to fill our needs.

July 03, 2025

Six Lessons from Benjamin Franklin for Enriching Life Today

This is a time of the year when educators can feel as though our energy levels have been depleted and are in need of a boost so that we can fully enjoy our summer breaks. For some of us, the school year has left us feeling utterly spent and focused only on getting through each day. As a result, we might have narrowed some of our interests and neglected activities that have excited, energized, and motivated us in the past. Or we may be looking for something to refocus, reenergize, and renew our sense of purpose and direction, especially as we look toward the summer months and hope for rejuvenation.

There is a historical figure whose approach to life can provide inspiration and guidance for living life to its fullest, staying vibrant, and being interested in the world around us: Benjamin Franklin. It must be said that there were aspects of Franklin’s life that were not admirable and are not to be emulated. Nevertheless, he was someone who fully embraced life. His contributions to science, culture, and other areas have endured. There is much we can learn from how he approached and lived his life, things that we can apply to our own lives to keep us fresh, alert, and engaged.

Richard Munson’s “Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist” is filled with insights and examples of what made Franklin and his life exceptional. Here are six lessons we can glean from his approach to life and the behaviors he practiced and promoted.

Benjamin Franklin was insatiably curious. Franklin had a wide variety of interests; his curiosity extended to include science, politics, literature, philosophy, history, and more. He did not fear appearing uninformed. In fact, what he did not know drove his enthusiasm for learning.

Lesson: We do not have to fear what we do not know or what people might think. Being willing to ask, explore, and experience can lead to energizing, motivating, and enlightening new insights.

Benjamin Franklin was deeply reflective. Benjamin Franklin began each day by reflecting on what he wanted to accomplish and ended the day with reflection on what he succeeded in accomplishing and what he needed to learn and improve. He believed that reflection is the key to remaining focused, moving forward, and becoming better.

Lesson: Life is a series of experiences. However, they only have an impact when we take time to reflect on and learn from them. Reflection can help us to avoid having repeated experiences that lead nowhere, and it encourages us to view every experience as an invitation to learn, grow, and move forward.

Benjamin Franklin reveled in discovery. He appreciated discovery when it was what he expected, but he delighted in discoveries that were not what he anticipated. In fact, Franklin treasured discoveries that dispelled assumptions and revealed new insights.

Lesson: Every day features activities and outcomes, some of which are planned and expected and others that are not. We might be reassured when what we expect happens, but the unexpected often reveals something worth exploring, appreciating, and treasuring. Our choice to revel in discovery can be an excellent source of inspiration and renewal.

Benjamin Franklin was a voracious learner. He was an avid reader and prolific writer. His reading included topics far afield from his formal career. Franklin understood that exposure to a variety of disciplines and perspectives broadened his understanding and grew his knowledge. His writing offered a means to process what he learned and sharpen his thinking.

Lesson: We can access information today through multiple means, but exposing ourselves to other perspectives, views, and knowledge is no less beneficial to our thinking and understanding. Similarly, we may not write letters and depend on formal communication as much as during Franklin’s lifetime, but the process of writing, through whatever means, can still solidify our thinking and keep our minds sharp.

Benjamin Franklin was a constant networker. He maintained a wide array of friends, colleagues, and contacts. His engagement with others spanned an expansive array of disciplines, expertise, and backgrounds. Franklin saw interactions with others as valuable sources for learning, discovering fresh ideas, and challenges to his thinking.

Lesson: The social networks we form can be excellent sources of information, insight, and encouragement. When our networks include people who think differently than we think, have experiences that are different than our experiences, and who bring insights and ask questions that challenge our thinking, they can be great resources for freshening our learning and sustaining our growth.

Benjamin Franklin sought balance in life. Despite the breadth of interests and involvements that filled his life, Franklin advocated for balance and moderation. Finding time for recreation and rest from work helped him to maintain his energy and remain mentally sharp.

Lesson: Life can seem to be filled with limitless expectations and demands. As a result, we can find ourselves spending a disproportionate amount to time and energy in one area while neglecting others. Unless we commit to setting boundaries, finding balance, and practicing discipline, exhaustion and frustration will be our frequent companions as we make our way through life.

Without question, life today can be challenging. However, there are elements and aspects of life that are universal and timeless. Benjamin Franklin lived in a difference century, but much of what he promoted and practiced still has value today. Our task is to learn the lessons we need to live the life we seek.

June 05, 2025

How to Stay Sane in Times of Uncertainty

To say that we are living in uncertain times may sound like an understatement. It can seem like everything is in transition; while much in our world may be changing, there are also aspects and elements that remain stable. Still, it can be tempting to succumb to feelings of anxiety, worry, and helplessness. These are natural responses when we do not know what lies ahead and find ourselves wondering if we will be able to cope, manage, and overcome what we may face.

Fortunately, there is much that we can do to counter the uncertainty we feel. We do not have to see ourselves as powerless, and we don’t have to worry that we will be unable to respond—and respond well—regardless of whether the source of our uncertainty is personal, career-related, or the larger context of our lives. Here are ten strategies to consider if we want to restore a sense of self-empowerment, build our confidence, and ease our anxiety.

Focus on what you can control. This action is likely the most obvious way to reduce our feelings of uncertainty and anxiousness, but it’s also the most powerful way to let go of what lies beyond our ability to influence and determine outcomes. The nature of uncertainty is that some elements of the situation are beyond our control, so choosing not to fret over those elements frees us to invest in areas wherein we can do something that will matter.

Narrow your focus. We can quickly become overwhelmed by all that might happen in the future or in each possible situation. As a result, our stress and anxiety build, and we can become stuck. Deciding what is most important, what is most likely to happen, or what will have the greatest impact can help us to concentrate our attention and energy and provide some assurance that we are not just flailing in the dark.

Be curious. This advice may seem counterintuitive when it follows focusing on what we can control and narrowing our focus. However, much of our uncertainty can be generated by not knowing. Asking thoughtful, focused questions can unearth information that is useful to our understanding and may provide new options or guide our decisions. We might be reluctant to inquire, fearing what we might hear in response, but knowing almost always offers options and may provide answers that otherwise will remain hidden from us.

Manage information intake. While curiosity can uncover useful information, we also need to guard against becoming overwhelmed with irrelevant, inaccurate, conflicting, and confusing information. This is a time for consulting people whom we trust, paying attention to information from credible sources, limiting the amount of time we spend consuming news, and avoiding “doomscrolling” in our minds.

Develop “If-Then” plans. Having plans and options can go a long way in reducing the impact of uncertainty. Thinking through what might happen and deciding how we would respond can be empowering. It can also reduce the anxiety of not knowing and being unable to control what is happening to and around us.

Focus on what is next. It has been said that “The most important step in any journey is the next one.” When we face uncertainty, we can fall into the trap of thinking about what lies down the road, over the next hill, or beyond. As a result, we can become stuck, unable to decide what to do, and paralyzed by needless panic. We still need to have goals, but we might think of our goals during times of uncertainty as our compass rather than a specific blueprint.

Talk it out. Talking about the situation and our feelings with someone can lighten the psychological burden we are carrying. A friend, colleague, family member, or other trusted person who listens well and may have gone through something similar can be a great resource. They may be able to provide useful insights and helpful advice. Regardless, just talking about what we are feeling and experiencing can reduce our anxiety, even surface new perspectives, and uncover options for moving forward.

Practice reframing. We can choose how we view what happens to and around us. We can be plagued by problems or confront a wealth of opportunities. We can be paralyzed by the possibility of making mistakes, or we can see them as opportunities to learn and grow. The truth is that choosing to find possibilities in uncertainty can be empowering and build confidence.

Do something meaningful. Engaging in activities that are meaningful and purposeful can be a great antidote to feeling uncertain and unsettled. Shifting attention and exerting energy can give our minds a break. Doing something that makes us feel better or that helps someone else can lift our spirit and refresh our outlook. It can also provide an opportunity for our brains to make better sense of our situation and uncover a better understanding of what we face.

The pace and prevalence of change may seem relentless. Much of what we have already assumed or accepted may be up for discussion and re-examination. We may feel as though we are holding our breath, afraid to exhale. Yet, despite what is happening to and around us, we are not powerless. We can decide how we will respond and, in doing so, we can confront our fears, fight our anxiety, and counter what drives us crazy.

May 29, 2025

Invest One Hour to Mentally and Emotionally Prepare for the New School Year

Summer is quickly passing and before we know it, we will be starting a new school year. The list of tasks we need to complete before students arrive is important. However, physical preparations are only one part of the process of readying for the new year—we also need to give attention to our mental and emotional readiness.

Hopefully, we have been able to take advantage of the summer to decompress, refocus our attention, and refresh our spirits. As the beginning of the fall semester approaches, we might spend some time reacquainting ourselves with the ideas, insights, and experiences we want to bring with us. We also might revisit and reevaluate key routines and rituals on which we have relied and adjust them to increase our efficiency, comfort, and effectiveness. Further, we might consider relationships we want to nurture and renew for companionship, support, and guidance in the coming months.

Fortunately, investing as little as one hour to engage in some reflection, personal renewal, and relationship management can give us a jumpstart. Consider the following three areas of focus using a 5-4-3-2-1 approach to guide your thinking and preparation. A detailed plan or to-do list may not be necessary, but you might want to jot a few notes as you reflect to revisit later.

Reflection

Reflect on your learning priorities by identifying:

5 things you tried with students that worked well.
4 strategies you want to try.
3 things you want to fix.
2 things you still want to learn.
1 misstep you want to avoid.

Renewal

Plan your mental and emotional health strategy by identifying:

5 daily routines that serve you well.
4 affirmations that will keep you grounded and focused.
3 commitments you need to make to remain well-balanced and healthy.
2 habits you want to develop.
1 habit you want to break.

Relationships

Consider who feeds your spirit and gives you energy by identifying:

5 people with whom you want to continue to connect.
4 people with whom you want to form a stronger relationship.
3 people with whom you want to explore a relationship.
2 people with whom you have a relationship that needs renewal or repair.
1 person you need to avoid.

We can easily become preoccupied by the long list of physical preparations associated with beginning a new school year. However, we also need to make mental and emotional preparations a priority if we hope to launch and enjoy a satisfying and successful year.

July 17, 2024