49. Teacher Lessons Learned from Basketball

12/06/24 • 13 min

Teacher Lessons Learned from Basketball: Applying Kobe Bryant’s Rules for Success in the Classroom: Teacher Mindset and Motivation

In today’s episode, we’re exploring Kobe Bryant’s famous “Mamba Mentality” and how his ten rules for success can inspire teacher motivation, classroom improvement, and a positive teacher mindset. These principles are not just for athletes; they offer valuable insights for educators striving for success, well-being, and impact in the classroom.
Key Takeaways for Teachers:

1. Get Better Every Day – Small, daily improvements add up. Even without “teacher stats,” every interaction and experience builds our expertise. Embrace the journey of continuous growth as an educator.
2. Prove Them Wrong – Believe in your students’ abilities and challenge their limitations. Great teaching often involves finding creative ways to help students succeed, even when others doubt them.
3. Work on Your Weaknesses – Identify areas for improvement in your teaching practice. Self-improvement (without self-flagellation) is key to long-term success as a teacher.
4. Execute What You Practiced – Preparation is crucial in teaching. The more we rehearse and plan our lessons, the more confident we become in the classroom.
5. Learn from Greatness – Observing other successful teachers can offer inspiration and techniques to elevate your own teaching methods.
6. Learn from Wins and Losses – Reflecting on both positive and challenging experiences in the classroom can help you refine your teaching approach.
7. Practice Mindfulness – Cultivating a mindful teaching mindset helps reduce stress and improves classroom dynamics. Learn to bring awareness to your thoughts and responses.
8. Be Ambitious – Set high goals for yourself and your classroom. Your ambitions can drive you to apply for teaching grants, pursue professional development, and innovate in your teaching.
9. Believe in Your Team – Collaboration with your teaching team can enhance the overall learning experience. Build trust and support among colleagues for a thriving classroom environment.
10. Learn Storytelling – Be mindful of the narratives you tell yourself about teaching challenges. Reframe negative stories to empower yourself and create a positive classroom environment.Relevant Links:Lusia Harris, the first woman drafted by the NBA
Related Episodes:
Episode 2 - The Stories We Tell
Episode 36 - Your Story of the Past School Year
Why Listen?
If you’re a teacher looking to improve classroom strategies, teacher well-being, and mindset, this episode will provide you with practical and inspiring advice. Listen in to learn how Kobe’s powerful rules for success can transform your teaching journey and bring a fresh perspective to your everyday challenges.Mental & Emotional Health Resources for Teachers
Like what you're learning on the podcast and want to go deeper? Schedule a FREE call with me HERE.
Looking to better manage your teacher stress, overwhelm, and anxiety in the classroom? Be the first to learn how to have Calm in the Classroom with the all-new course just for teachers! Click HERE to receive all the details!
Contact Me:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.brennanelsoncoaching.com
Instagram: @brennanelsoncoaching
Thank you so much for listening! Your engagement truly matters! Please follow and leave a review! Your 5-star review is greatly appreciated and helps this podcast find more teachers who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, and overwhelm! Let's do them a solid and spread the word! Look for the "Write a Review" prompt on your favorite podcast platform!

Previous Episode

48. The Power of Gratitude

**Harnessing the Power of Gratitude for Teacher Wellness: Transform Your Classroom and Your Life**
**Episode Overview**
In this special Thanksgiving episode, we explore gratitude as a year-round tool for enhancing teacher wellness. Discover how gratitude can improve mental, emotional, and physical health, reduce stress, boost mood, and build resilience—all crucial for navigating the demands of teaching.
**Key Takeaways**
**Understanding True Gratitude**
Gratitude is more than saying "thanks"; it's an emotional state that promotes positive thinking patterns, even during challenging teaching moments.
**Physical Benefits for Teachers**
Gratitude lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, releases dopamine and serotonin to combat anxiety and depression, and boosts oxytocin, enhancing connections with students and colleagues.
**Mental Health and Resilience**
Practicing gratitude builds resilience, helping teachers approach challenges with calmness and counter self-doubt or the inner critic.
**Practical Ways to Integrate Gratitude Daily**
1. **Morning Self-Gratitude:** Start your day with an appreciation for yourself.
2. **Evening Reflections:** Reflect on positive moments for a peaceful mindset before bed.
3. **Gratitude vs. Toxic Positivity:** Embrace gratitude without ignoring challenges.
4. **Reframing Difficult Situations:** Finding value in hardships can bring peace and reveal growth.
**Episode Highlights**
**The Neuroscience of Gratitude**
Learn how gratitude rewires the brain for positivity, enhances immunity, cardiovascular health, and improves sleep.
**Gratitude Exercises for Teachers**
Receive easy, practical exercises to make gratitude a daily habit, tailored for a teacher’s busy life.
**Heartfelt Teaching Story**
Hear about how focusing on a single positive trait in a difficult student changed a teacher-student relationship entirely.
**Resources and Recommendations**
- **Daily Gratitude Journal:** Note three things you’re grateful for each day to boost mindfulness.
- **Accountability Partner:** Share gratitude with a friend for mutual support.
- **Balance Positives and Negatives:** Consciously focus on positive moments to reduce stress and foster happiness.
**Mental & Emotional Health Resources for Teachers**
Explore deeper wellness strategies for teachers. Schedule a free call or sign up for the *Calm in the Classroom* course for more stress-management tools.
**Contact Me**
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.brennacoaching.com
- Instagram: @brennanelsoncoaching
Thank you for listening! Your engagement truly matters. Please follow, rate, and review to help other teachers discover this podcast and find support!

Next Episode

50. Teachers, Put It Down

Are you a teacher feeling stretched too thin? Do you often feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or like you're juggling too many responsibilities both in and out of the classroom?
You’re not alone—and this episode is here to help.

In this heartfelt return to The Strength of Teachers, host and certified life coach Brenna Nelson talks directly to the burnt-out teacher, the overworked educator, and anyone who’s wondering how to keep showing up for their students without sacrificing their own well-being.We’re diving into:**The emotional toll of doing “all the things” as a teacher
**How to identify what's truly essential vs. what can be let go
**Why giving yourself permission to pause isn't just okay—it’s necessary
**Setting down responsibilities without guilt or shame
**Encouragement and tools for finishing the school year with strength and intention
If you're ready to release the pressure, reclaim your energy, and approach the rest of the school year with clarity and calm, this episode is for you!
🎧 Tune in now—and if you're feeling called, book a free coaching session with Brenna at brennanelsoncoaching.com/free to get personalized support designed just for teachers like you.
👩‍🏫🧑‍🏫Ready for More? Join this FREE Masterclass on Why Self-Care Doesn't Work for Teachers! Click HERE to join!