How can Higher Education professionals maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity?

Administrators can strengthen their motivation and positivity during challenging times by recognizing the significant impact of their work on students' lives. Cultivating resilience skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and optimism facilitates navigating setbacks and overcoming adversity. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning can also contribute to a positive outlook. Additionally, setting achievable goals and understanding setbacks as part of the journey helps prevent overwhelming feelings and maintain optimism. Lastly, prioritizing self-care activities is essential for managing stress and preserving emotional well-being.

TIme to identify and celebrate your WHY - Be honest or else you will be miserable, and you will not be helpful to others - colleagues or students. That "why" should be focused and measurable as well, so you can continue to convince your supervisors that your place is here, performing this, for the betterment of all. If you are a people person, be there for them. If you are more of a lone wolf - there are plenty of opportunities there, too, from data capturing and analysis to research and outreach. People will recognize your joy, comfort and success when you live and offer your best.

In times of adversity, identifying your purpose can be a guiding light. Reflecting on why you chose this path in higher education can reignite your passion and drive. In my personal life, reconnecting with my purpose during tough times helped me stay focused and motivated. It reminds us of the impact we can make in students' lives and keeps us resilient amidst challenges. So, take a moment to remind yourself of your purpose—it can make all the difference.

I was drawn to higher education because as an adult learner myself, I felt that I could assist students in overcoming some of the barriers that prevent them from being successful. A large part of my job is student retention. There is no greater sense of accomplishment than when I see my students being successful.

Keeping in mind your own purpose and your why is important. What is your why? What drew you to higher education? What is your why to be here? I often have images or a mood/vision board near my desk to help me and remind myself of my why, goals, and aspirations.

Les professionnels de l'enseignement supérieur peuvent maintenir une attitude positive face à l'adversité en cultivant la gratitude. En reconnaissant et en appréciant les aspects positifs de leur travail et des interactions avec les étudiants, ils renforcent leur résilience émotionnelle. Exprimer de la gratitude envers les petites victoires, les progrès des élèves et les moments de connexion peut nourrir un sentiment de satisfaction et de motivation. En intégrant la pratique de la gratitude dans leur quotidien, les professionnels de l'enseignement supérieur peuvent développer une perspective optimiste et constructive, même en période de défis.

I am grateful for where my path has taken me. For most of my life, I wanted to become a nurse. Unfortunately, I was not successful in nursing school and chose a different career path. Which led me to work in higher ED. I could never have imagined how wonderful and rewarding my career would be, even though my plans did not pan out, and I am grateful they did not.

Get a grip on gratitude by giving some thought to what it is that you are happy about in your work and personal lives. Celebrate those little wins, such as teamwork, and the ways you are affecting students. That is the goods to be cherished. Gratitude can be the fuel to your tank which will help your view of the world change for the better and to work on changing your attitude.

Membership in NASPA was the best resource for me when I started out in student affairs. I was feeling isolated in my work, but meeting folks through conference opportunities/learning opportunities via NASPA helped me to stay motivated, encouraged, and positive. If you aren't a member, I highly recommend it! It helped me to see that student affairs was bigger than the small campus I was initially at -- and that there were mentors, sponsors, and supporters available to tap into. I wasn't limited to my campus community because I had NASPA!

Les professionnels de l'enseignement supérieur peuvent maintenir une attitude positive face à l'adversité en sollicitant des commentaires de soutien de leurs collègues et de leurs étudiants. Recevoir des retours positifs et des encouragements peut renforcer leur confiance et les aider à surmonter les obstacles avec optimisme. En créant un réseau de soutien solide, les professionnels de l'enseignement supérieur peuvent partager leurs préoccupations et trouver des solutions ensemble, ce qui favorise un environnement de travail positif.

Navigating challenges in any field requires embracing change and growth. Instead of resisting adversity, view it as an opportunity for personal and professional development. I've found that seeing setbacks as stepping stones to growth helps maintain a positive attitude. By continuously adapting and learning, we not only overcome obstacles but also become stronger, more resilient professionals. So, embrace change with an open mind and watch how it leads to new possibilities and successes.

Ao lecionar nas salas de aula, um dos mais ricos presentes reservado ao docente é a necessidade de se reinventar, acompanhar as mudan?as, e buscar sempre estar alinhado às novas tecnologias ofertadas como complementares a nossa tarefa que é o lecionar. E nesse processo contínuo crescem os professores que entendem o seu propósito, buscam entregar o seu melhor com as ferramentas que possuem e crescem os alunos frente a esse misto de conhecimento técnico e dinamico com crescimento interpessoal.

Pour maintenir une attitude positive face à l'adversité, les professionnels de l'enseignement supérieur peuvent embrasser le changement et la croissance comme des opportunités d'apprentissage et d'amélioration. En se montrant ouverts aux nouvelles idées et en acceptant les défis comme des occasions de se développer, ils peuvent transformer les obstacles en catalyseurs de progrès. En cultivant une mentalité de croissance, ils sont mieux préparés à affronter les défis avec résilience et détermination. En embrassant le changement comme une constante inévitable, ils peuvent s'adapter plus facilement aux situations difficiles et rester positifs dans l'adversité.

Plan your self-care activities focusing on the areas of your body that need more energy, media that makes you think less, and emotions that need more peace. These could include exercise, slow breathing, taking up a hobby, spending time with loved ones and refreshing when the need arises. Adequate self-care is the number one factor of a good approach to a career and fighting off burnout.

Pour maintenir une attitude positive face à l'adversité, les professionnels de l'enseignement supérieur doivent prendre soin d'eux-mêmes en priorisant leur bien-être physique et mental. En prenant le temps de se reposer, de se ressourcer et de pratiquer des activités qui les détendent, ils renforcent leur capacité à faire face aux défis avec calme et clarté d'esprit. En cultivant une routine d'auto-soin régulière, ils peuvent mieux gérer le stress et maintenir un état d'esprit positif même dans les moments difficiles. En prenant soin d'eux-mêmes, ils sont mieux équipés pour soutenir efficacement leurs étudiants et leurs collègues tout en préservant leur propre équilibre.

Join a union..! Practising gratitude and self-care are good strategies, but they won't change the working environment of higher education, or the difficulties staff are facing. Joining a union (e.g. UCU, Unison) will support their work to improve the higher education sector - and also help you feel part of a movement for positive change.