The conversation centers around a crucial theme: educators must cease the practice of diminishing their own brilliance in order to accommodate the discomfort of others. Nicholas Kleve, known as Mr. Funky Teacher, engages in an earnest dialogue regarding the inherent pressures that compel teachers to suppress their individuality and creativity. He elucidates the detrimental effects of such self-imposed constraints, not only on educators themselves but also on their students, who stand to benefit from the full expression of their teachers' authentic selves. By embracing and amplifying their unique strengths, teachers can foster an enriching learning environment that encourages students to do the same. Throughout the episode, practical strategies are offered to assist educators in reclaiming their confidence and navigating the complexities of school culture, ultimately advocating for the celebration of one’s true self in the educational sphere.

Engaging in a deeply personal and reflective discussion, Nicholas Kleve, known as Mr. Funky Teacher, tackles the prevalent issue of educators feeling obligated to diminish their own brilliance for the comfort of others within the school environment. He presents a compelling argument that shrinking oneself, often deemed as humility, is a misguided response to external pressures that stifle creativity and enthusiasm. Kleve eloquently describes how this phenomenon not only affects educators but also reverberates through to their students, who are deprived of the authentic and vibrant teaching that they inherently deserve. By illuminating the subtle societal and cultural dynamics that foster such behavior, Kleve challenges listeners to recognize the profound implications of their self-imposed limitations.

Throughout the episode, Kleve provides listeners with actionable strategies to counteract these tendencies. He emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness, urging educators to identify the specific moments and triggers that lead them to shrink in the presence of others. With a focus on reframing their thought processes, he advocates for a shift from seeking permission for their authenticity to affirming their right to express their full selves in the classroom. This transformative approach not only empowers educators but also cultivates an enriching learning environment for students, where innovation and joy can flourish. The episode culminates in a powerful message about the responsibility of educators to embrace their uniqueness and to model this courage for their students, thus fostering a culture of empowerment and authenticity.

Takeaways:

• Teachers often diminish their own brilliance due to the discomfort of others, which is counterproductive.
• The act of shrinking one's personality is a result of internalized fear of judgment and the desire for safety.
• Authenticity allows educators to break the cycle of shrinking and to embrace their full potential.
• When teachers shine brightly, they inspire their students to do the same, fostering a vibrant learning environment.
• It is essential for educators to recognize and confront the moments when they feel compelled to shrink their identity.
• The responsibility of others' discomfort lies with them, not with educators who choose to embrace their true selves.

Links referenced in this episode:

• beafunkteacher.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Be a Funky Teacher

Yeah, he's Mr. Funky.

He's Mr. Funky Teacher.

Mr. Funky Teacher inspires greatness, makes you feel good.

Like your favorite playlist.

Keeping that fresh and funky.

Yes, he does.

He got some funky cool ideas to share for all you teachers.

He can empower others, students and teachers.

It's all about hard work and creativity.

He brings out the kindness in everyone.

He's got the passion to teach you hear it when he speaks.

He knows how to build strong relationships.

If you're seeking the best bunkiest, he is it.

He will empower you to improve.

You'll be helping others and loving it, too.

He's Mr. Funky Teacher.

Yeah, he's Mr. Funky Teacher.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

This is Mr. Funky Teacher with Be a Funky Teacher dot com.

I'm coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast.

Welcome back, everyone.

Today's episode is called Stop Shrinking to Make Other People Comfortable.

This one is personal, it's honest, and it's needed.

We're talking about those moments, big or small, where you shrink your personality, your brilliance, your energy, or your creativity because you feel like someone else might be uncomfortable if you shine too brightly.

Let's get into it.

But first, let's talk about three things that I'm thankful for.

First thing that I'm thankful for.

Bluetooth headphones.

Something about throwing these on and carving out a little mental space.

Whether you're.

You're planning, grading, listening to worship music, winding down, or focusing in, they make the day feel calmer and more manageable, y'.

All.

Second thing I'm thankful for.

Licorice.

A simple treat, but, man, there's something.

Something about liquor.

Sometimes it's a tiny joy that gives you a reset in the middle of a long school day, y'.

All.

And the third thing I'm thankful for.

A warm fleece jacket.

That's right.

It's just.

There's just something about it.

It takes the chill off.

I have this one jacket that I love, this fleece jacket.

It.

It's actually has.

It's windproof, too.

Oh.

It can take the chill off and just warms the body.

And I absolutely love it.

It's a lifesaver.

Truly is.

Well, let's get into the main topic, which is Stop shrinking to make other people feel comfortable.

Stop shrinking to make other people comfortable.

That is quite the topic, y'.

All.

Shrinking happens when you start believing you're too much.

Think about that.

Have you ever felt that way?

I think there's more teachers who have felt this way.

There's teachers out there who know this Feeling, y', all, where maybe you're too enthusiastic.

You're.

You're too passionate.

You're.

You're too creative.

You're.

You're.

You're too different.

You're too loud.

You're too positive.

You're too driven.

You.

You're.

You're treated like you're too much sometimes.

And sometimes people don't say it outright.

Maybe they say it with their eyes or their tone, or maybe their silence, their.

Their micro expressions, their.

Their passive aggressive comments even.

And then you start adjusting.

You tone it down.

You soften your joy.

You.

You.

You mute your ideas.

You shrink your leadership.

You stop raising your hand.

You.

You stop being fully you.

Not because you were wrong, but because they were uncomfortable.

See, shrinking is not humility.

Shrinking a survival.

And you don't realize the cost until you look back and wonder why.

The fire dimmed, y'.

All.

It stinks.

Shrinking is internalized permission seeking.

Internalized permission seeking.

See, many teachers shrink because they were.

Were trained formally or informally.

That the safest path is the quiet one.

You.

You shrink when you don't want to make waves.

You don't want to be judged.

You don't want to be that teacher.

You don't want to rise above the group.

You.

You don't want to be labeled extra dramatic, high energy, or different.

But see, shrinking isn't about personality.

It's about safety.

You think, hey, if I stay small, no one will come for me.

If I blend in, I won't be criticized.

If I downplay my strengths, people won't feel insecure.

But here's the truth.

You were not hired to shrink.

You were hired because someone saw something in you worth amplifying.

You are not too much.

They were just not enough to handle it.

And see, other people's discomfort is not your responsibility.

I'll say that again.

It should be in a shirt because it's that powerful.

And write this down because it's going to be in a test, y'.

All.

Other people's discomfort is not your responsibility.

Say this slowly.

If your confidence threatens someone, then that is their work to do, not yours.

See, some people get uncomfortable when you grow you shrine or I misspoke there.

You shine, you improve.

You innovate, you create.

You lead, you bring joy.

You break molds, you inspire others.

You refuse to stay small, y'.

All.

It's not that you're doing something wrong.

It's that.

That you're doing something they aren't.

Your light exposes their.

Their comfort zone.

Your excellence exposes their stagnation.

Y'.

All.

Your joy, it express it very clearly.

Can express or can expose their cynicism.

Your drive can.

Can expose their fatigue.

But that's not.

It does not mean to stop Shining.

And students lose when teachers dim their light.

Shrinking.

Shrinking isn't just about adult dynamics.

It affects kids.

When teachers shrink, lessons flatten, Energy drops.

Creativity, it disappears.

Innovation, it comes to a halt.

Courage dissolves.

And joy, it evaporates.

Kids need teachers who show what authenticity looks like.

Teachers who model kids courage, who model curiosity, boldness, joy, confidence, and creative risk taking.

Students learn more from your presence than your plan.

If you shrink, they learn shrinking.

If you shine, they learn shining.

Because you don't have to be everyone's favorite flavor, y'.

All.

You don't.

You don't have to be everyone's favorite flavor.

This is a huge truth.

You are not meant to be universally liked.

Think about that.

Coffee is loved by millions and hated by millions.

Same with licorice.

Same with Taylor Swift, pineapple and pizza, country music, everything, all those things.

It's loved by millions and hated by millions.

If the most popular things on earth are still disliked, you will be.

True, you will be too.

You will be disliked, too.

But being authentic.

Authentic means some will love you, some will not, and both are completely okay.

You're not here for approval.

You're here for impact.

So shine responsibly, but shine fully.

There's a big difference between arrogance, confidence, and authenticity.

You don't shine to elevate yourself.

You shine because your purpose demands light.

So let's talk about healthy shining.

Healthy shining looks like this.

Honoring others, encouraging growth, lifting students, building culture, inspiring colleagues, fostering creativity.

Your gifts are not problems.

They are tools for impact.

So there are some practical ways that you can approach this so you stop shrinking.

So some actionable steps.

So, first off, notice the shrink moments.

When do you feel yourself getting smaller?

What might trigger it?

Identify whose comfort you're protecting and ask yourself, hey, do they deserve that power?

And then rebuild your permission structure instead of asking, will this bother someone?

Ask, is this right for kids?

And then expand slightly when you feel the urge to shrink even 5% more.

Authenticity breaks the shrinking habit, y'.

All.

And then surround yourself with people who feel your light from.

I think for me, it's the Winnebago community, my superintendent, my principal, my fifth grade team that I just absolutely love, my other trusted educators, my students.

See, the right community doesn't flinch when you shine.

They get brighter with you.

And that's some truth right there.

So as we bring this to a close.

My.

My reflective closing here.

I. I just want to kind of bring things to a close here and say that dimming your light won't help someone else find theirs.

You weren't created to whisper your way through teaching.

You weren't designed to blend into the background.

You were weren't meant to shrink to the comfort level of people who never dared to grow your passion.

It's a gift.

Your enthusiasm is power.

Your brilliance is needed.

Y' all shine fully.

Not because everyone loves it.

Because some won't shine fully because someone out there needs it.

And that someone might be a student watching you live courageously.

Well, I hope you found value in this episode.

If you did, hit me up with a five star review wherever you listen to your podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever that might be.

And I want you to remember to inspire greatness in young people.

And don't forget to be a funky teacher.

Bye now.

He's Mr.

Bulky Teacher yeah he's Mr. Funky Teacher.

Yeah, yeah, yeah Sam.