The Power of Pausing: Why Empathy Beats Being Right

What if the real strength in teaching isn’t in winning arguments—but in understanding others? 💡

In this thought-provoking episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen dives into a transformative idea for educators and leaders: the "empathy pause." When tension sparks—in classrooms, meetings, or even at home—what happens when we pause to listen instead of rushing to correct?

Drawing on timeless wisdom from Dale Carnegie and everyday teaching moments, Jeremy explores how a simple phrase—"Help me understand your perspective"—can build trust, disarm conflict, and deepen connection. This is emotional intelligence in action, and it’s how we model the kind of world we want our students to inherit.

✅ If you're a teacher, administrator, or lifelong learner seeking more compassion, clarity, and calm in your work, this episode is for you.

🌀 Reflective journal prompt included

🫶 Practical affirmation for tense moments

🌱 A powerful shift from judgment to understanding

Check out the STRONG Teacher's Lounge: https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

👉 Share this with a colleague who needs it, and join the conversation in the Strong Teachers Lounge, our growing community of educators making the world better—together.

Takeaways:

- Frustration is common in classrooms and workplaces.

- Defensive reactions can escalate tension rather than resolve it.

- An empathy pause can transform communication dynamics.

- Asking 'help me understand' promotes active listening.

- Understanding others' perspectives is crucial for resolution.

- Empathy does not equate to agreement, but to listening.

- Small phrases can have a significant impact on interactions.

- Recognizing what others are trying to express is key.

- Building trust requires intentional communication strategies.

- Effective conflict resolution starts with empathy.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

Eat That Frog: The Time Management Trick Every Teacher Needs

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Start your day with purpose by eating your frog. 🐸

In this episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen unpacks the timeless wisdom behind Mark Twain’s "eat the frog" metaphor and Brian Tracy’s book Eat That Frog—reimagined for educators. Learn how to overcome procrastination, reduce stress, and take back control of your day with one intentional habit: tackling your biggest challenge first.

Whether it’s grading, lesson planning, or that one email you’ve been avoiding, this practical approach to time management can help you reclaim your energy and focus. Jeremy also shares insights from the Strong Teacher framework and offers a daily affirmation to help you start strong.

✨ If you’re an educator looking to thrive—not just survive—this episode is for you.

👉 Join the Strong Teachers Lounge: https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

👍 Like, comment, and share with a colleague who needs this reminder.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly inspiration, habits, and mindset shifts that empower educators.

Takeaways

- Mark Twain's frog metaphor highlights the importance of tackling tough tasks first.

- Procrastination can create a low level of stress that affects productivity.

- Identifying your 'frog' can help you focus on what truly matters.

- The 80-20 rule suggests that a small percentage of tasks yield the most results.

- Starting your day with the hardest task can set a positive tone.

- Momentum builds once you start working on a challenging task.

- Daily habits can lead to consistent progress and discipline.

- Perfection is not attainable; focus on progress instead.

- Facing challenges head-on can lead to a clearer mind and better control of your day.

- Joining a supportive community can enhance your growth as an educator.

Chapters

00:00 Tackling Procrastination: The Frog Concept

04:19 Strategies for Effective Time Management

06:09 Building Productive Habits and Mindset

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/

Why Laziness Might Be Your Secret Teaching Superpower

Check out the STRONG Teacher's Lounge - https://www.skool.com/the-strong-teachers-lounge-3476/about

What if everything you've believed about laziness is wrong? What if it's not a flaw—but a powerful signal your body and brain are sending to spark creativity and restore balance?

In this episode of the Why Edify Podcast, Jeremy Jorgensen explores the surprising truth about laziness and how it can actually lead to smarter, more sustainable teaching practices. Inspired by a quote from Agatha Christie, this reflective and practical talk reframes rest and idleness not as weaknesses but as essential tools for innovation, problem-solving, and teacher well-being.

Whether you're simplifying lesson plans or giving yourself space to reset after a long day, you'll discover how honoring moments of stillness can enhance your effectiveness in and out of the classroom.

🧠 Affirmation of the Week:

“I embrace rest and relaxation. I recognize the balance between rest and work—it enhances my performance.”

👥 Join the Strong Teachers Lounge – a free, supportive space for educators to grow, share, and thrive together.

👍 Like, 💬 comment with your biggest takeaway, and 🔔 subscribe for weekly inspiration that helps you teach with strength, clarity, and heart.

Takeaways:

- Laziness can be a strength, not a weakness.

- Rest and idleness fuel creativity and problem-solving.

- Agatha Christie's quote on invention and laziness.

- Simplifying lessons can lead to better results.

- Relaxation can enhance focus and energy.

- Balance between rest and work enhances performance.

- Listening to your body can improve mental state.

- Challenge: Embrace lazy moments for strength.

- Join the Strong Teachers Lounge for support.

Chapters:

00:00:01 Introduction to Laziness as Strength

00:00:30 Agatha Christie's Perspective

00:01:00 Laziness and Creativity

00:01:28 Rest and Problem Solving

00:02:25 Affirmation for the Week

00:03:25 Challenge: Embrace Laziness

00:03:53 Join the Strong Teachers Lounge

00:04:23 Conclusion and Invitation

Permission to pause can be productive.

📬 Get Involved:

✉️ Sign up for the Friday Five Newsletter for Teachers:

https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/newsletter

💪 Take the 30-Day Educator Challenge (Mind, Body & Spirit):

https://bit.ly/3PS4zM7

☕ Support Why Edify:

https://buymeacoffee.com/whyedify

🤝 Connect with Jeremy:

https://linktr.ee/whyedify

👕 Shop Why Edify Gear:

https://www.bonfire.com/store/why-edify/

🌐 Connect with Jeremy Jorgensen:

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/why_edify/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-jorgensen321/

👉 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/why-edify.bsky.social

👉 Website: https://www.jeremyajorgensen.com/