Episode 14: Permission To Pause-Why Doing Nothing Is Part of the Plan

In this powerful kickoff to our Summer Series, Cindy Robinson invites you to rethink productivity and embrace something every teacher needs—but rarely allows: rest. In a culture of go-go-go, Cindy breaks down why “doing nothing” is not lazy, but a leadership move. Through research, personal stories, and the ACCT Formula lens, this episode reminds you that nervous system recovery is essential for a strong start in the fall. If you’ve been feeling pressure to plan, prep, and push through, consider this your full permission slip to pause. Your future self—and your students—will thank you. Plus, discover Cindy’s free 3-day Reflect + Reset series designed to help you review your year with clarity and ease before diving back into planning. 📝 Show Notes + Timestamps 00:00 – Intro + Reflect & Reset Promo Cindy introduces the summer series and why rest is the most powerful prep you can do. Plus, a sneak peek into the 3-day Reflect + Reset email series. 02:10 – Segment 1: Why We Struggle to Rest Explore the truth behind teacher guilt, productivity pressure, and the data around anticipatory stress. Rest isn't avoidance—it's alignment. 07:52 – Segment 2: What “Doing Nothing” Really Means Learn what true rest looks like (hint: it’s not laziness). Nervous system recovery, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s 7 types of rest, and why sleep alone isn’t always the answer. 13:40 – Segment 3: What Happens When We Actually Pause Discover how clarity, creativity, and emotional regulation return when we allow ourselves to pause—and how this directly impacts your classroom community through the ACCT Formula. 19:56 – Segment 4: Real-Life Story from Cindy’s Summer A powerful story of burnout and breakthrough—how one summer of forced rest led to the best teaching year of Cindy’s life. 26:28 – Segment 5: Your Practical Challenge This Week Three gentle, powerful ways to pause this week—no pressure, no guilt. Just presence. 31:30 – CTA: Join the Reflect + Reset Email Series Details on how to sign up for the free 3-day series and what you’ll get: clarity, a workbook, a mindset reset, and a strategy bank for when you're ready. 33:52 – Closing Message Rest is not a detour—it’s the path. A final word of encouragement and a reminder that what you do matters. Ready to Rest and Reflect? Click the link to join the email challenge and get ready to start the next school year strong. https://crobinsoncoaching.com/funnelassetsandnotes-page-6250-4736 The Start Strong Challenge is a live 3-day experience that’s built to serve YOU. It’s not about reinventing your entire classroom—it’s about anchoring into your presence, your priorities, and your purpose as a teacher. I’ll give you the tools, the frameworks, and the “here’s how it might look”—but you’ll decide what fits best. Because no one teaches like you. If you’re ready to start the year grounded instead of guessing, head to https://crobinsoncoaching.com/-start-strong-series and grab your seat. ✨ Loved this episode? Share it with a teacher friend who needs a little reminder of why they started and how much beauty there still is in this work. 💬 DM me on Instagram @crobingotkids or tag me with what you love most about teaching —I’d love to feature a few in a future episode or post! Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crobingotkids 🎧 Don’t miss what’s next: Follow The Community Effect so you never miss an episode that’s built just for you. And if this episode made you smile, leave a quick review—it truly helps more educators find our community. Don’t miss the next episode—click follow and subscribe now! Let’s connect, share your success stories with me at: [e-mail] I’d love to hear from you! Want more? You can check out my latest blog post at: https://crobinsoncoaching.com/thecommunitychronicles www.Crobinsoncoaching.com