The Go-To Podcast for Teachers Who Want to Build a Business From Home
If you’ve ever said, “I want to start something—but I have no idea where to begin,” this show is for you.
Each episode is packed with honest advice, practical steps, and mindset shifts to help you turn your teacher skills into income—without burning out or getting stuck in overwhelm.
Whether you're dreaming of selling on TPT, launching a digital product, or just exploring your options, you’ll find simple strategies and real encouragement here.
Why More Time Doesn’t Make You More Productive
When we’re working full time, it’s easy to believe that if we just had more time, we’d make more money in our business. But what happens when you finally have the time and productivity still feels off?
In this episode, I’m sharing honest lessons I’ve learned from staying home to work on my business full time, and what that taught me about productivity, time management, and execution. If you’ve been working hard but not seeing results, this episode will help you see what’s really getting in the way.
We talk about why time isn’t the real issue, how planning can turn into procrastination, and the simple strategies that helped me move from busy to actually getting things done.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why having more time doesn’t automatically lead to more money
The hidden productivity trap of working for yourself
How planning, learning, and “preparing” can become disguised procrastination
Why motivation is a myth (and what actually works instead)
How hesitation, overthinking, and fear slow down execution
How the 5 Second Rule helped me take action faster
The First Domino Concept and how routines reduce decision fatigue
How scheduling in realistic time blocks creates clarity and momentum
Key Concepts Mentioned
The First Domino Concept (starting with one small action that triggers momentum)
Decision fatigue and why structure matters when you work from home
How to Apply This to Your Life & Business
Identify your first domino (your one non-negotiable starting point).
Use the 5-4-3-2-1 rule when you feel hesitation or resistance.
Write out your schedule in advance to remove daily decision-making.
Focus on execution—not learning, planning, or scrolling.
If this episode hit home for you and you know you’ve been busy but not productive, this is exactly what I help teachers with inside my one-on-one coaching calls.
We look at what you’re working on, what actually makes money, and what you need to stop overthinking so you can start executing. No fluff. No endless learning. Just clarity, a plan, and action.
If you want support applying what we talked about today to your business, you can book a one-on-one coaching call with me.
Schedule a Call
Connect With Me
Got questions or want to share your story?
Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.
So many teachers want more. More income, more flexibility, more ownership over their time, but never take the first step toward building a business.
Not because they lack skills.
Not because they don’t have ideas.
But because of a belief they’ve been carrying for years: “I’m just a teacher.”
In this episode, I unpack a deeply ingrained mindset that came up for me recently. One rooted in culture, class, and identity and how it quietly shows up when teachers think about selling on Teachers Pay Teachers or starting a business of their own.
We talk about the harmful messages many of us internalized about where we come from, what we’re “allowed” to want, and who we’re allowed to become and how those beliefs keep us playing small, even when we’re capable of so much more.
If you’ve ever thought:
“I don’t have anything worth selling.”
“Other teachers are better than me.”
“I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
“People like me don’t do that.”
This episode is for you.
In this episode, we talk about:
The hidden belief that keeps teachers from seeing their value
How cultural and family messages shape our business identity
Why where you come from does not determine where you’re going
What it really means to “act as if” when building confidence
Why selling on TPT isn’t about being special, it’s about believing you’re capable
How to take the first small step toward a new identity in business
You are not “just” a teacher.
You are a problem-solver, a creator, and someone with real value to offer.
And if you’re ready to explore what that could look like for you — even if it feels scary — you don’t have to do it alone.
Schedule a clarity call with me and let’s talk about where you are, where you want to go, and what your next step could be.
If you’re ready to walk into 2026 with more clarity, less overwhelm, and a whole lot more focus, this episode is for you. Today, I’m breaking down the strategies I’m keeping, the habits I’m letting go of, and the single biggest planning shift that has already made my business feel more intentional and aligned.
Inside the episode, we cover:
What Actually Worked in 2025 (and why I’m keeping it in 2026)
Listing TPT products consistently
Growing and nurturing my ESL Teacher Membership
Hiring help and staying in my zone of genius
Keeping email marketing simple but consistent
Blogging to add value + strengthen SEO
Free and paid collaborations
Monthly strategic planning sessions
Growing my Facebook group intentionally
What I’m Leaving Behind
Overworking and believing more hours = more success
Shiny object syndrome and business ideas that don’t align with my long-term vision
You’ll hear why clarity has become my guiding principle and how having a simple yearly skeleton plan has helped me instantly decide whether something fits my business—or belongs in the “nope” pile.
My #1 Strategy Shift for 2026
If you take nothing else from this episode, take this:
Plan out your promotions for the entire year.
You don’t need a detailed plan—just a simple structure. It creates clarity, reduces stress, keeps you focused, and protects you from shiny object syndrome.
Free Resource Mentioned
Free TPT Starter Kit Mini Course
Learn how to set up your TPT store the right way—branding, covers, thumbnails, storefront, and more.
Grab it here: Free Mini Course
Join the $100 for $100 Coaching Program
Ready to start making money on TPT?
This is a live group coaching program where I walk you step-by-step through making your first—and next—$100. It's not a passive course. You get accountability, live coaching, and support every step of the way.
Join here: $100 for $100
New to the Show? Start Here:
🎧 Ep 11 – Getting Your First TPT Sales: What to Focus on First (So You Don’t Burn Out or Give Up)
🎧 Ep 1 – Feeling Burnt Out as a Teacher? This Is Your Wake Up Call
🎧 Ep 7 – Side Hustle for Teacher or Full-Time TPT Seller? How to Choose Your Path
🎧 Ep 3 – Teachers Making Money Online: Is It Wrong to Want More?
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Join the free teacher business community
Ready for coaching?
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