So much of teaching is now driven by data (i.e., test scores) and dictated by "best practices" that teachers are losing confidence in their own creativity. Yet, despite these unfortunate consequences of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the important work of teachers remains unchanged. That work is the work of connecting personally and passionately, intimately and individually, with teaching real children in real time. Getting personal simply requires that teachers do what they can to give life to their talents and dreams. Doing so means thinking about what they value in teaching and searching out practices that bring success and satisfaction. Teachers must trust their instincts and intuitions and learn from what they do. In this article, the author discusses simple, common-sense ideas that invite teachers to think about why they entered teaching, visualize those purposes in action, target models to learn from, practice the skills of negotiation, and engage in regular reflection.