Welcome to the Better Leaders Better Schools podcast. This is a weekly show for ruckus makers — What is a ruckus maker? A leader who has found freedom from the status quo. A leader looking to escape the old routine. A leader who never, ever gives up.
In this episode, Danny speaks with repeat guest, Mike Roberts who offers some words of wisdom about persistence, pursuing excellence, and leveraging success as a school leader. Mike shares his experiences running marathons, teaching 8th grade English, and presenting leadership lessons to other teachers.
We hope you enjoy the podcast. All the highlights, resources, and next steps can be found below. Listen to the full episode here and learn more at betterleadersbetterschools.com
Key Talking Points
- How Mike went from a weekend warrior to a marathon runner…starting with his failed first race
- Why chasing micro-goals is a strategy for success
- Why you don’t need to be great at everything, just 1% better to achieve more success in your life
- Understanding the foundations in the student/teacher and teacher/principal relationship
- Battling competition envy and reframing success to help you get 1% better
- Ways to make your life as a teacher 1% better
- Why we shouldn’t run away from failure…
- The power of moving toward 1% better as a school and as an industry
Chasing Greatness
Key Milestones of the Episodes
[4:28] Mike’s transformation from a man who couldn’t run one mile into an ultra marathoner
[9:41] Why Mike didn’t quit
[12:37] Getting 1% better
[18:15] Dealing with Comparison Envy
[26:47] You learn the most from difficult things
Key Quotes
“Giving up is the easiest thing to do.”
I want you to look at me as a person who teaches and I’m going to look at you as a person who is a student “
“As educators, the more consistent we can be with who we are…the better off it is for our school community.”
“I don’t think next year is going to be easier than next year. I expect it to be tougher…but you build up those skills…along the way from the challenges.”
Key Resources
Chasing Greatness: 26.2 Ways Teaching is Like Running a Marathon
Don’t forget to catch more episodes and resources at the Better Leaders Better Schools website.
Other resources
Billionaire CEO Sara Blakely Says These 7 Words Are the Best Career Advice She Ever Got
Tip of the Week
Eat Well & Exercise: If you want to optimize your performance mentally and physically you will prioritize eating well and you’ll start or continue exercising. Exercise is a great stress relief and some of your best ideas will be generated while outside of the office or while lifting or running. Make Eating well and exercising a part of your daily schedule.
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