Keep Pushin’
Throughout my entire life, reading has been one of my favorite pastimes. When you see Mike, you typically see a book traveling at the hip. Over the last 15 years, I have developed another hobby, one that is a bit more challenging: Golf.
Recently, I combined the two and read a book about the life of Arnold Palmer, inarguably one of the five greatest golfers of all time. He wrote a series of short essays about life, golf, and everything in between. His brilliance shines brightly through his humor and storytelling.
I typically just read the books, but this one had me notating page after page because there are so many lines throughout that forced me to pause and reflect. One of Palmer’s quotes resonated profoundly with me, “The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.”
In more situations throughout my life than I care to admit, challenges forced my brain to believe forging ahead wasn’t worth it. Thirty-eight year old Mike has learned that the challenge will inevitably come. It is not our thought in that moment, but the next one that makes all the difference. And my next thought?
Two words: Keep pushin’ .
Palmer’s quote made me consider many aspects of my own life. My accident that led to a change in college and career plans. Keep pushin’.
Having to leave the principal role that I loved every minute of working, which brought me to writing Heartbeats and sharing my story all over the country. Keep pushin’.
And then it struck me. These words mirrored the every day experience in the world of education.
Educators constantly strive to inspire and uplift their students, even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Whether it's launching new curricular programs, navigating the complexities of working in an always-evolving field, managing diverse classrooms while being part of diverse teams, digesting the newest professional development trend, or addressing the individual needs of every student, educators must often push the limits of what is perceived as possible.
Both leaders and staff embody resilience and creativity, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. However, the challenges listed above, and many more, can lead to significant improvements in the student experience. By embracing the “Keep Pushin’” mindset, educators can motivate themselves and their peers to break through barriers and reimagine what their teaching environment can achieve.
The important thing to remember is that you should not be expected to do this on your own. Collaboration among staff is vital when attempting the seemingly impossible. Let me be clear. “Keep pushin’” should not be confused with “everything is going to be ok.” It is the phrase I use that gets me from “This can’t be done” to maybe this is doable after all. And there will be the inevitable trial and error along the way. But that’s life, so…keep pushin’.
Leaders, you can initiate this collaborative spirit by fostering an environment where risk-taking is the norm, innovation is rewarded, and learning from mistakes is not only encouraged, but celebrated.
Above all else, the belief in the ability to achieve the seemingly impossible can inspire students as well. When educators demonstrate perseverance and a willingness to tackle difficult tasks, they model resilience for their students, teaching them valuable life lessons. Students see firsthand how challenges can lead to growth, motivation, and success. This ripple effect reinforces a culture of determination and keep pushin’, which can profoundly impact the entire school community.
As I have started telling students and staff wherever I am lucky enough to share my story, even though the “right now” seems tough, almost impossible, keep pushin’. The reward goes far beyond your wildest dreams.
Maybe I should apply that to my golf game. Hmmmm…
