This past year, I decided to take my self-care ever more seriously.
I joined a new gym and hired a new trainer, committed to monthly massages, and committed to sleep and recovery. I even hired a therapist!
My new workouts are significantly more difficult. And I often regret it in the moment and wonder if I’m about to die (lol), but when it’s done, I’m standing taller and always feel 100% better.
I realized I was playing the long game with my health, meaning taking care of my mind and body had to be a priority. It took intentional work, and, crucially, it had to be done in the right order.
So what’s the lesson? Leadership is no different.
The biggest changes (or results) require intense, structured, personal effort up front (Phase 1) before you can ever get to maintenance mode (Phase 3). You must optimize your personal performance first, because "When YOU get better... Everyone wins".
This is the Inner Game — and it must be done in the right order.
This concept is exactly what I call The Automatic School™. Imagine a campus where everyone is so empowered the school basically runs itself. This is only possible if you put in the work and do it in the right order through the phases:
Phase 1: The Lead Domino Stage — This is all about you. Optimize your personal performance. (Like my intense chiropractic phase).
Phase 2: The Ripple Effect Stage — Nurture relationships and build your world-class culture.
Phase 3: The Big Picture Stage — Refine your systems, implement strategic thinking, and apply mental models. (Like my maintenance visits).
Without the intense focus on Phase 1, the Inner Game, you will never achieve that automatic school.
If this resonates, and you’re ready to put in the work to win the Inner Game so you can lead with genuine swagger, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Join my FREE training this Thursday, Dec 11th at 6pm ET.
The Confident Principal: Your 2026 Ruckus Maker Success System.
We’ll map out your Phase 1 success using tools like the Harada Method and Misogi.
Click below to reserve your spot and get reminder emails 👇
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Keep Making a Ruckus,
Danny
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