Some people walk into a room and light it up. Their energy is contagious, their focus inspiring, and their presence a reminder that intensity and passion are powerful forces for change. In education, those qualities aren’t optional—they are transformational.
Progress is measured by richness and
intensity of experience—by a wider and
deeper apprehension of the significance and
scope of human existence.
— Herbert Read
Scottie Scheffler is the top golfer in the world. He recently recounted the powerful impact on his approach to the game learned after playing 18 holes with Tiger Woods. It was the incredible intensity with which Tiger approached every shot—as if it was the last shot he would ever make, even when he had zero chance of winning that day.
The look on his face and his relentless analysis of each shot clearly communicated how serious Tiger was about bringing his A-Game every day. Do it right or go home!
The intensity of your desire governs the
power with which the force is directed.
— John McDonald
Similar intensity emerged among educators in the midst of the Covid response, as so many rallied with fierce willpower to overcome the massive disruptions to schools. That phenomenon is known as collective resilience, where people come together with highly engaged focus, shared purpose, and adaptive problem-solving abilities.
Focus is the most distinct and enabling factor because in those times, we forget about petty conflicts and past scars in order to co-create breakthrough victories together.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
— Proverbs 4:25-26
Breakthroughs in education will require a high degree of intensity and sustained focus that are uncommon in schools and cannot be accomplished with partial effort. Imagine what could happen if we approached each day with passionate intensity, where that look in our eyes and our concentrated preparation sparked those around.
The qualities of our presence communicates that learning matters and they matter.
They can tell when we're all-in. Intensity is not just helpful—it's transformational!
This is a kind of “contagious” we need more of in schools. When you are at your best, you’ll be bringing an intensity that's contagious to colleagues and students.
