Discipline beats intensity. Steady, consistent effort—regardless of external conditions—is what drives breakthrough results. This is the 20 Mile March—a metaphor for setting and sticking to clear performance markers no matter the circumstances.

In this episode, we explore how in a world obsessed with hacks, bursts of energy, and overnight success stories, we need to teach our communities the value of consistent, disciplined progress over time.

I’ve seen so many schools launch bold new initiatives—a new leadership program, a student-run business, an advisory model—only to abandon it when the weather gets rough, the momentum dips, or results aren’t immediate.

That’s where we miss the mark. Because consistency compounds.

In my own work with schools across the country, I’ve seen one defining trait of those who build lasting, impactful programs: they commit to the 20 Mile March. They show up. They iterate. They track the right metrics. They don’t get too high when things go well, and they don’t collapse when things get hard.

Discipline is the differentiator.

And that’s where this all ties back to last week’s episode—preserve the core of who you are, yes. But stimulate progress not through massive shifts, but through consistent steps forward—week by week, month by month.

And this means having a vision for where you are and where you want to be.

Why do some schools seem to innovate without losing who they are… while others lose their identity in the process?

In this episode, we explore the Jim Collins concept behind the necessity of preserving the core (holding tightly to your mission, values, and distinct identity) while also stimulating progress (relentlessly pursuing new ideas, methods, and programs to stay relevant and effective).

Innovative programs like entrepreneurship, STEM, or design thinking make learning feel exciting, real-world, and future-focused. These aren’t just electives — they are powerful vehicles for students to apply knowledge, solve real problems, and discover their unique strengths. When students build a business prototype, code a solution, or tackle a design challenge, the walls of the classroom expand — suddenly, learning has purpose and relevance. It’s in these moments that students aren’t just preparing for the future — they’re actively shaping it.

The caution is if we only preserve the core without progress, we get stuck. If we only chase progress without preserving the core, we lose trust and clarity.

There are four ideas for how to do this in the school setting:

1. Redesign Learning Spaces for Collaboration

2. Integrate Real-World Partnerships

3. Shift from Content Coverage to Competency Development

4. Empower Student Voice and Choice

And all of this matters because the future belongs to schools—and students—that know who they are and where they’re going.

Dr. Joel Hazard, the Head of Academic Collaboration and Culture at Fellowship Christian School in Roswell, Georgia, has amazing insights when it comes to transforming the school experience around true collaboration. On a mission to provide the best possible Christian education, Dr. Hazard explores how we, as teachers and school leaders, need to get used to being uncomfortable.

He recommends implementing After Action Reviews (AARs) for a culture of continuous improvement that focuses on 1) what went well, 2) what didn't go well, and 3) what can we do to enhance going forward?

Additionally, Dr. Hazard explores how true collaboration is different than cooperation, and schools need to step into this space to make sure true collaboration is taking place. This means learning to "fail cheaply" through trying new, innovative things in the classroom. It also means getting feedback, providing differentiated learning, creating physical movement in the classroom, and given choices to students.

With an emphasis on "relationship first," Dr. Hazard has fantastic content that can e immediately applied to K-12 schools across the nation.

You can follow him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joel-hazard-797703126/ and you can learn more about Fellowship Christian School by visiting https://www.fellowshipchristianschool.org/

Connect with me, Stephen Carter, at Stephen@seedtreegroup.com