#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from May, 2026

Great leaders are not the best at everything. They find people who are the best at different things and get them all on the same page. - unknown

Be Your Best by getting the best from those around you.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) May 5, 2026

Surround yourself with people who have the habits you want to have yourself. You'll rise together. - from @JamesClear's Atomic Habits

Continue to be Be Your Best by surrounding yourself with those who help you "rise together."#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) May 12, 2026

We do not learn from experience...we learn from REFLECTING on experience. - John Dewey

As the school year winds down, make sure to take the time to reflect on what has gone well and what can be done better. Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) May 19, 2026

Improvements are only temporary until they become part of who you are. - from @JamesClear's Atomic Habits

Continue to be Be Your Best through habit development with a #GrowthMindset.

#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) May 26, 2026

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.  

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from March & April, 2026

Replace your "have to..." with "get to..." and immediately adjust your #leadership mindset.

When facing a challenging situation...embrace that you "get to" with a #GrowthMindset.

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 3, 2026

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. - Coretta Scott King

(H/t A. Tomalis for this reminder)

Continue to Be Your Best by demonstrating compassion to those who need it.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 10, 2026

Will you (or the person in your role) be thankful five years from now for the decisions you make today?

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 17, 2026

Don't fear failure. Fear being in the exact same place next year as you are today. - @casas_jimmy

Continue to Be Your Best with a #GrowthMindset.

Related: https://t.co/wMJ0sqMsWM#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 24, 2026

From @JonGordon11, Ways to Stay Positive:

Focus on opportunities, not challenges.

Focus on solutions, not complaints.

Continue to Be Your Best with a #GrowthMindset of positivity through opportunities and a solution-oriented approach.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #edchat

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 31, 2026

"No matter where you go, you are what you are player.

And you can try to change, but that's just the top layer." - Jay-Z, Public Service Announcement

Continue to Be Your Best by being true and genuine to who you are and what you value most.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) April 14, 2026

People don't care about what you DID, they only care about what you are DOING. - @JalenRose

Continue to Be Your Best by focusing on what you are currently DOING, not relying on what you DID previously.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) April 21, 2026

You don't become the thing you THINK about all the time. You become the thing you DO all the time. - @martinrooney1

Continue to Be Your Best by putting your ambitions into action.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) April 28, 2026

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works. 

Six Concise Self-Reflection X Posts from Jimmy Casas' #FreshTake2026 Keynote (plus a bonus pic)

My content today will be dedicated to #FreshTake2026:

Do the behaviors of the adults in your school match the words on your walls? - @casas_jimmy #edchat #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 20, 2026

When we avoid tough conversations, we exchange short-term discomfort for long-term dysfunction. - @casas_jimmy #FreshTake2026 #edchat #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 20, 2026

The responsibility for ensuring the #wordsonthewall don’t lose their meaning belongs to all of us, from the boardroom to the classroom. - @casas_jimmy #FreshTake2026 #edchat #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 20, 2026

Two words to help you be better for others today…SLOW DOWN. - @casas_jimmy

(“Hustle Culture”)#FreshTake2026 #edchat #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 20, 2026

When facing a challenge: Remember what you said you were going to do for students when you sat in that interview chair? - @casas_jimmy

Such a powerful point of reflection. #FreshTake2026 #edchat #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 20, 2026

The “interview chair” was the best version of ourselves.#FreshTake2026 🔽🔽🔽 https://t.co/tEeXiXxdx5

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 20, 2026

It was such an honor & privilege to have my guy @casas_jimmy back to CSD as our #FreshTake2026 Conference Keynote today!

Blog Post: Six Self-Reflecting X Posts from his Keynote https://t.co/wMJ0sqLV7e

Continue to Be Your Best!#Culturize #ChampionForStudents #WordsOnTheWall pic.twitter.com/pFF5M1udbP

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 20, 2026

 

Continue to be your best and thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from January & February, 2026

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. - Walter Elliott

Welcoming back our students today (staff yesterday) to open 2026; Continue to Be Your Best by focusing on the "short races" this week!#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) January 6, 2026

Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability. - Coach John Wooden

Continue to Be Your Best; don't be concerned about anyone else's best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) January 13, 2026

Be yourself so that the people looking for you can find you. - Arlan Hamilton

Continue to Be Your Best while staying authentic and genuine; you never know when someone ELSE may need you.#TuesdayThoughts #leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) January 20, 2026

Sharing vulnerabilities in a safe environment can help to build trust. When people are vulnerable enough to place their trust in you, treat it as sacred.

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) January 27, 2026

2 years ago, your choices, actions, & habits built the life you're living right now.

2 years from now, your choices, actions, & habits will build the life you'll be living then.

Make 'em count. - @TomBrady

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) February 3, 2026

“Hope is cognition and a leading motivation that pushes people to act towards their goals. It’s a skill we have to work on and one that we can grow.” - Dr. Crystal Bryce, Researcher

Hope can be a skill utilized to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) February 10, 2026

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - John F. Kennedy

Continue to Be Your Best by living with gratitude.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) February 17, 2026

Culture is not a problem that needs to be solved, but rather a framework that a group can use to solve problems. - Tom Miller, Ed.D.

When facing a "problem", approach with a #GrowthMindset.

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) February 24, 2026

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works. 

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from November & December, 2025

Sometimes it is not enough to do our best; we must do what is required. - Winston Churchill

Continue to Be Your Best...by doing what is required.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) November 4, 2025

Visionary leaders are often clear about the direction they want to go, but it's the humble leader who recognizes that [they] must listen to others to help them redirect that vision. - @casas_jimmy, from #Recalibrate

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) November 18, 2025

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. - Melody Beattie

Continue to Be Your Best through #gratitude. #TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) December 2, 2025

"The four most powerful words you can say to someone...I believe in you." - Coach Sean McVay

Continue to Be Your Best by cultivating the growth of those around you.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) December 9, 2025

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) December 16, 2025

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works. 

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from September & October, 2025

Closed out 2025 "Get Connected" Meetings w/ this image & message:

Be Your Best, knowing our “best” will look different each day (and that's okay).

You Are Not a Machine.https://t.co/kAVo66fZDa#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #leadership #nced

(image credits unknown) pic.twitter.com/eJbBY7QHFw

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) September 2, 2025

While you cannot control most circumstances, you CAN control your choice in P-E-A-R:

Preparation
Enthusiasm
Attitude
Response

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #leadership #MindsetMatters #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) September 9, 2025

"Pay no attention to toxic words. What people say is often a reflection of themselves, not you" - C. Baloga

Just focus on being the best genuine version of yourself and allow your reputation to speak louder than words.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #leadership #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) September 16, 2025

Great leaders learn to balance toughness with tenderness. They learn to be tough without losing tenderness and they learn to be tender without losing toughness. - Coach Bob McKillop

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset https://t.co/dsuAoPoh9I

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) September 23, 2025

Balance confidence with humility. Confidence without humility is arrogance. - Coach Bob McKillop

Continue to Be Your Best with a genuine awareness of your own strengths and improvement areas for growth.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) September 30, 2025

If there is something going on in your life that may be impacting your ability to Be Your Best, tell someone.

The impacting issue(s) may be out of your/their control, but the awareness for others to be mindful will only help them better support you.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) October 7, 2025

Discipline comes before freedom. Discipline and freedom cannot be divorced. They belong together. My accountability for my responsibility gives me my rights. - Coach Bob McKillop

Continue to Be Your Best. #TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) October 14, 2025

"If you're not a leader on the bench, don't call yourself a leader on the field. You're either a leader everywhere or nowhere." - @AbbyWambach #Leadership cannot be dependent on convenience.

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) October 21, 2025

Our most consequential human problems will be resolved, not through competition, but collaboration...what we need in #education is a learning climate in which students work together. - E. Boyer

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) October 28, 2025

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from July & August, 2025

"A winning #culture is where acts of care are shown on a daily basis. Care is what connects people." - Steve Cooke

Be Your Best by connecting people to build and develop a community culture of care. #TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 15, 2025

You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one. - John Wooden

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 22, 2025

“Sometimes the tiniest detail really exposes the soul.” - @SenTimKaine

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership

[Disclaimer: Politically-neutral X post.]

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 29, 2025

Your one decision to be a positive leader will not only impact your life, but your relationships, your family, your friends, and your team. - @JonGordon11, from "The Power of Positive #Leadership"

Continue to Be Your Best w/ genuine positivity.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) August 5, 2025

One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. – Arthur Ashe

Wishing all educators preparing to open the '25-26 the ability and opportunity to Be Your Best. #TuesdayThoughts #leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) August 12, 2025

"The company we keep is a reflection of who we are...Surround yourself with people who not only reflect the best in you but also help you become the best version of yourself."

The Company We Keep by @TechNinjaTodd:https://t.co/10HLaP2e5b

💯👏#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) August 19, 2025

Healthy competition isn't necessarily a bad thing...when you are competing with YOURSELF to continuously improve.

Be YOUR Best...don't worry about anyone else's best; just focus on being the best version of yourself.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) August 26, 2025

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from May & June, 2025

A friend was having a challenging day yesterday and I sent them this:

Staying positive doesn’t mean you have to be happy all the time.

It means that even on hard days you know that there are better ones coming.

Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) May 6, 2025

“Small steps add up to complete big journeys.” - M. Dhliwayo

Enter w/ the mindset to Be Your Best, whatever your best looks like. Let's continue this mindset for the last weeks of the academic year.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #leadership #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) May 13, 2025

It doesn't cost a penny to jolt those who are in dire straights w/ a blast of positive energy to help them get through the rest of the day. - @casas_jimmy, from #Culturize

Continue to Be Your Best...for those you are charged to lead. #TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) May 20, 2025

If you want to be extraordinary, you have to get around the extraordinary people. Who better to teach you about being extraordinary than the extraordinary. - @Coach_Fleck, from Row the Boat w/ @JonGordon11.

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) May 27, 2025

"All of our dreams can come true-if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

Seemingly appropriate, on this Community School of Davidson #Classof2025 Graduation Day.

Continue to Be Your Best.

🎓👏#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) June 3, 2025

If we are growing we are always going to be outside of our comfort zone. - @TheJohnCMaxwell @Maxwell_Leaders

Continue to Be Your Best w/ a #GrowthMindset and a willingness to be uncomfortable.#TuesdayThoughts #leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) June 10, 2025

"To practice attunement: Set the intention, shift into calm, stay curious, listen with your body, and invite reflection."

When the Best #Leadership Skill Is Just Being Present:https://t.co/bkrMbZWcGt c/o @HarvardBiz

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) June 17, 2025

“Submariners are a special brotherhood, either all come to the surface or no one does.” - Vice Admiral R. Golosov

[h/t @jonsrennie's 10 #Leadership Lessons I Learned Living on a Nuclear Submarine]

Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) June 24, 2025

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from March & April, 2025

“The only person you need to compare yourself with is who you were yesterday.” -Rushton Hurley

Continue to Be Your Best. Do not worry about anyone else's best; just focus on being the best version of yourself.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 4, 2025

Rest when you're weary. Refresh & renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work. - Ralph Marston

This seems perfect after an incredible #FreshTake2025 on Friday.

Refresh when needed, to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 11, 2025

Transparency...does not always equate with "liking what you hear." But the conversation (and dialogue) is the focal point of transparency.

Continue to Be Your Best by fostering transparency through the opportunity to dialogue.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 18, 2025

When you feel like complaining, shift your attention to something that you're grateful for. - @TalentsmartEQ

Be Your Best by shifting your perspective through positive statements to reinforce the good.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced #Mindfulness

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) March 25, 2025

Five Things to Do Instead of Complain:

1. Practice Gratitude
2. Praise Others.
3. Focus on Success.
4. Let Go.
5. Pray & Meditate.

[From @JonGordon11's "The No Complaining Rule"]

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced #Mindfulness

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) April 1, 2025

Even if you have a 99% approval rate (which is impossible anyway), that's still one out of 100 who is unhappy with you.

Don't focus on that 1%. Just Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) April 8, 2025

Want to quickly assess if your school, team, or organizational culture is one of SHARED ownership?

Listen to how often you hear "we", "us", & "our" ...compared to..."I", "mine", & "their".#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) April 15, 2025

Great things come from 3 things: Commitment, Hard Work, & Strong Finishes. - G. R. Blair

To the CSD Community, welcome back from what I hope was a relaxing Spring Break. Continue to Be Your Best to finish the school year STRONG.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) April 22, 2025

7 Habits of People W/ Remarkable Mental Toughness:

"Mental strength is like muscle strength–no one has an unlimited supply. So why waste your power on things you can’t control?"

Focus on Being Your Best.https://t.co/ynpbPhKBL6 @Inc #TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) April 29, 2025

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from January & February, 2025

#Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge. - Simon Sinek

Be Your Best through "generous leadership", to take care of others and allow each of them to develop, grow, and thrive.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) January 7, 2025

Principal & Teachers. Teacher & Students. Coach & Athletes. Etc.

SHARED OWNERSHIP:

It needs to be “us”, “we”, & “our.”

It can’t be “them”, “I”, & “their.”

Be Your Best through shared ownership.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) January 14, 2025

"As a leader, when you demonstrate vulnerability and are honest, you free others. You free people to expose their roadblocks and their fears; they feel more empowered; and their performance improves."

Be Your Best by "taking off the mask."#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) January 21, 2025

Healthy competition isn't necessary a bad thing, when you are competing with YOURSELF to continuously improve...

Be Your Best, every day...knowing our "best" looks different each day.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) January 28, 2025

There is a lot you cannot control in the world. But you have complete control of your enthusiasm and attitude.

Continue to be your best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) February 4, 2025

Thinking that a #leadership position makes you a leader is like thinking that wearing an #NFL jersey makes you a professional football player.

Be Your Best through authentic leadership & embrace everything that comes w/ what we are tasked.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) February 11, 2025

I don't know if being positive solves problems, but I do know being negative doesn't. - @ToddWhitaker

Be Your Best w/ positive, optimistic (GENUINE) energy to collaboratively overcome our challenges and celebrate our successes.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) February 18, 2025

"Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder."

Continue to Be Your Best when you feel like complaining and shift your attention to something that you're grateful for.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) February 25, 2025

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from December, 2024

"Befriend the man who is brutally honest, for honesty is the highest form of respect." -D. Saint

Be Your Best by surrounding yourself with those who will be honest with you.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) December 3, 2024

Growth is about progress, not perfection. Keep showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) December 10, 2024

“We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience.” - J. Dewey

As we approach the closing of 2024, Be Your Best by reflecting on our successes, our failures, and our opportunities moving forward.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) December 17, 2024

 

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from October & November, 2024

From @AndyStanley, The ? Great Leaders Ask:

"What would a great #leader do?"

It helps us to take emotion out of the challenge we are facing.
It reveals our heart.
It reveals our weakness.
It provides opportunity to be courageous.

Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #Leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) October 1, 2024

Viewed this weeks ago & shared “Kind vs Nice” graphic w/ Admin #Leadership Team last week; I thought content was invaluable.

“Nice is Easy, Kind is Right” c/o @thejustinmecham

Be Your Best to “speak the truth, but do it w/ compassion.”#TuesdayThoughts #edchat #GrowthMindset pic.twitter.com/QXb0zMGFpa

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) October 8, 2024

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from August & September, 2024

Incorporated these visuals into yesterday’s Admin #Leadership Team Meeting. They have remained on my desk since 2020.

Everything we face falls into one of these two categories.

Let’s focus energy on Being Our Best w/ what is within our control. #TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset pic.twitter.com/k9pmPhYrSX

— Craig S. Smith | #GoBlue 🏆 (@CSmithGoBlue) August 6, 2024

The two most important abilities for anyone in a new #leadership role:

Visibility and Accessibility.

Every leader possesses these two "abilities" to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith | #GoBlue 🏆 (@CSmithGoBlue) August 13, 2024

As we open this school year, let’s be reminded of how fortunate we all are.

Instead of looking at what we HAVE to do, appreciate what we GET to do.

We GET to Be Our Best. #TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #nced

— Craig S. Smith | #GoBlue 🏆 (@CSmithGoBlue) August 20, 2024

While you cannot control most circumstances, you CAN control your choice in P.E.A.R.:

Preparation
Enthusiasm
Attitude
Response

Continue to Be Your Best.#TuesdayThoughts #GrowthMindset #MindsetMatters #nced

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) August 27, 2024

Just because you are doing a lot more doesn't mean you are getting a lot done. Don't confuse movement with progress. - Denzel Washington

Continue to Be Your Best through PRODUCTIVITY, not just ACTIVITY.#TuesdayThoughts #edchat #leadership #GrowthMindset

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) September 3, 2024

#TuesdayThoughts (X posts) from June & July, 2024

 

A leader's most powerful ally is his or her own example. - Coach John Wooden

Be Your Best.#leadership #edchat #TuesdayThoughts

— Craig S. Smith | #GoBlue 🏆 (@CSmithGoBlue) June 4, 2024

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. - Nelson Mandela

Be Your Best. #leadership #edchat #TuesdayThoughts

— Craig S. Smith | #GoBlue 🏆 (@CSmithGoBlue) June 11, 2024

Your CREDIBILITY as a leader isn't determined by your words. It is determined by your BEHAVIOR.

- @casas_jimmy, from #Culturize

Be Your Best.#leadership #edchat #TuesdayThoughts

— Craig S. Smith | #GoBlue 🏆 (@CSmithGoBlue) June 18, 2024

"No matter where you go, you are what you are player.

And you can try to change, but that's just the top layer." - Jay-Z, Public Service Announcement

Be Your Best by being true and genuine to who you are and what you value most.#leadership #GrowthMindset #TuesdayThoughts

— Craig S. Smith | #GoBlue 🏆 (@CSmithGoBlue) June 25, 2024

My Message to the Lake Norman Charter HS Community

To the Lake Norman Charter HS Community,

Please view my video message below:

ICYMI/Related: Important Announcement (from May 16th)

Thank you for viewing and continue to be your best,

Craig S. Smith

Principal

Lake Norman Charter High School

2015 - 2024

Eight Tweets from The No Complaining Rule

I recently read The No Complaining Rule by Jon Gordon.  Here are eight tweets from the book:

Five Things to Do Instead of Complain:

1. Practice Gratitude.
2. Praise Others.
3. Focus on Success.
4. Let Go.
5. Pray & Meditate.

[From @JonGordon11's "The No Complaining Rule"]

Continue to Be Your Best.#edchat #leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 13, 2022

Turn misfortune into fortune:

Trust in a bigger plan.
Find strength in adversity.
Failure today leads to success tomorrow.
The worst event in life is often a catalyst for the best.
Positive or negative. The choice is ours.

[From @JonGordon11's "The No Complaining Rule"]

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 14, 2022

“The measure of our success will not be determined by how we act during the great times in our life but rather by how we think and respond to the challenges of our most difficult moments.”

[From @JonGordon11's "The No Complaining Rule"]

Continue to Be Your Best.#leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 15, 2022

Pay attention to the people who complain a lot, and you will find they are probably not leading. If you have the time & energy to complain about something, you have the time & energy to change something.

[From @JonGordon11's "The No Complaining Rule"]

Be Your Best.#leadership

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 18, 2022

“Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It’s also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time.”

[From @JonGordon11's "The No Complaining Rule"]

Be Your Best.

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 19, 2022

"She decided that the greatest gift she could give her children would not be wealth or material things, but rather the gifts she could leave in them. In their hearts, in their minds, in their attitudes toward life."

[From @JonGordon11's "The No Complaining Rule"]

Be Your Best.

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 20, 2022

Difference between mindless complaining and justified complaining:

Mindless complaining focuses on problems whereas justified complaining focuses on solutions.

[From @JonGordon11's "The No Complaining Rule"]

Continue to Be Your Best.#leadership #wellness

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 21, 2022

With mindless complaining, you are mindlessly focusing on problems; ... w/ justified complaining you identify a problem & the complaint moves you toward a solution. Every complaint represents an opportunity to turn a negative into a positive.

[@JonGordon11's No Complaining Rule]

— Craig S. Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 22, 2022

Continue to be your best and thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

"If the plan doesn't work..."

“If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan. Never the goal.”

My 2nd Grader just said this to my K’er, as they were playing. I asked her where that came from.

“It was posted in the office.”

THIS. Everything about this. EVERYTHING. #edchat #leadupchat #LNCPride #GrowthMindset

— Craig Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) November 16, 2019

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

"Live In the Arena"

To begin a recent admin team meeting, our superintendent had us view some digital media from Dr Brené Brown, who has one of the most viewed TED talks in the world.  Among other items, we focused on our "arena."

"I want to be in the arena.  ...  We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can't choose both.  Not at the same time." - Brene Brown

We were asked:

What does it mean to you to "live in the arena" in regards to your role?

I believe being regularly and consistently available to our wide-range of stakeholders, including teachers, staff, students, and parents, and being willing to listen to criticism that may not be enjoyable to hear.  Then, accepting the challenge and embrace the opportunity to grow, if necessary.

I routinely communicate, "Please don't hesitate to contact me..", to a wide-range of people.  Therefore, if we set this expectation for ourselves, then we have to welcome when our stakeholders actually do.

Especially if it potentially difficult, challenging, and uncomfortable.

This is how I "live in the arena." 

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.

Eight Tweets from #ExtremeOwnership

I recently read Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead And Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.  Here are eight tweets from the book:

Anything that happens within framework of the school, you (Principal) are responsible for. This #leadership accountability requires responsibility and ownership of others' actions.

Early into #ExtremeOwnership by @jockowillink / @LeifBabin and that reminder is strong. #ncadmin

— Craig Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 24, 2019

In order to convince and inspire others to follow and accomplish a mission, a leader must be a TRUE BELIEVER in the mission. #ExtremeOwnership c/o @jockowillink @LeifBabin

#ncadmin #leadupchat #MondayMotivation

— Craig Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 29, 2019

Far more important than training or equipment, a resolute belief in the mission is critical for any team or organization to win and achieve big results. #ExtremeOwnership c/o @jockowillink @LeifBabin

#ncadmin #leadupchat #MondayMotivation

— Craig Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) July 29, 2019

Even the most competent of leaders can be overwhelmed if they try to tackle multiple problems or a # of tasks simultaneously.

When overwhelmed, fall back upon this principle: Prioritize & Execute. #ExtremeOwnership c/o @jockowillink @LeifBabin

#ncadmin #leadupchat #leadership

— Craig Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) August 2, 2019

Helpful Reminder from Albert Einstein

As the leaders of schools, we face decisions EVERY DAY that potentially have a huge impact for our students, faculty, & staff.

Einstein provides a helpful reminder, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.”#FridayThoughts #FridayMotivation

— Craig Smith (@CSmithGoBlue) April 26, 2019

Thank you for viewing,

CS

The opinions shared in this blog belong to Craig Smith and do not represent the school or district in which he works.