In the first newsletter of this series, I introduced the idea that every leader runs on an operating system. Either you design it—or it designs you.

In the second newsletter, I discussed that the first step is to identify your Optimal Self—the answer to the question “I want to be a person of…”.

In the third newsletter, I unpacked the six core areas in which I pursue “wealth” (what I really call flourishing) in the areas I believe are most important to attain the vision of my Optimal Self: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Relational, Financial, and Spiritual

Today, I want to take a step back and zoom out to look at the rhythms and routines that structure my days and weeks—the Operating System that makes pursuing my Optimal Self achievable and sustainable.

This is an overview of how I structure my time to create the Operating System of Me…and how you can do the same.

Setting my SOMEDAY GOALS

Every week, I prioritize time in such a way that I have a clear idea of where I am placing my energy, focus, attention, and effort so that I do not end up wasting the precious time I have

A mantra for me is: NO WASTED DAYS

That does not mean I do not do things like binge watch shows on TV (I do) or that I don’t scroll through Instagram (I do) but it means that I know when I can do those things within the overall structure and system of my time so that I control them and they do not control me

I run a school, speak nationally, coach leaders, actively parent, and maintain friendships.

My “normal” life is busy—but by prioritizing my Operating System, I structure it in a way that makes my ambitions sustainable.

Here’s the framework I use for optimizing my Operating System to meet the goals I have for my Optimal Self in my six core areas of flourishing

My SOMEDAY GOAL is to be a thought leader in the field of educational transformation, helping schools reimagine themselves as places of innovation, creativity, belonging, purpose, meaning, care, and community

My FIVE YEAR GOAL is to be a speaker, coach, and consultant to schools, school leaders, and educational institutions looking to tell better stories in education

My ONE YEAR GOAL is to have written and published at least one in a series of books that inspire schools, school leaders, and educators to tell better stories in education and provide resources that help them get there

My MONTHLY GOAL is to publish content that educates, encourages, and inspires including one webinar a month

My WEEKLY GOAL is to write 5,000 words a week and push out one newsletter a week

My DAILY GOAL is to write 1,000 words a day on either a book or the newsletter

RIGHT NOW I can start writing!!!

FYI: This is just for my Financial System (which I will unpack in greater detail in a future newsletter). I have other SOMEDAY GOALS for the other core areas of my life

My Rhythms, Routines, and Structure

Here, then, is how I break down my days and weeks to achieve my SOMEDAY GOALS (so that they do not stay merely “someday”)

You will see that I structure my time in a way that lets me know what I need to be focused on at the macro-level of each day and week so that my schedule and the work I want to get done happens almost on autopilot.

Daily Schedule:

• 5:00am: Get up and get ready

• 6:00am: Spend time in that day’s respective rhythm

  • See below**

• 7:00am: Head to work

  • I typically listen to podcasts on the way into work. This adds to the “wealth” I am gaining in my Intellectual System. I highly suggest:

    • The Huberman Lab

    • Modern Wisdom

    • School of Greatness

    • NYT The Daily

    • And of course, my very own Flourishing Schools podcast!

• 7:30-4:00: Lead Odyssey Leadership Academy

• 5:00pm: Gym to workout

  • I will detail this in a future newsletter for my Physical System

• 6:00pm: Dinner and/or evening activities (personal and/or professional)

  • This could include school activities, family activities, etc.

• 10:00pm: Read (or watch TV)

• 10:30-11: Bed

**Weekly Rhythm for the 6:00-7:00am time

• Monday: Read & Journal

  • I like to start the week off reading to get my week set with an engaged mind

• Tuesday: Read and Journal

• Wednesday: Write

  • My goal is to write 1,000 words a day

  • This includes this newsletter and the two books I am working on

• Thursday: Write

• Friday: Read and Journal

• Saturday: Edit and Push Out Newsletter

  • I like to let the newsletter marinate for a day or so and then come back and re-edit it before I push it out on whatever day I choose

  • p.s. This often happens after 6am! I do let myself get a little sleep in time on the weekends!

Why This Matters

You don’t wake up as your Optimal Self—you build it.

It takes work, discipline, and intention.

But here’s the payoff: by ordering my days and weeks, I have more freedom to pursue what I truly want—and to say NO to distractions that derail me.

I can say from personal experience that ordering my time and my days has given me more freedom to pursue the things I actually desire…and the ability to say NO to the things that detract and distract from this pursuit

My Operating System doesn’t restrict life—it empowers it

Key Takeaway: My structure feeds the system that fosters the person I want to be

Now It’s Your Turn

Take a moment to step back and look at your own life through the lens of your Operating System.

What routines, rhythms, or habits are already supporting your Optimal Self? Which areas feel scattered, reactive, or uncontrolled?

The goal here isn’t perfection—it’s awareness.

What is your big picture SOMEDAY GOAL?

How can you break that SOMEDAY GOAL into its 5 year, 1 year, 1 month, weekly, daily, and right now actions?

Maybe it’s carving out 30 minutes for intentional reading, journaling your thoughts in the morning, or scheduling a weekly check-in to review your priorities.

Even one purposeful rhythm added consistently can compound over time, shaping the person you want to become.

The Operating System of You is not static; it grows, adapts, and evolves as you do.

The more conscious you are about how you structure your time, the more freedom and clarity you’ll create to pursue what truly matters.

Hope this helps!

I know for me, ordering the time I’ve been given in each day actually releases me to enjoy life (including the free time I have) with my purpose, clarity, focus, intention, and hope

This has certainly made me a better leader and person…and I look forward to seeing how this impacts your life as well!

Until next time,

Scott

Want to get ahead of the curve?

If you’re ready to start building your own operating system right now, I’d love to guide you through it.

This is the work I do every day with school leaders—helping you design the habits and systems that allow you to thrive personally and professionally.

Everything I am sharing in this newsletter series is drawn out in more robust detail in the new resource for school leaders: The Flourishing School Leader’s Field Guide!

This 120+ page workbook unpacks in depth my own personal operating system and walks you through how to create yours…as well as other sections on:

• Examining the Inner Landscape of a School Leader

• Engaging Well-being and Meaning

• Overcoming Burn Out

• 6 Dimensions of Flourishing Leadership

• Implementing Radical Hospitality in Your School

• Practical Ways to Create a Culture of Purpose and Meaning

And much, much more!

The Flourishing School Leader Field Guide is your essential guide to leading with vision, hope, and humanity—without losing yourself in the process.

RecenterED Educator and School Leaders Cohort

What if you could step away from the ordinary, walk ancient paths, and rediscover your true rhythm—while building a community of deeply supportive peers?

The RecenterED IRELAND School Leadership Cohort is a year-long experience that begins with a 6-day, 5-night pilgrimage through Ireland’s sacred landscapes followed up with yearlong virtual coaching, connection, and intentional community support throughout the school year

How it works:

6 days in Ireland – A pilgrimage of rest, rhythm, and restoration.

Year-long community of practice – Six virtual peer coaching sessions over the academic year, plus individual coaching.

Tangible outcomes – Renewed purpose, clear strategy, and sustainable energy for leadership.

This isn’t just professional development.

It’s a pilgrimage—and a living community—that will sustain your soul, your vision, and your leadership

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