Sometimes We have to Motivate Ourselves and Each Other

3 days ago

2 min read

Sometimes, the person doing the motivating needs a little motivation too. 💚

Over the past few weeks, I started sending morning motivational texts to my core leadership team at PS 200. Just a few words to start our day, remind us of our purpose, and hopefully bring a little positivity before the craziness of the school day begins.

What I have realized is that sometimes I am writing those messages just as much for myself as I am for them.

Leadership is not always easy. There are days when things do not go as planned, when the decisions are difficult, and when it feels like everyone needs something from you.

One thing I am personally working on is protecting my peace. Learning what deserves my energy, what I can control, and what I simply need to let go of. Some days I am better at taking my own advice than others! 😂

I also believe that we cannot expect to build a positive school culture if we are not intentional about creating that same culture within our leadership team.

Sometimes that starts with a simple good morning, a reminder to breathe, a little humor, or letting someone know that their hard work has not gone unnoticed.

We spend so much time pouring into our students, staff, and families that we sometimes forget we need to pour into ourselves and each other too.

So tomorrow morning, before the emails, meetings, and unexpected challenges begin, I will be reminding my team, and myself, to lead with love, give grace, protect our peace, and keep making good choices for kids.

Leadership is not about always being the person with the answers. Sometimes it is about being the person who reminds others, including yourself, that we have got this. 💚

Desiree LaFontaine is the Principal of The James McCune Smith School in New York City, where her philosophy is to "Lead with love," focusing on care, trust, and high expectations for students and staff, and her mission is to create inclusive learning spaces where everyone can thrive. This piece was originally posted October 12, 2026 and is cross-posted here with her permission. You can learn more about Desiree, her writing and her work here.