When 80% Is More Than Enough

Some weeks demand everything you’ve got.

Most weeks don’t.

And honestly? That’s a gift.

There’s a quiet courage in showing up — not perfectly, not polished, not endlessly energetic — but as your real, human self. Some days, that’s the version your students need the most.

This Week's Resource

This week’s resource comes from Western Governors University: “The Importance of Consistency in the Classroom.” It’s a short, straightforward piece that highlights something we often overlook in teaching — that students don’t need us at 100% to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. They need us to be steady.

The article explains how consistency creates predictability, and predictability creates psychological safety, which is the foundation for trust. And when trust shows up, learning follows. It’s the perfect companion to this week’s theme, because showing up at 80% isn’t “phoning it in” — it’s the kind of experienced, emotionally intelligent teaching that prioritizes relationships over perfection.

As the article notes, “Consistency may be the most important ingredient in creating a positive learning environment.” It’s a helpful reminder that sustainable teaching isn’t about intensity — it’s about presence, rhythm, and the courage to show up as you are.

Sustainable Excellence

This week, I found myself moving through moments where the tank wasn’t full. I bet you can relate. And yet — the work still happened. Students still learned. Conversations still mattered.

Here’s the underlying truth.

Teaching at 80% is not failure — it’s sustainable excellence.

Because 80% means:

• You were steady, even when stretched.
• You kept your tone grounded.
• You didn’t let small moments derail the bigger picture.
• You made thoughtful choices instead of frantic ones.
• You modeled resilience, not perfectionism.

Students don’t need a superhero. They need a human who shows up again and again.

An 80% you is still more than enough.

A Little Weekend Practice: The 80% Reset

Before you head into the weekend, take 60 seconds and ask yourself:

1. Where did I show up at 80% this week?
2. How did that still move the needle forward?
3. Where could 80% be enough next week, too?

You deserve space to show up as a person — not a performance.

Your future self will thank you for building sustainability now, not someday.

Something Special Starts December 1

Before we head into the holiday stretch, I wanted to share a quick heads-up: our STRONG Teacher Winter Reset begins December 1. Think of it as a gentle, uplifting way to close out the year — part reflection series, part wellness boost, part community challenge.

From December 1–12, we’ll move through 12 simple, restorative daily practices designed to help you slow down, reset your energy, and feel more grounded through the busiest month of the school year. Then, from December 13 to January 5, we’ll shift into weekly winter reflections to help you carry calm and clarity into the new year.

It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s one of my favorite things we do together each year.

More details coming soon — but for now, mark your calendar and get ready for a gentle December.

With Gratitude,

Jeremy