In this inspiring episode, George Couros and longtime friend Lainie Rowell explore how to take back your attention and design a life of intentional focus. They unpack the difference between habits and rituals, sharing practical strategies like single-tasking, creating “speed bumps” to reduce distractions, and setting up the night before to start each day with clarity and purpose.

Through stories of interviews, gratitude, and surrounding yourself with excellence, George and Lainie show how small daily choices can profoundly impact connection, creativity, and personal growth.

Check out Lainie's website:

Also, the infamous sunrise alarm clock!

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👉 Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on social media using #InnovatorsMindset

🌐 More at: https://georgecouros.com

🎙 Full audio podcast: https://linktr.ee/gcouros

Follow George Couros:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecourosauthor/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-couros-a5146519

📚 Books by George Couros:

The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20

Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d

Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/

In this episode, George Couros explores why college is not the only route to fulfillment or success in today’s world and that there are more pathways today for our learners than we sometimes acknowledge.

Think of this quote:

“The world only cares about—and pays off on—what you can do with what you know (and it doesn’t care how you learned it).”Thomas Friedman

How do we determine who we hire in some of our own opportunities? Is it based on the school they went to, or the type of work they have done? There are so many different ways to learn, meaning there are more opportunities than ever.

George reflects on his own experiences and what he has learned by watching someone he mentored grow his business without attending school for it. Justin, a self-taught photographer, built a thriving business based on talent and initiative, not degrees.

If we believe that our work is to help learners find a pathway to success that is meaningful to them, it is imperative they learn to define success for themselves, and see different opportunities for those pursuits.

This conversation encourages educators, parents, and students to redefine what success means and to create learning paths that align with each learner’s strengths and passions.

In this episode of the podcast, George Couros sits down with Greg Mertz from the New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), an independent middle and high school that integrates human-centered design thinking into every aspect of learning. NEIA’s approach goes beyond traditional electives, weaving innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship into all subjects.

Greg shares how NEIA uses makerspaces, AI, and virtual reality not as add-ons, but as tools that connect disciplines and bring learning to life. You will hear how their entrepreneurship and innovation class complements the broader curriculum, how educators embed innovation into science, math, and humanities, and why seeing students as people first helps them grow with compassion, creativity, and character.

Listen to this episode to discover how schools can empower students to explore their passions, work collaboratively, and prepare for a rapidly changing world.

Links:

• Learn more about NEIA: https://neiacademy.org/

• George Couros Website: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497

• What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739

• Podcast & Resources: http://bensound.com/