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Stand Tall steve Bollar reflects on internal motivation in times of frustration.

Frustration is Fuel: Harnessing Internal Motivation to Drive Success

certified speaking professional climate commitment culture education consultant educational leadership educational leadership programs goals integrity just do this keynote speaker leaders in education leadership coaching leadership for educational equity leadership styles in education motivational speaker professional development public speaking reflection stand tall steve steve bollar Apr 19, 2025

Let’s be real, y’all. Frustration comes with the job. In education, we all face it— policies that make no sense, paperwork that never ends, and people who test your patience. You want to throw your hands up and walk out some days. I get it. I’ve been there, too. You're not alone in this.

But what if I told you frustration isn’t the enemy? What if I told you it’s actually the fuel?

Yep. Let’s dig in to take that fire and use it to move forward—not burn out.

 

Frustration = Feedback

Here’s the first thing you need to know: Frustration gives feedback. That feeling? That deep sigh or eye roll? It’s your internal GPS saying, This matters to me. This needs to change. That’s not weakness. That’s a sign of passion.

So, pause. Breathe. Don’t ignore the frustration—listen to it. Ask yourself, What is this pointing me toward? That right there? That’s your zone of opportunity. That’s where growth starts.

 

Fuel Action, Not Complaints

Next step? Take action.

You know how easy it feels to vent in the teacher’s lounge. You get into that cycle—complain, nod, repeat. But venting doesn’t solve. It drains. Instead, use that same energy to do something. Adjust a routine. Start that tough conversation. Try a new strategy.

Even a small move—just one step forward—puts the power back in your hands. You shift from helpless to hopeful. Frustration fades when action steps in.

 

Make It Your Mission

Some of the best school programs out there didn’t start with a clipboard and a district meeting. They began with someone saying, I’ve had enough of this. A principal who saw morale drop? She created a recognition program that brought her staff back to life. A teacher who felt tired of student apathy? He built a whole new engagement system—and it worked.

See what I mean? Frustration can shape purpose. You care enough to feel it. Now, care enough to act on it. Let that fire shape your mission. Own it.

 

Burnout or Breakthrough? You Choose.

Here’s the truth: Frustration is a fire. You can let it burn you out, or you can let it fuel your next level. The power is in your hands, the choice is yours. You have the power to choose your path, to turn frustration into a catalyst for growth.

Lean into it. Learn from it. Then, let it launch you. Don’t shrink back. Don’t silence your drive. That fire inside you? That’s where innovation lives.

So, if this one hits home today, pass it along to someone else who feels the heat. We all go through it, but don’t have to stay stuck in it. Keep Standing Tall, even when frustration shows up, because that’s usually when the growth begins. Share your experiences, support each other, and let's grow together.

You got this. Let’s turn that fuel into forward motion.

 

 

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The book covers essential topics such as:

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