“I’m failing at all the fundamentals …”

The Ruckus Maker Flywheel Chapter 5

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What happens after the wake-up call?

Jordan didn’t erase the board.

She didn’t call Max.

She didn’t magically fix everything.

But when she looked at the words he left behind — EAT. MOVE. SLEEP. BREATHE. UNPLUG. —

she tested herself.

And failed. Hard.

This chapter isn’t dramatic.

It’s honest.

And for a lot of school leaders, it’s familiar.

Because before the breakthrough comes the mirror.

And the mirror doesn’t lie.

📖 Never miss a chapter of Jordan’s story. You can read each chapter in the First in Line section of Ruckus Makers.

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The Fundamentals

The next morning, Jordan stood in the doorway of her office and stared at the whiteboard.

She hadn’t erased it.

She’d thought about it.

Twice.

Even reached for the eraser once.

But something about those five words—EAT. MOVE. SLEEP. BREATHE. UNPLUG.—refused to let go.

She closed the door behind her, sat down at her desk, and turned on her screen.

Another inbox avalanche.

Three “quick questions” from the superintendent.

A teacher asking for coverage.

An email marked URGENT that said nothing urgent at all.

Jordan didn’t open them.

She swiveled toward the board and read the list again.

Then, quietly, she tested herself.

EAT.

Her last real meal had been … she couldn’t remember. Today she packed an energy drink and protein bar.

MOVE.

Her Peloton now held her clothes before making it to the closet. The only real steps she got was observations and covering classes.