Dr. Gina Potter Launches "Lead With Purpose" Habit Challenge
Dr. Gina Acosta Potter, longtime educator and Superintendent of the San Ysidro School District, today announced the launch of aLead With Purpose Challenge, a simple public challenge designed to help people build one small daily habit that improves leadership, decision-making, and connection.
The challenge is grounded in the same principles that have guided Potter’s 30-plus-year career in education: clarity, stability, and genuine care.
“Leadership doesn’t start with a title,” Potter said. “It starts with compassion, consistency, collaboration, kindness, and humanitarian service.
Why This Habit Matters
The challenge focuses on one core habit: daily reflection paired with intentional action. Research and practice show this habit makes a real difference.
Studies show leaders who reflect daily are 23% more effective at decision-making.
Teams led by reflective leaders report higher trust and morale.
Small daily habits are more likely to stick than major behavior changes.
Consistent reflection improves focus and reduces burnout over time.
“As educators, we ask students to reflect and grow,” Potter said. “We owe ourselves the same practice.”
The Lead With Purpose Plan
No special tools are required. Just a few quiet minutes each day.
Step 1: Name Your WhyWrite one sentence about why your work matters to you.
Step 2: Notice One Student or ColleagueAcknowledge one person’s effort or growth.
Step 3: Simplify One DecisionAsk: What matters most here?
Step 4: Listen More Than You SpeakIn one conversation, focus only on listening.
Step 5: Reflect on a ChallengeWrite what you learned, not what went wrong.
Step 6: Act With IntentionTake one small action aligned with your values.
Step 7: Look Back and Look ForwardReflect on what changed and what you’ll continue.
“Success isn’t a single moment,” Potter often says. “It’s what you build over time, together.”
Share Your Progress (Optional)
Participants are invited—but not required—to share their experience.
Suggested public post prompts:
“Today’s Lead With Purpose reflection taught me…”
“One small action I took today was…”
“Leadership, to me, means…”
Use the hashtag #LeadWithPurposeChallenge.
Private option:Those who prefer not to post publicly can keep a personal journal, voice note, or private message thread with a trusted colleague or friend.
“Growth doesn’t have to be public to be powerful,” Potter said.
How to Join
The challenge is free and open to anyone—educators, leaders, parents, or community members.
Start today by completing Step 1.Commit to completing the seven steps within a month. A few minutes each day. One habit that can last a lifetime.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Gina Potter
Dr. Gina Acosta Potter is an educational leader with more than 30 years of experience serving diverse communities across California. She has served as Superintendent of the San Ysidro School District since 2018 and is recognized for her work in equity, school finance, governance, and community-centered leadership throughout California. She is the first female Filipina, biracial Superintendent in California and a longtime advocate for student success and compassionate systems that work for all.
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