How small habits shape big change—in life and in the classroom.
In part 1, we sit down with educator Dennis Kubat to explore what mindset really means for teachers, students, and anyone trying to live and work with intention.
Drawing on his journey from athlete to full‑time educator, Dennis shares how mindset training transformed his teaching, his energy, and his everyday life.
Listen to this episode to hear practical strategies for building confidence, shifting from fixed to growth mindset, creating sustainable routines, and finding ways to “win the morning” so the rest of the day feels better too. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded, energized, and focused—especially in the busyness of school life—this episode is for you.
🌱 From Fixed to Growth Mindset
Dennis breaks down how confidence, voice, and small opportunities for success help students—and educators—shift toward a more resilient mindset. He shares how giving students more ownership in Phys Ed has sparked engagement and positivity.
💡 Life as a Strategy Game
Rather than seeing mindset as talent or luck, Dennis frames it as strategy: the small, consistent habits that shape how we respond, persevere, and grow.
🧠 “Win the Morning”: The Power of Routines
Whether it’s a 5 AM run, meditation, or simply 10 minutes of movement, Dennis emphasizes building a routine that grounds your day—and your teaching. He offers examples of AM/PM habits that remove decision fatigue and set you up for success.
💛 Positive Self-Talk & Micro‑Resets
Dennis walks listeners through his “yellow‑red release” strategy: a quick reset using breath, presence, and a single word—“good”—to reframe challenges and regain control of the moment.
📈 The Compound Effect in Education
Success isn’t dramatic—it’s consistent. This episode explores how stacking small habits leads to big outcomes over time, both professionally and personally.
Episode Highlights(Timestamps)
00:00 — Welcome & Dennis’s path from hockey to education
01:00 — Mindset training & the impact on teaching
04:00 — A story about triangles and strategy
10:00 — Movement as a mindset tool
13:00 — AM/PM routines that reduce stress
19:00 — Habit tracking & accountability partners
24:00 — Elite mindset & the compound effect
29:00 — Positive self-talk & the “yellow‑red release”
Mindset Matters: Small Habits, Big Shifts with Dennis Kubat
Episode 21 Part #1
Guest: Dennis Kubat
NE Voices – A podcast amplifying the Voices of the NESD and Beyond
Hosted by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud
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NE Voices
Released March 2026