Jann’s Jottings - July 2026

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Jul 1

“The most practical pages for perusal on the web”

Jotting (defn): short details of significant events, behaviours and conversations about wellbeing, growth and education/career.

Wellbeing Jot: Overthinking…

When something happens, such as a parent wants an urgent interview, a family member says they have ‘big news’, a boss asks to ‘drop in’ to your workplace unexpectedly, what is your natural reaction? For some, it is simply a point of interest that will be dealt with when the time comes, while for others, many minutes and hours are spent dissecting, rationalising, and analysing, which requires a great deal of mental effort and emotional energy. In fact, we can fall into a ‘what -if’ cycle where our brains misinterpret a request as uncertainty or danger.

Or perhaps you are given an opportunity that may be daunting, thrilling and exciting and overthinking keeps you from taking the plunge. In this case, remember that most chances don’t return, and overthinking has stolen more dreams than failure ever would. So, what to do?

Do a brain dump on paper
Box breathe – in for 4 out for 4, in for 5 out for 5 etc.
Schedule worry/overthinking time: a dedicated 15 minutes at a chosen time of the day (not night) and defer all overthinking to that time only
Use the 5-4-3-2-1 method to get yourself out of head:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste.

Ponder this: Each time you overthink you are draining energy that is better spent positively elsewhere.

Coaching can help with that.

Growth Jot: Be a bee not a fly

I am currently reading Inner Mastery, Outer Impact by Hitendra Wadhwa, and so enjoying it. The author refers to an ancient Indian tale regarding the analogy of the bee and the fly. The bee will always seek a straight path to the most beautiful flower even in the midst of drought, decay and filth. The fly, even in a field of beautiful flowers, will always land on the filth and decay. When we apply this to our leadership, we can be like a fly looking for the negative, judging without all the facts, or acting randomly, frantically buzzing about searching for the next knee-jerk solution (think of a fly trapped, frantically flying at the glass). A bee approach invites us to think in a structured, curiosity-based way, to act logically with consideration for others and the wider implications and to protect our peace.

Your challenge: Even when tired and without all the facts, become self-aware and choose to seek the honey, clarity and opportunity in every situation.

Coaching can help with that.

Career Jot: Purpose and Change

No work is insignificant. All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. - Martin Luther King Jnr

In schools, or indeed any workplace, where every interaction has the power to shape a life, Martin Luther King Jr.’s reminder that “all labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance” speaks directly to our shared vocation. Whether we are teaching, leading, sweeping the courtyard, welcoming families at the gate, or guiding a child through a difficult moment, our work carries profound significance. King’s challenge to approach even the simplest tasks with the excellence of Michelangelo, Handel, Beethoven, and Shakespeare invites us to see our daily responsibilities not as routine, but as opportunities to elevate others. When we commit to this level of care and craftsmanship, our schools become places where every act—large or small—reflects purpose, dignity, and the unwavering belief that what we do matters.

Try the 3 R challenge as you reflect and look towards the second half of this year:

Reframe what you do and why you do it?
Redesign the tasks you take on. Remember every time you say no to a request, you are saying no to someone and yes to either yourself or someone else (read that again).
Reorient to those relationships and areas in your life that need nurturing.

Enjoy the break!