Jann’s Jottings - August 2026

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Aug 14

“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: Sharing Abundantly

There are times when we get so caught up in our to-do lists that we can let every interaction with others become transactional. When this happens, we tend to operate from a deficit attitude – not enough time, attention or resources available to get through the day. Understandable when there is pressure on every front.

I’d like to challenge you to a small experiment this month:

Choose a generous, curious and cheerful attitude to every person you interact with. Assume that they are trying their best and extend to them the most generous interpretation of their words, intentions and actions.

Consider how your attitude shift changes your interactions and enjoyment of work and other relationships.

Ponder this: Who do I have to be extra mindful of to choose a generous attitude with? Make sure you adjust your mindset before the interaction.

Growth Jot: The Courage to be Ordinary

Ordinary is not a term used often anymore, yet there is value in appreciating our own uniqueness and ordinary, everyday things and events. This is the premise of the most recent Ichiro Kishimi book, The Courage to be Ordinary. I found this an interesting read which reminded me that we cannot excel, be special, control and hustle all the time. It is both unrealistic and exhausting. Kishimi reminds us that it is a trap when we constantly strive for exceptional greatness and superiority. The hustle leaves us in a cycle of comparison to others which, engaged in for too long, will result in dissatisfaction at best and burnout at worst.

Instead, step into your strengths, your unique view of the world and listen to your inner voice to discern your own path, then apply yourself and continue growing into the person the people in your world want you to be – successful, authentic and stretching for your next step, not striving.

Ponder this: What is stretch goal which enables you to use your strengths to contribute?

Coaching can help with that.

Career Jot: Counting the Cost

Nothing of true value comes without a cost. It is easy to think of the cost of purchasing an item, budgeting for it and putting a plan into place for the new property, car or holiday. Yet every decision we make comes with a cost, because when we say yes to one thing, it means saying no to something else. That promotion you are longing for will bring the cost of courage, persistence and motivation. Achieving the promotion will bring the cost of additional responsibilities, time, criticism from others and opportunity, achievement and making a real difference. Our journey along life’s road really is about weighing the effort and sacrifice of what we desire to do against the compounding effects of growth and contribution. Change without direction delivers a high price because we may find ourselves in less-than-ideal situations. However, considered, supported change based on your own values, gifts and talents enables the cost to pay off and ushers in the next chapter of fulfilment for you.

Coaching can help with that.