Jann’s Jottings - July 2025
“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: Tired or empty?
As we approach the end of a very busy season including end of financial year, term reports, concerts, special occasions, change of job or teammates, and of course normal life, we can feel tired physically and mentally. There is a difference between feeling tired and empty.
When we are tired, rest and a few good night’s sleep renews our wellbeing.
When we are feeling empty it speaks more to our lack of purpose and meaning and is not renewed without introspection and change.
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose” (Vicktor Frankl).
Having purpose and meaning is the soil in which our well-being can grow. It leads to our wholeness.
Ponder this: Are you running low on rest or on meaning?
Coaching can help with that.
Growth Jot: Recognise and reframe resistance with curiosity
I have been noticing with the teams with which I work, that there is often lament at what seem important goals getting lost between meetings. I find this with my clients and with myself, too. That which we know is good, useful, or effective for us often slips to the bottom of the list, we make excuses, or flat out refuse to do it. It may be as simple as ensuring there is an agenda with actions that have been followed up in a timely manner for each meeting, drinking more water, getting our steps in daily, or something far more significant.
If we are to grow in effectiveness in any sphere of our lives, we need to recognise and reframe resistance.
Research suggests that these resistance-busting strategies are effective:
Notice the resistance and approach it with curiosity rather than judgment.
Renew and restate your vision and goals clearly and often – do they still resonate/fit?
Set performance (big picture) and growth (who you will be) goals and identify the growth gap.
Use “if-then” planning to make the plan more automatic rather than relying on memory or willpower.
Re-imagine the role and goal if it is no longer fit for purpose (Gartner research, 2024).
After all, poor performers avoid spending time with their mistakes.
Ponder this: Where is your resistance preventing your growth?
Career Jot: Influence and Input
Every now and again, a book comes into my life that both challenges and reminds me why I do what I do. I was volunteering at the Lifeline Book Fair recently, and The Go-Giver caught my eye. Written as a short parable, the message in this book is about the principles of contribution, abundance, service, and success. Even the title, ‘Go-Giver’, rather than ‘Go-Getter’, suggests that we need to use our influence, gifts, charisms, and experience to make our contributions to others if we want meaning in our lives. Our influence is determined by how abundantly we place other people’s interests first (p.71). This is indeed a challenge; however, it begins with listening, being present, and giving the gift of authenticity, as the most valuable gift we have to offer to others is ourselves.
If you are thinking of making a career move, a change, or need a little reminder of what fills your cup, this may be the book for you.
The Go-Giver: A Little Story about a powerful business idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann, Penguin books, 2007.
“You are loved, valued and worthy. Keep up the great work!”
— Jann Carroll
