Jann’s Jottings #12
Jann’s Jottings # 12
“The most practical pages for perusal on the web”
Jotting (defn): short details of significant events, behaviours and conversations about wellbeing, growth, and career.
Wellbeing Jot: Wellbeing is the foundation of performance
I wondered recently what the difference is between wellbeing and wellness? We have whole industries devoted to both concepts. A medical definition of wellbeing is “the state of positive feelings, health and meeting full potential in the world” (Simons & Baldwin, 2020). Wellness is understood as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to wholistic health and include physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental dimensions” (Global Wellness Institute).
It seems to me that what is important is that we must actively choose the activities, connections, relationships, emotions, practices and environments that bring a lived experience of wellness and wellbeing to meet our full potential in home, family and work life. Here are a couple of thoughts as we head into the winter holidays:
Consistency beats intensity. What we do everyday matters more than what we do now and then. As we make small habits automatic, we see incremental and consistent changes every day. My current experiment is 60 push-ups every day. So far, I am reaching this 80% of the time so there is room for improvement, and I am feeling stronger.
Focus on the process and enjoy it rather than the outcome. My current project is learning how to paint something that even slightly resembles the subject I am trying to replicate and for those who know me well, this is a serious stretch! I am far more comfortable in the active and intellectual dimensions. Choosing to enjoy the process with vulnerability is the only way for me to stick with this.
What I do know is that wellbeing is the foundation for performance in all areas of life. To lead, to teach, to serve others, to become wiser, more compassionate, and healthier we need to consistently, actively choose the process of looking after ourselves well.
Ponder this: How do you model wellbeing in your workplace and family?
Growth Jot: Too much is not always a good thing
Everything is positive until we have too much of it.
What is yours?
Coffee, chocolate, cheese, chardonnay, chapters, episodes, exercise, eagerness to please or…?
Alexander the Great changed the course of history as one of the world’s greatest military generals, creating a vast empire. Taught by Aristotle, who inspired an interest in philosophy, medicine and science, Alexander the Great is quoted as saying:
‘Whatever possession we gain by our sword (actions/indulgence/consumption) cannot be sure or lasting, but love gained by kindness and moderation is certain and durable.’
So next time you are feeling unloved, overwhelmed, bored, stressed, lonely, jealous, fearful, rejected or any other undesirable emotions that need to be dealt with as part of self-growth try asking yourself this:
What do I feel?
What do I really need?
What do I want to feel/be instead?
What would my future self celebrate?
Ponder this: What is my ‘too much’ and what do I need to face?
I’d love to help you untangle that.
Career Jot: Positive Provocations
“To doubt is human – it makes us reflect” (Jodie Charlop, Executive Coach)
I’ve been challenged and inspired over the last few weeks by listening to some of the world's most accomplished coaches at the Annual Coaching Summit. Such a wealth of talent, skill, experience and application encourages me to continue to improve, learn and grow as a coach and human being. However, it is also easy to doubt and think I will never measure up.
This small and familiar voice is called Imposter Phenomenon or Syndrome and we all - yes all (it’s not just a female thing) experience it at times. Imposter Syndrome is defined as high achievers who believe themselves to be less intelligent and competent than others perceive them to be and who have difficulty believing and accepting genuine praise and appreciation. Familiar?
There are many strategies to help us through Imposter Syndrome and I take heart from the quote above. Reflecting equals improvement and reframing from negative self-talk to “I am still learning” is affirming. When I remind myself that I am still learning it helps me find the honey in the rocks of self-doubt.
Next time you catch yourself focusing obsessively on your weaknesses, try this:
Acknowledge the feelings of self-doubt
Reflect on the doubts you have – writing them down brings clarity
Seek the sweetness from the perspective of ‘I’m still learning’ and apply it next time.
Seeking a great read on this topic? Look out for Own your Greatness: Overcome Imposter syndrome, own your doubt and succeed in life by Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin and Dr Richard Orbé-Austin (2020)
My challenge to you: When Imposter Syndrome makes its presence felt, intentionally seek the sweetness of the doubt you are experiencing and choose to learn from it.
Coaching can help, let’s chat.
“You are loved, valued and worthy. Keep up the great work!”
