In August we focused on learning and growth – although of course we are always looking for ways to grow, both professionally and personally. Here’s a look at what’s been sparking our thoughts and growth:
Sue – I re-read James Clear’s Atomic Habits this month, and it reminded me how much power sits in the tiniest changes. One idea I’m trying again is “habit stacking”—adding a new habit to something I already do. For example; after I go to the gym I head straight out to get the balance of my 10,000 steps for the day. Lots to take away from this book. It’s a pretty easy read so a hard recommend.
Kendi – I listened to a Freakonomics Radio episode about the economics of attention and it confirmed something I know to be true but that we as communicators might not always want to admit – modern attention spans are not really as incredibly short as we think they are. It’s not that people can’t pay attention, it’s that they don’t want to waste time reading, watching or listening to content that doesn’t do it for them. If your content is not getting deep engagement, it’s not because the audience has the attention span of an earthworm, it’s because the content is not good enough.
Alex – This month I read Zoë Foster Blake’s latest book It’ll Calm Down Soon, which follows a hair stylist that leaves a glamorous fashion career to build her own business from the ground up – echoing Zoë’s own real-life journey with her skincare brand. What I loved is that it felt like a business book disguised as fiction: I came away with insights on scaling a business, getting it valued and the realities of selling part of a company to investors, all wrapped in a compelling story – worth a read!
Shereen – A friend gave me Untamed by Glennon Doyle, and I’m glad they did because it really made me think about how much of life is shaped by expectations. One of the biggest lessons I took away is the idea of trusting your inner “knowing” – that quiet voice that tells you what feels true. It reminded me that living authentically often means breaking away from what others expect, and while that can feel uncomfortable, it’s also where real freedom and growth begin.
Karen – recently my learning has extended to wellbeing and health, delving into natural remedies and using food as medicine. Holistic practices I applied as routine to thoroughbreds I once trained have been revisited and applied to myself and family, with remarkable results in some instances.