​

Hey Reader,

Last week I got a plaque in the mail from YouTube for hitting 1 million subscribers. Honestly, it doesn't feel real. I’m very aware it’s not about me. One million means there are a lot of people who value better conversations and that fires me up. Moments like this make me pause, smile, and then get back to work.

Let’s jump right into this week’s 3 things.

#1. From My Inbox: "How do I find a balance between being authentic and trying to be positive all the time?"

First, acknowledge your desire to be positive. Then use one or two sentences to express your situation. “I want to keep things upbeat, but I also want to be honest. Here’s where we are.”

From there, keep your sentences short and your tone calm. Avoid “ly” words because they ramp up emotions: extremely, incredibly, terribly, highly. Then end on an upbeat note.

Honesty delivered calmly is not the opposite of positivity. It's the best version of it.

#2. A Communication Tip: How to Remember Someone’s Name

This is one of my favorite name tricks. It sounds goofy, but it works.

Once they say their name, assign them a superpower. The rapid change in your thought pattern spikes your adrenaline. This increased adrenaline increases your memory. So, the more interesting or weird you make the association, the more likely you’re going to remember them. For example: Mary can microwave food with her eyes or Bill can talk to the birds.

Then, end the conversation using their name again. If you can’t remember their name at the end it’s the perfect opportunity to say, “Can you remind me of your name one more time? I want to make sure I don’t forget it.”

#3. Something I’m Currently Loving: Jacobsen Salt Co. Products

Lately, I’ve been using salts from Jacobsen Salt Co., and honestly, I’ve become a little obsessed. I love trying their different flavors and seeing how much this small addition can change a whole meal. It’s one of those upgrades that makes a simple dinner feel more thoughtful. If you're looking for an easy change, I recommend trying a few.

Thank you for trusting me with your communication. I’m grateful.

J