FOUNDERS DIARY: ENTRY 21.01.25: Embrace the Spark: Igniting Change Through Passion

“The journey begins when we choose to stop coasting and start creating. Every spark of inspiration holds the potential to change our path, if we’re brave enough to follow it”

The start of a new year brings with it a burst of energy, a time to redefine what’s possible for ourselves. We set goals, dream big, and embrace the idea that change is within our grasp. Some of us are looking to hit life milestones, others are ready to reinvent their careers or explore something entirely new. Perhaps you’re finally ready to dive into a long-forgotten hobby or start something you’ve always wanted to pursue. But change doesn’t always happen on our terms—sometimes it’s thrust upon us. A shift in an employer’s direction, a partner’s sudden commitment to a new plant-based health goal or lifestyle, or even a neighbour’s unexpected morning tap dancing practice can shake up our routines and challenge us.

Regardless of the cause, this time of year forces us to confront one truth: change is inevitable. Whether it’s through resolutions we set for ourselves or changes we have to adapt to, the new year reminds us of what we want to improve or transform. For those of us who make resolutions, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with a part of ourselves that often gets neglected—our passions. Too often, we fall into autopilot mode, just surviving day-to-day. I know this feeling all too well. When I lived with friends, after long workdays, we’d cook together, laugh, and unwind. But after the meal, we’d slump in front of the TV, drifting into numbness. Maybe we’d scroll through Instagram or TikTok, but without truly engaging. But what if this year, we did more than just coast? What if we reignited those dormant passions and took ownership of our time? What if we embraced the changes that are truly within our reach?

As time moves on, so do we—growing, evolving, and constantly shifting. For me, this meant rethinking how I nourish my mind. We’ve all been there caught in a Netflix binge, mindlessly watching episode after episode. I’m not dismissing Netflix—there’s value in relaxation and some of their content—but when we fall into the trap of crap TV, we end up wasting precious hours. At some point, our minds crave more. We yearn for deeper, more meaningful stimuli.

For me, that shift happened unexpectedly. It started with a hangover day, after a night spent with a friend. We’d spent hours chatting, probably too many, about a book I had once dreamed of writing. In the moment, it seemed like a far-fetched idea, one that would never come to fruition, but something in that conversation sparked a fire. The next day, wrapped in a blanket, nursing a heavy head and awaiting mine and Birkin’s Burger King delivery, I felt a pull to do something. Not something active—I wasn’t about to go for a run—but something creative. That conversation had ignited a spark, and I couldn’t ignore it.

So, I did what I always do when inspiration strikes: I wrote. But this time, it wasn’t just a quick outline for a single book—it turned into a series, four books in fact, all born from that late-night discussion. And then something unexpected happened—the plan no longer mattered. The words began to flow, and creativity took over. That was the moment I realised that creativity doesn’t always need a grand plan to begin with. Sometimes, it’s born in the most unlikely places and can’t be stopped once it takes hold.

I was often filling my days with activities—things to attend, people to connect with, long walks with Birkin. And, knowing that TV often serves as little more than background noise, I realised I couldn’t keep sinking into the sofa with Birkin, my Chief Cuddle Officer, and expect fulfilment. I had bigger things to create. So, I wasn’t going to let my days slip away in idleness. Summer wouldn’t summer forever, and the inconsistent rainy days were becoming more frequent, but that truth pushed me to use the skills I had honed in my previous roles to build something meaningful. Skills I didn’t even realise I had—until now.

Writing is a beautiful, limitless process. It’s a blank canvas where anything is possible. You can create entire worlds or take everyday observations and breathe new life into them. Whether it’s fact or fiction, writing allows you to weave threads of knowledge into something fresh and compelling. Your fingers become your paintbrush, shaping ideas into stories and concepts in ways only you can.

Even as I juggle multiple projects, creativity continues to flow. The other night, after sending off the final email of the day to a client, I quickly threw together a meal and sat down with my laptop. That’s when it happened again—a new spark, a new writing project. Another idea, another challenge, and I couldn’t help but dive in. Once the creative flow is unleashed, it’s hard to stop and I was firing away at one in the morning.

Now, I’m excited to share a big update: as of today, I’ve written nine chapters, six of which are actively under review by the Amazon team, as I’ve chosen to self-publish this mini-series I started last week. And honestly, I don’t care if I end up like Brian Griffin from Family Guy, with an unread eBook collecting virtual dust on Amazon. I’ll still feel like I’ve done something awesome, because I took the leap and created. It’s an exciting milestone, and once the link to the chapters is live, I’ll be thrilled to share it with you.

So, why am I sharing all of this? How did we move from “thinking about change” to self-publishing a book series? It all comes down to passion. It’s about embracing the urges, the sparks of inspiration that call us to do something meaningful. You don’t have to start with writing a book or creating something massive—but it’s about doing something, anything, that has been quietly nudging at the back of your mind. Ignoring your passions and giving in to idleness won’t create the change we need in our personal or professional lives.

There are simple ways to break free from the monotony. Don’t let life slip by in a blur of routine. Small steps toward change can transform your experience. Too often, we forget the importance of quality time with loved ones, lost in the grind of work or distractions. Yes, work brings its challenges—like that absurd incident with Bob and the coffee machine, or the unnecessary requests from people who could handle things themselves. But we need to make sure these moments don’t consume us.

Sometimes we avoid sharing the quirks of our personal lives—the diet changes that bring unexpected consequences, or the frustrations with a neighbour’s 6am tap dancing routine. Research shows that we’re more likely to talk about work outside of work than our personal lives within it. This is influenced by social norms, workplace boundaries, privacy, and trust.

But here’s the truth: your passions are yours to explore. Don’t hold back. Whether it’s a small change or a giant leap, it’s all about taking that first step. This is your time. Embrace it. If you’re stuck in the grind of your work life, only carving out limited moments with loved ones, make those moments count. Fill them with purpose, energy, and limitless possibilities. Break free from routine and make each moment something meaningful.

Whether you choose to create together or independently, you have the power to encourage and inspire one another. You can build something beautiful, something crafted from passion, something lasting that carries you through the day. This is your life to shape—your chance to make every moment matter.

At JNB.Lu, we’re here to help you make that change. Whether you’re looking to redefine your professional path, embrace your creative potential, or simply break free from the patterns holding you back, we’ll support you every step of the way. This is your time to create, evolve, and shine. Let’s make it happen.

Ciao for now,

Josh