Jane Coogan Launches a Personal Pledge for Clarity and Presence
Attorney and community leader Jane Coogan is announcing a new personal pledge focused on a timely and growing challenge she sees daily in her work and life: decision overload driven by constant distraction, pressure to do more, and lack of mental space.
The pledge is not a campaign or programme. It is a set of personal commitments Jane is making publicly—and inviting others to try for themselves.
“I meet people who feel frozen by big decisions,” Coogan says. “They’re capable, thoughtful people. They’re just overwhelmed.”
Her pledge grew out of years of client conversations, leadership roles, and lived experience balancing career, family, and community.
“You can’t rush everything,” she says. “You have to know when to push and when to hold steady.”
She adds, “Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most with full attention.”
Why This Pledge, and Why Now
The issue is widespread and growing:
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77% of adults report stress affects their ability to make decisions (American Institute of Stress)
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Multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40% (American Psychological Association)
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83% of professionals say they feel mentally exhausted by daily demands (Gallup)
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Short mental breaks can improve focus by up to 50% (University of Illinois)
“People don’t need more information,” Coogan says. “They need clarity.”
“If someone leaves a conversation feeling calmer and clearer,” she adds, “that matters.”
Jane Coogan’s Personal Pledge: 7 Commitments
Jane is committing to the following behaviours and inviting others to do the same:
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Block one hour each workday for focused, uninterrupted work
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Start each morning by identifying the one decision that matters most
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End each workday without checking email for the final 30 minutes
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Take a phone-free walk or run at least three times a week
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Say no to commitments that dilute focus or energy
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Enter meetings prepared with fewer, clearer goals
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Pause before big decisions to ask, “What actually matters here?”
“I learned the hard way that saying yes to everything wasn’t success,” she says. “Quality matters more than quantity.”
Do It Yourself: A Free Toolkit for Anyone
No services. No sign-ups. Just actions.
10 Things You Can Do This Week
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Turn off notifications for one full afternoon
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Write down the one decision you’re avoiding
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Cancel one unnecessary meeting
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Take a 20-minute walk without your phone
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Single-task for one full hour
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Write a short list of priorities each morning
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Stop checking email first thing after waking
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Sit quietly for five minutes before bed
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Ask for clarity instead of rushing to respond
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Do one thing slower—and with full attention
30-Day Progress Tracker
Use this simple check-in each week:
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Week 1: One focused hour per day
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Week 2: One phone-free walk or run every other day
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Week 3: Fewer commitments, clearer priorities
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Week 4: Reflect on what feels calmer or clearer
No perfection required. Just notice what changes.
Call to Action
Jane Coogan invites readers to choose one commitment, try it for 30 days, and share the pledge with someone who feels overwhelmed.
“Big decisions don’t need more pressure,” she says. “They need space.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Jane Coogan
Jane Coogan is a Partner at Coogan Smith, LLP in Attleboro, Massachusetts. She focuses on estate planning, business formation, succession planning, and probate matters. A lifelong Attleboro resident, she is active in local boards and organisations and is known for her steady, empathetic approach to leadership and decision-making.
Contact:
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Contact Person: Jane Coogan
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Country: United States
Website: https://www.janecooganmassachusetts.com/
