Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Origins of my name and why we shouldn't be triggered by things.

“Birthdays are good for your health. It’s scientifically proven that people with more birthdays live longer.” (really smart person)

CLICK HERE to listen to the 2-minute version of this article.

My parents knew what they wanted to name me but overlooked the communication part where they talked about how to spell my name.

When I was delivered and the nurse asked my dad in the hallway how he wanted to spell my name, he replied “I guess Amy with a J.”

My first name is butchered all the time because it’s unusual.

My last name looks like BECH-ler, but most people call me BELCH-er.

In reality it’s pronounced BEK-ler.

As you can see, I’ve lived my whole life having my full name messed up.

I’ve seen plenty of people fly off the handle and get bent all out of shape because the barista at Starbucks handed them a cup labeled Tommy when the person’s name was Tammy.

Or maybe your name was Terry, but they heard Carrie.

Sure, it’s annoying, but they still got their coffee. Does it really warrant a meltdown over a misspelled name or mistaken identity?

As Epictetus wisely said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”

Most of these slip-ups aren’t personal—they’re the result of a busy mind, a loud room, a long shift, or just human error.

Getting bent out of shape only turns a small hiccup into a full-blown crisis, and who has the energy for that?

When someone mispronounces your name or mistakes you for the wrong gender, take it in stride.

As Maya Angelou said, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

Use humor! When corrected with kindness, people often appreciate the grace extended to them.

Next time your name is misspelled or mispronounced, smile and say,

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower once remarked, “A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership.”

Applying this to life means laughing at life’s little blunders instead of letting them ruin your day.

The world needs less triggered people and more grateful ones. Life’s too short to let a coffee cup—or an innocent mistake—steal your joy.

Sip your coffee and enjoy the ride.

After all, my name is messed up all the time.

Step by Step

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

Start the new year off right with our daily reader. It only takes a couple of minutes to read each day’s insights and jump start your day. Step by Step: 365 Daily Insights for Growth, Influence, and Success just might help you make 2026 the best year yet.

We are excited about this daily reader as it contains a different thought, insight, story, or illustration for every day of the year. Get an autographed copy of this paperback by visiting JamyBechler.com/Shop and use these nuggets of wisdom to start off each day to maximize your potential or help impact others.

Share your thoughts

You received today’s newsletter because you’ve either subscribed to one of our resources or supported our work in the past. For this I’m deeply appreciative.

If you got something out of this story today, feel free to share this. Also, remember to check out our store and get a 10% discount when you use the coupon code “newsletter”

Thanks and until next time remember that success is a choice, what choice will you make today.