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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Advice from a Life Coach

December 6, 2023 Why to “Ramp Up” Your Resolutions

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, we feel a sense of renewal, a fresh start. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions and pledge to begin our new healthy habits as soon as the year begins. Although the energy of a new year can help us along for a while, it can be very difficult to sustain a new habit if we aren’t used to doing it. Making the switch from a junk food diet to a healthy one, going from the couch to the gym, cutting ourselves off from social media, or any big lifestyle change can rock our routines and make us feel a bit off balance. And this discomfort might be enough for many people to eventually give up and say, “Well, there’s always next year…”

How can we avoid making short-lived resolutions? How can we make healthy changes that last? The answer might be “ramping up” your resolutions.

It is difficult for most people to make a major change at the drop of a hat. Instead, it can be helpful to make incremental changes—minor tweaks to your usual routine that are relatively painless to implement. Small changes can add up, especially when you make a conscious effort to ramp up those changes day after day, and week after week.

If you haven’t been jogging lately, it would be exceedingly difficult (if not impossible!) to run a marathon. That’s why there are marathon training regimens in place. These programs help people build up speed and stamina over the course of several months, so by the time the marathon rolls around, they’re well prepared.

The same idea can be applied to ramping up your resolutions. A month or two before the new year, you might start building toward your resolution. Let’s say you’d like to read two books every month next year. You can start by committing to reading a minimum of three pages a day for a few days. Then, you can increase that amount to five pages, then ten pages, then an entire chapter. By New Year’s Eve, you will have developed the beginning of a reading habit and will be ready to tackle your resolution in earnest.

Another example is eating a healthier diet. To prepare for this resolution, you can start small. Try swapping a daily junk food snack for a healthier option (swap potato chips for sliced veggies or an apple; swap a cookie for a piece of low-sugar dark chocolate). Or, you could modify one of your daily meals to be healthier (eating a salad for lunch instead of a pre-packaged sandwich or mac ‘n’ cheese).

To ramp up to your resolution, it’s a good idea to keep a few things in mind:

  • It pays to plan! Set a starting point and map out how you will slowly ramp up your behavior.
  • Use a calendar and set alerts. This will help remind you of your next “ramp up.”
  • Don’t stress the start date. You can start making incremental changes at any time of year, not just before the new year. Just make sure you have a clear direction and have mapped out how you will ramp up.
  • Celebrate wins! Don’t forget to recognize the progress you’re making.
  • Get others on board. It can be very helpful to include others on your journey of self-improvement. Ask a friend to check in from time to time to help you reach your goals (and don’t forget to offer to do the same for them).

The end of the year is fast approaching, and it’s not too late to start thinking about the changes you’d like to make for yourself. No matter your goals, it can be hugely helpful to tackle them slowly, one small change at a time. You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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November 29, 2023 10 Ways to Find Calm and Practice Self-Care

The holidays can be joyful, fun, and full of laughter…but they can also be chaotic and overwhelming. Between juggling end-of-the-year work projects, holiday parties, gift giving, and winter activities, you might find yourself in need of some peace and quiet. But how can you find any tranquility with this flurry of events and activities? How can you possibly step away when there are so many demands on your time? Here are 10 ways to find your calm during the hectic holiday season.

1. Start your day with mindfulness

Dedicate a few minutes each morning for meditation or deep breathing exercises to set a calm tone for the day.

2. Prioritize self-care

Make time for activities that recharge you, such as taking a hot bath, reading a book, walking outside, or writing in a journal.

3. Learn to say no

Don’t feel obligated to attend every event or take on every task. It’s okay to decline and prioritize your well-being.

4. Create a calming environment

Fill your space with soothing scents, soft lighting, and relaxing music or an audiobook to create an atmosphere of tranquility.

5. Practice gratitude

Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, such as your health, loved ones, and the simple pleasures in life.

6. Set boundaries

Establish clear boundaries with your time and energy. Learn to say “no” to things that drain you, and prioritize what truly matters.

7. Embrace simplicity

Simplify your holiday traditions and activities. Focus on what brings you joy and let go of unnecessary stressors.

8. Disconnect from technology

Take breaks from screens and social media to give your mind (and your eyes!) a break. Engage in offline activities that bring you peace and enjoyment.

9. Get moving

Engage in physical activity to release stress and boost your mood. Go for a walk, do yoga, or participate in a favorite sport.

10. Seek support

Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for continuous guidance and support during the busy holiday season.

Finding calm and practicing a little self-care is possible with the right strategies, even when you’re busier than ever. By establishing a few intentional practices, you can navigate the holiday season with more peace and tranquility. Remember to take care of yourself and prioritize your wellbeing amid the chaos, and you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays in a more relaxed, joyful, and authentic way.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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November 8, 2023 Finding Balance Amid Holiday Hubbub

For many people, this is the busiest, most hectic time of year. Even though we are expected to be joyful and cheery during our holiday parties and family gatherings, it can all feel like a bit much. Between cooking and baking, cleaning, buying gifts, AND attempting to accomplish end-of-the-year work projects, you might need a holiday from the holidays!

How can you achieve some kind of balance (and the occasional break) amid the holiday hubbub? How can you check off everything on your to-do list and find time for yourself? I suggest approaching this time of year with intentionality. Here are 5 ways to do so:

Delegate What You Can

You don’t have to take on everything yourself. In some cases, it makes sense to delegate little projects or tasks to others (as long as that person has the time and necessary skills). Ask your spouse or another family member to do some of the holiday gift shopping. See if your tech-savvy co-worker has the capacity to put together that spreadsheet. Ask if anyone else is interested in spearheading the office holiday party/garden club gift exchange/nativity pageant. You never know if others’ have the time, capacity, or interest unless you ask.

Settle For Second-Best

It can be helpful to reject the mentality that everything has to be “perfect.” Your apple pie doesn’t have to be homemade. Your house doesn’t have to be flawlessly clean and decorated for guests. You don’t have to put on a Pinterest-worthy holiday spread. Settling for second-best can help relieve the pressure to have everything perfect and allow you to focus on what really matters: spending time with loved ones and enjoying the holiday season.

Say No

Occasionally, it makes sense to just say no. You don’t have to attend every holiday party or event, especially if it causes too much stress or takes away from your own well-being. Learn to prioritize your time and energy by saying no to things that don’t align with your values or bring you joy. It’s okay to set boundaries and protect your own mental and emotional health during this busy season.

Schedule “You Time”

If you’re like many people, if it doesn’t make it onto the calendar, it simply isn’t happening. Set aside time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading a book, scheduling a massage, going for a walk in nature, or practicing mindfulness. By building self-care into your calendar, you ensure that you have dedicated time to recharge and rejuvenate amidst the chaos.

Practice Gratitude

In the midst of the holiday rush, take a moment to practice gratitude. Reflect on the things you are grateful for and acknowledge the positive aspects of your life. This can help shift your focus away from the stress and busyness and bring a sense of calm and contentment. Consider jotting down things and people you are grateful for, or sharing your gratitude with loved ones during holiday gatherings. Cultivating gratitude can help you find balance and appreciate the true meaning of the holiday season.

Finding balance during the holiday season is not only essential for our wellbeing, it simply makes sense. Why go through all the effort of planning get togethers and doing all the little seasonal “extras” if you’re not going to enjoy the moment. Embrace imperfection and focus on what truly matters: connecting with loved ones and enjoying the holiday spirit. As you continue through this busy time, prioritize self-care and gratitude. By doing so, you can find balance and, as they say, “make the season bright.”

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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