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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Advice from a Life Coach

October 4, 2023 Changing Your Work Approach with the Seasons (to Achieve Success)

In the upper Midwest, we’re currently making the shift to colder weather, shorter days, and (all too soon) snowfall. During this time of year, our animal instincts are telling us to prepare for the lean months ahead—a time when it’s okay to slow down, bundle up, and stay indoors. And maybe the hibernating bears and migrating geese are onto something! Studies have shown that people endure more depression and anxiety in the winter, have greater difficulty breathing, experience a drop in energy levels, and more. So, maybe it IS a good idea to start operating a little differently to prepare for the tough winter months ahead.

One thing you can do is adopt a “winter mentality” in relation to work. To set yourself up for success, consider adapting to the changing seasons by trying any of the following four tactics:

Slow Down

The winter months are the perfect time to take the advice of working “smarter not harder.” To do this, it’s a good idea to take a step back and think about your current responsibilities AND your typical work day. What are your current priorities? What are your biggest time sinks? Are you dealing with any inefficiencies? Do you often find yourself doing work that is low priority (or should be someone else’s priority?).

Once you’ve identified these areas, look for opportunities to streamline your work process. Can you delegate tasks to others? Can you automate certain repetitive tasks? Can you eliminate any unnecessary steps in your workflow? By slowing down and evaluating your work approach, you can make changes that will increase efficiency and productivity during the winter months.

Stay Organized

With the potential for increased workload and additional holiday responsibilities, staying organized is crucial during the winter season. Take time to declutter your workspace, both physical and digital. Create a system for prioritizing tasks and deadlines. Utilize tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to keep track of your responsibilities. By staying organized, you can minimize stress and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Listen To Your Body

Just like hibernating critters intuitively know when to slow down and seek shelter, so, too, is it wise to listen to your body. Our bodies are constantly sending us messages (“I’m hungry,” “I feel tense and stressed,” “I ache”) that can signal when we need to make a change. If you’re feeling exhausted, gloomy, or lethargic, it’s a good idea to take notice and respond accordingly. Take a few days off, see if you can lighten your work load, or indulge in some self-care (a massage, soaking in a hot tub, or taking a long walk in nature). Pay attention to your body’s needs and give yourself the care and rest you require to thrive during the winter months.

Adapt Your Schedule

The change in seasons can also warrant a change in your daily schedule. Consider shifting your work hours to align with the daylight hours. If you find yourself feeling more energized and productive in the morning, try starting your workday earlier. Alternatively, if you struggle with motivation in the morning and feel more alert in the evening, consider adjusting your schedule accordingly. By aligning your work schedule with your natural energy patterns, you can optimize your productivity and well-being.

We naturally tend to operate differently in the winter, and that inclination can be applied to the workplace as well. This winter, make an intentional effort to adjust your work approach (and life approach) to fit your needs. Doing so can help prevent the burnout and lethargy so many of us grapple with during the winter months. Listen to your body, slow down when needed, and focus on working at a sustainable pace. You’ve got this!

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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September 27, 2023 Feeling Stuck? Here are 5 ways to get “unstuck” and move forward

There are times in our lives when we feel like our wheels are turning, but we’re going nowhere. We’re in a rut, uncertain of how to move the wagon forward. Or, we’ve been handed a project that is either overly challenging or uninspiring, so we’re having trouble getting motivated to tackle it. Or…we’re simply feeling exhausted and drained.

How do you break through these ruts and “blahs”? How can you get yourself unstuck?

While there’s no magic bullet, there are a few actions you can take to help you move forward. You do have a measure of control over your motivation, whether you realize it or not. For many of us, being stuck is really our brains putting up a roadblock. We can do the job but, for whatever reason, we’re resisting.

But here’s the thing: roadblocks can be overcome. Hurdles can be leaped over. I suggest trying any of the following practices (whatever appeals to you) to help you get unstuck:

Journal

Loosen up your mind and spark your creativity through journaling! Buy a fresh notebook, grab a pen, and start writing. You don’t have to be terribly structured about this process—just write whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar and punctuation because the journaling is just for you. You might choose to write about whatever is making you feel stuck, or you can write about something totally different—whatever helps get the gears turning.

Change your scenery

Sometimes a simple change of scenery can do wonders for creativity or breaking through mental roadblocks. If you work out of the same office or at the same desk every day, trying switching it up. Test out a co-working space, go to a coffee shop, or bring your laptop to the library. Just remember to bring headphones or earplugs in case the new environment is a bit noisy.

Go for a walk

Taking an intentional break can be great for getting yourself back into gear and reigniting your motivation. In my experience, going on a walk is especially effective because it forces you to leave your desk and gets your blood flowing and your heart pumping. Even a little bit of exercise can boost your mood and sharpen your brain functions, so it’s a good idea to move every once in a while.

Get an outsider’s perspective

If you’re feeling stuck, it can be beneficial to talk about it with someone else. Ask a friend, family member, or a co-worker (preferably one who isn’t too close to the problem at hand) for their perspectives, or simply tell them about the roadblocks you’re facing. Just the act of talking about your sticking point can help move your wheels forward. Whether you realize it or not, this type of discussion is a form of problem solving.

Get away

In some cases, you could be feeling stuck because all of life’s stressors have left you exhausted and have drained your personal batteries. If that’s the case, you might need to hit the “reset button” in a big way. Consider getting away for a while, leaving your laptop behind, and turning on your vacation responder. Whether you enjoy a long weekend away or embark on a two-week vacation, you’re helping to refresh and rejuvenate your brain and boost your motivation. Something about getting away, unplugging, and creating some distance between you and the problem can give you perspective and help you problem solve.

Don’t let yourself remain stuck until the wheels fall off the axel and you end up in the mud! Oftentimes, being stuck is simply a state of mind, and it can be overcome. By using a few tools and tips, I’m certain you can get yourself unstuck and moving forward. And you’ll feel better once you do.

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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September 13, 2023 Mastering Time Management: Tips for Boosting Productivity

We’ve all been there. There’s a deadline looming ahead of us, or a work project that we really need to start…but we log into social media instead and start scrolling. Or we check the news. Or we get distracted by daily life (the laundry needs to be done, the kids have school and sports, the dog needs a vet appointment), which can derail us even more.

With so many things vying for our attention—both entertainment and little tasks—how can we boost our focus and get the things done at the TOP of our to-do lists? How can we practice better time management and boost overall productivity?

Here are five ways…

Opt for Airplane Mode

If social media or online browsing is your weakness, try to do whatever work you can in airplane mode (yes, your laptop has this function too). This will give you a measure of control over mindless scrolling and help you to solely focus on the task at hand.

Set a Timer

An excellent productivity method is to use timers to do “work sprints.” Set the timer for a short amount of time (say, half an hour or even twenty minutes) and focus on ONE task until the timer beeps. Do not multitask or stray from what you’re doing. These short bursts of concentrated work can help you stay focused and productive.

Prioritize Tasks

Make a to-do list and prioritize the tasks based on their importance and deadline. Start with the most critical tasks first and work your way down the list. By focusing on the most important tasks, you can ensure your time is spent efficiently and effectively.

Eliminate Distractions

Identify potential distractions in your environment and take steps to eliminate or minimize them. This could involve turning off notifications on your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, or finding a quiet workspace where you can concentrate without interruptions. If you’re working at home, it’s a good idea to go into a room and close the door to separate yourself from the rest of the house (and all the housework that’s waiting for you!). This sends the signal to yourself (and anyone else at home) that it’s work time, and you’re about to dig in.

Take Breaks

While it may seem counterintuitive, taking regular breaks can actually improve your productivity. Research has shown that short breaks during work can help recharge your brain and prevent burnout. So, get up and stretch, practice a little yoga, take a walk, or enjoy a cup of tea—whatever will help you relax and detach for a few minutes. Then, once you’re feeling refreshed, you can tackle your work with renewed energy.

Bonus Tip: Use the Pomodoro Technique

This technique is another effective method for managing time and boosting productivity. This technique involves breaking your work into intervals called “pomodoros,” typically 25 minutes long, with short breaks in between. After completing a set number of pomodoros, you can take a longer break. This method helps you maintain focus and prevents burnout by providing regular breaks.

By implementing these strategies and making them a part of your daily routine, you can improve your time management skills and increase your overall productivity. Remember, it may take some trial and error to find the methods that work best for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as needed. Good luck on your productivity journey!

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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