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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Advice from a Life Coach

February 15, 2023 8 Ways to Boost Motivation in Winter Months

If you live in the upper part of the Northern Hemisphere, as I do, winter is beginning to drag. When that happens, people tend to get restless and it becomes difficult to focus. During the summer, it’s easy to step away from the computer, take a stroll, or enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on a patio. But during the winter, many of us do not have that kind of outlet.

So, what can you do? How can you stay motivated and productive during the winter months?

Try some of the following 8 tips:

Invest in seasonal hobbies.

You can make the winter months a lot more enjoyable when you invest in seasonal hobbies like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or snowmobiling. Your activities could also take place indoors–perhaps this is the year you learn how to quilt or take your baking hobby to the next level. Find pastimes you enjoy and look forward to each week.

Take a winter vacation.

Travel can be a great way to boost motivation and energy levels. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, you’re sure to come back feeling refreshed and energized. Read my past blog post on effectively prepping for a vacation so you can truly relax!

Schedule regular outdoor activities.

Despite the cold weather, there are plenty of activities you can do outside. Take a walk each morning, explore a local park with your family, or discover local attractions/events (In Minnesota, we have ice sculptures, ski events, ice mazes/palaces, and even an “art village” that pops up on a frozen lake).

Create a cozy workspace.

Invest in items that make your workspace comfortable and pleasant. Some ideas include a cozy blanket, a warm drink mug, comfortable slippers, and scented candles.

Set small goals and rewards.

Break up larger projects into smaller, achievable goals and set rewards for meeting those goals. This will help you stay motivated and on track with the project even if you’re not feeling especially motivated.

Invest in daylight/SAD lamps.

During the winter months, some people suffer from a lack of daylight, causing them to feel lethargic, unmotivated, or even depressed. Daylight lamps (sometimes known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lamps) can help simulate natural light and provide energy-boosting vitamin D.

Join a support group.

Joining a support group can help reduce stress and provide motivation, especially when you’re feeling stuck. Check with your local community center, churches, or ask some trusted friends.

Take regular breaks.

Breaks can help to refresh and recharge your energy and motivation levels. Whether it’s a 10-minute break or a longer one, taking breaks throughout the day is vital for resetting your focus.

The winter months can be tough for everyone, but with these 8 tips you’ll be prepared to find motivation, stay productive, and make the most of the season!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 

HER NEW EBOOK IS CALLED A QUICK GUIDE TO COURAGE.

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January 25, 2023 Earning Respect Starts with Respecting YOURSELF

Have you ever been in a room with someone who commanded respect? They spoke in a self-assured way, and held themselves with confidence. When this person said something, people listened and took their ideas seriously. They seemed to be the very embodiment of confidence.

That self-assured person was probably able to command the respect of others because they respected themselves. When you show yourself a bit of self-love and appreciation, you demonstrate that you’re worthy of respect.

In short, respect starts with YOU. Before you can earn respect from other people, you need to learn to respect yourself. Respect is about understanding your own worth and appreciating your own values. This doesn’t mean you’re perfect. Everyone has flaws, but the way you handle those flaws clearly demonstrates whether you respect yourself or not.

An insecure or anxious person will dwell on their personal faults, but a person who respects themselves will simply acknowledge their shortcomings (if necessary) and move on.

To start building personal respect, try any or all of the following 6 steps:

1. Start improving your self-esteem.

Take some time to recognize your good qualities and accomplishments. Think of how capable you are of achieving your goals, and how you can use your strengths to benefit yourself and others.

Once you’ve built up your self-respect, you can work on expressing it outwardly. Speak positively about yourself and show gratitude for the successes and accomplishments you’ve achieved. Be proud of who you are!

2. Know your limits.

Respect yourself by recognizing your limitations and being honest about your capabilities. If you know you don’t have the time or capacity to take on a project, say “no.” If you’re tired of answering emails after hours, draw a line in the sand and stick to your policy. (Read more about setting healthy boundaries.)

3. Seek meaningful relationships.

Prioritize relationships that are supportive, positive, and beneficial. Respect yourself by rejecting interactions that don’t serve you emotionally.

4. Find your own happiness.

People who respect themselves don’t rely on the approval of others. Instead, they seek out their own sources of happiness and satisfaction. Define your own values and work to live according to them.

5. Make healthy choices.

Respect yourself by making choices that are in your best interest. You don’t always have to say “yes” to be liked, and you don’t have to please everyone. Reject things that aren’t in alignment with your objectives, values, or vision.

6. Forgive your mistakes.

Nobody’s perfect, and that’s okay! Respect yourself by not getting too bogged down by mistakes or failures. An essential part of respecting yourself is being kind to your mistakes and being willing to learn from them.

In conclusion, respect starts with YOU. Show yourself respect, and others will follow suit. Learn to accept yourself, practice self-love, and set boundaries that protect your own well-being. When you start to respect yourself, others will take notice and show you the same respect in turn.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 

HER NEW EBOOK IS CALLED A QUICK GUIDE TO COURAGE.

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January 4, 2023 Harness the Power of Positivity this New Year

There’s something about new beginnings. They tend to fill us with hope, energize us, and drive us to make positive changes (whether minor or major). The new year is the perfect time for a fresh start and a new outlook. Whether you’re trying to set goals for yourself, making positive life changes, or simply attempting to start the year off on the right foot, committing to the new year with an optimistic outlook is the perfect way to stay motivated.

The truth is, it’s easy to be dragged down by negativity or everyday annoyances (a flat tire, a poorly timed illness, a co-worker that can’t seem to turn in their assignments on time).

But it’s important to remember that dwelling on the bad can exacerbate your problems and pull you into a negative downward spiral. Marque Medical reports that people with high levels of negativity are “more likely to suffer from degenerative brain diseases, cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, and recover from sickness much slower than those with a positive mindset.” That, alone, should be reason to adopt an optimistic attitude!

Another reason to practice positivity is tied directly to productivity and performance. Those who see the glass half full tend to perform better in their jobs and in life, in general. Amazingly, this applies to companies as well. Companies that tend to be more optimistic have been found to be more productive.

How to Adapt a Positive Outlook?

Committing to the new year with a positive outlook means keeping your attitude in check, recognizing that one setback doesn’t define failure, and understanding that you will go through seasons of success and adversity. It also means being aware of your thoughts and prioritizing positivity by actively looking for the good in each situation.

Use the new year to set yourself up for success and become more optimistic. Here are a few tips to help you do that:

1. Identify your biggest fears and insecurities and make a plan for how you can address and conquer them.

2. Make time to do something that you enjoy thoroughly—take a walk, go to the gym, paint, bake cookies.

3. Look for something to be grateful for every single day, like strong relationships, career opportunities, or simply your own health.

4. Practice self-care and positive affirmations. Remind yourself that you are capable and strong.

5. Look for opportunities to learn from failures and mistakes—and use them as growth moments.

6. Focus on solutions rather than problems.

Starting the new year with a positive outlook can be a challenging, but rewarding, undertaking. It requires dedication, self-awareness, and actively looking for the good in every situation. By embracing these steps and striving for optimism, you can better equip yourself for a successful year, both personally and professionally. Positivity often brings with it greater productivity, improved relationships, and even improved physical health. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to kick off the new year with a renewed sense of optimism!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 

HER NEW EBOOK IS CALLED A QUICK GUIDE TO COURAGE.

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