Category Archives: Advice from a Life Coach
May 17, 2023 How to Beat Summertime Procrastination: 6 Tips
As we tiptoe into summer in the Upper Midwest, it can become increasingly difficult to concentrate. Who wants to be stuck inside staring at a screen when the weather is mild and sunny? Who wants to enter information into a spreadsheet when you could be riding your bike, barbequing with your family, or simply taking a walk in the fresh air? The procrastination bug can bite hard when you’re resistant to the tasks in front of you! To help beat summertime procrastination, try any or all of the following 6 tips:
1. Take a midday break
Taking a midday break is a great way to recharge your brain and get moving. Take a 30-minute break to go for a walk, ride your bike, or simply sit outside with a good book or cup of tea and enjoy the sunshine. Getting outside can boost your mood and energy, making it easier to focus when you return to work.
2. Work during off-hours
If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate during the day, try working during off-hours. Wake up early and work before the sun rises, or work in the evening when you’re not as tempted to go outside. This way, you can take advantage of the sunshine during the day (at least for a few hours) without feeling guilty for not working.
3. Break tasks into smaller pieces
Breaking tasks into smaller pieces can help make them feel more manageable. Instead of trying to finish a big project in one day, break it into smaller tasks that you can complete over a few days. This way, you’ll feel more accomplished and less overwhelmed.
4. Set a timer
Setting a timer can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a task without any interruptions. Once the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break to stretch, grab a snack, or check your phone. Repeat this process until you finish the task. Remember, there’s really no such thing as multitasking! Focusing on one project at a time is a better use of your time AND produces better results.
5. Create a summer schedule
Creating a schedule can help you stay on track and make time for both work and play. Set aside specific times each day for work, exercise, and leisure activities. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need to do each day and won’t feel guilty when you take time off to enjoy the summer weather.
6. Find an accountability partner
Having an accountability partner can help you stay motivated and on track. Find someone who shares your goals or is working on a similar project and check in with each other regularly. This way, you can hold each other accountable and offer support and encouragement along the way.
By trying these 6 tips, you can beat summertime procrastination and make the most of your summer. Remember, it’s important to take breaks, stay motivated, and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. Happy (almost) summer!
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.
Tags: anti-procrastination techniques, beat summer procrastination, Margaret Smith life coach, Margaret Smith UXL, overcome summertime procrastination, tips to beat procrastination
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Goals, Thrive at Work
April 26, 2023 Feeling Stuck? Here’s how to make that big decision
Have you ever found yourself at a turning point when you’ve had to make a decision? Maybe that decision was major (switching career paths, moving to a new city) or maybe it was less major but still important (deciding who to invite to a gathering, considering whether to take on a project). Whatever the case, making decisions can be difficult.
When it comes time to choose, we might freeze up and not know which way to turn. Sometimes we end up sticking firmly within our comfort zone, because we’re too nervous to take the plunge and commit to a new course of action.
To get out of a decision-making rut, try tapping into one or more different proven methods to make the best choice possible. Here are five techniques to try:
Map Out Possibilities
When you feel overwhelmed by choice, it can be helpful to create a visual representation of all your options. Mind maps are a great tool for this, as they allow you to see the paths before you in an organized and comprehensive manner. A pros and cons list is another useful tool for sorting out your thoughts and getting an organized view of your options.
Learn how to create an effective mind map by taking look at my past blog post on the topic.
Ask “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?”
When you plan for the worst-case scenario, you can worry less about making a mistake and start to realize that most of the time the consequences of a poor decision are not as dire as you might fear. Ask yourself, “What is the absolute worst outcome?”, and you will be more likely to act with confidence and a clear mind. Additionally, you’ll be better able to prepare for future “What ifs” if you consider possible adverse outcomes.
I’ve written more about this concept in my “How Bad Could It Be?” blog post.
Use the “Best Friend Test”
Before making an important decision, ask yourself, “What would I tell my best friend to do in this scenario?” This is a test author Daniel Pink recommends in a short, informative video. He says that asking this question is effective because it changes the perspective of the scenario. You certainly wouldn’t want to lead your best friend astray, so the advice you give to them should apply to yourself as well.
Journal About It
Writing is a process of self-discovery, and writing about your decision-making process can offer valuable insight into what you truly want. Keep a running log of your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the issue at hand and explore different angles.
Get Support
When facing a difficult decision, sometimes it helps to turn to a few trusted advisors for input. Ask one or two people you trust for advice, but be careful not to get “advice overload” where you ask too many people about a topic. As with all advice, take these suggestions with a grain of salt.
Making a decision can be hard, but by tapping into different methods and taking a mindful approach, it’s possible to make the best choice. Taking the time to use these techniques can help you gain clarity and make the best choice for yourself.
Good luck and happy decision making!
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.
Tags: better decision making, decision making methods, how to make decisions, make decisions when stuck, Margaret Smith coaching, Margaret Smith licensed Insights practitioner
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Communication, Goals
April 19, 2023 From Busy to Productive: 5 Steps to Take Control
We rush about our days, furiously trying to accomplish more and more, yet we often feel like we’re getting nowhere. If this resonates with you, it could be time to re-evaluate your approach to productivity. Here are five steps you can take to turn busyness into productivity.
Engage in Big-Picture Thinking
Too often, we approach our days in a reactive manner: racing to answer emails, putting out (figurative) fires, and responding to tasks. Instead, try shifting your focus to the bigger picture: what are your goals? What is your motivation? What would success look like? Take a few moments to review what you’ve accomplished in the past, the challenges you faced, and the progress you’ve made.
Simplify
Are you spending too much time on low priority tasks? Take inventory of the tasks that have filled up your days. Ask yourself what is the most meaningful thing you could be doing right now to reach the goals you’ve set for yourself? Ask yourself, “What am I avoiding?” Consider eliminating tasks that don’t support your larger goals. Reduce distractions and simplify.
Start the Day with a Plan
Rather than just diving into whatever tasks are right in front of you, take a few moments to plan out the day. Look at your bigger goals in the context of the day, and make a plan for which tasks will help you get closer to those goals. Give yourself permission to be realistic and start small. Determine what’s worth the effort and what can be left until later.
Say No
Be willing to say no to new tasks, even if you feel pressured to take them on. Respectfully decline projects that don’t work with your personal vision, goals, abilities, or current bandwidth. If a project conflicts with your goals, feel confident enough in yourself to say no.
Focus on Projects, Not Hours
If you’re told you have to sit at your desk for eight hours no matter what, you’ll likely pace yourself so you fill those eight hours exactly. This reminds me of how goldfish will grow bigger or remain small, according to how big their fish tank is. You have no motivation to work efficiently if you’ll be sitting in that chair for eight hours, no matter what.
On the other hand, if you focus on the project at hand (instead of hours), you’re more likely to work efficiently and effectively to complete it in a timely manner.
Turning busyness into productivity is not an easy task, but it IS achievable. Start by looking at the bigger picture, simplify, start your day with a plan, say no, and focus on projects instead of hours. With a few shifts in mentality, you can foster a much clearer and calmer workflow.
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.
Tags: be less busy, busy isn't best, from busy to productive, margaret smith career coach, productivity not busyness, UXL
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Thrive at Work
