Category Archives: Advice from a Life Coach
April 22, 2020 Introducing G.L.A.D. (plus a word challenge!)
If there ever was a time for an acronym like GLAD, it’s right now. These four letters signify a positive outlook and a forward-thinking mindset. Though some may have different interpretations, I have seen this acronym stand for the following words:
G = Generosity
Even if you’re going through a hard time right now, what are you able to share? It doesn’t have to be a monetary gift; it could be as simple as writing positive messages with sidewalk chalk or putting a teddy bear in your window for children to find in a scavenger hunt.
L = Letting go
What is truly important in your life? What are the things you have control over and the things you can NOT change? Focus on what you CAN do right now (practicing shelter-in-place, social distancing, safe shopping practices, working as best you can from home, etc.) instead of what you can’t (other people, the status of your job, etc.).
A = Attitude
Do you need to adjust your mindset? You have the power to see the good in anything, even a prolonged quarantine. Think about the family dinners you now get to enjoy, the friends you can connect with over video chat (something we were not able to do only a few years ago!), and the money you’re saving by not going out to eat or attending expensive events. Figure out how to make isolation time YOUR time.
D = Different
The corona virus pandemic is changing the world. Things are, and will continue to be, forever different. Embrace the differences! Perhaps employers will be more open to occasional work-from-home days. Maybe you will continue to connect with friends through virtual chats. Maybe your family will continue to find comfort in each other’s company.
Word Challenge:
Now that I’ve given you a few words that represent GLAD, I challenge you to think of other words that might represent G, L, A, and D. Gratitude comes to mind, as does learning, adapting, diligence, and listening.
Pick a few of your favorite words and write about how you will make them a part of your life. How will you become more grateful? What will you do to be a better listener for your spouse, friends, co-workers, or children? How will you dedicate your time to learning something new?
Even though these are unprecedented times, we are all in this together. Keep in mind the “A” of my GLAD acronym, and let your positive attitude dictate how you will spend your days.
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.
NOW LIVE: CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: changing mindset, embracing positivity, Generosity during COVID, GLAD acronym, GLAD word challenge, Margaret Smith life coach, Margaret Smith Twin Cities, positive attitude
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April 8, 2020 Your Personal Dev. Book List
How is everyone doing? In my last post, I discussed how, despite the troubled and anxious atmosphere, this is an excellent time for deep reflection and self-improvement. This week, I want to discuss a resource we sometimes forget about: books.
Sure, you could hop online and read any number of articles on how to improve your skills, professional development, or leadership, but a book takes you to another level. It gives you the kind of depth and insight that’s impossible to find in an article AND, chances are, the book has been worked, reworked, and edited so much that the information in it is more carefully put together than your average internet article.
Plus, it’s so much easier to curl up with a book than a laptop!
So, let me share with you some of my favorite personal development books. If you have recommendations of your own, please feel free to leave a comment.
Professional Development:
The Trust Edge, David Horsager
Daring Greatly, Brene Brown
True North, Bill George
Straight Talk for Smart Business Women, Cheryl Leitschuh
The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg
Leadership Development:
The Ten-Minute Leadership Challenge, Margaret Smith
Love Leadership, John Hope Bryant
Start With Why, Simon Sinek
Inspiration/Self-Help:
You Are Worth It, Louise Griffith
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert
The Art of Happiness, by Dalai Lama
The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz
Building Financial Acumen:
Self-Wealth, Heidi Helmeke
Think & Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny, Suze Orman
Happy reading!
Tags: Book List for Personal Development, Business Book Reading List, Growth Reading List, margaret smith leadership, Margaret Smith Minneapolis career coach, Personal Development Reading List
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April 1, 2020 Make Isolation YOUR Time
Our nation is going through a time of unprecedented hardship and fear. In an effort to quell the COVID-19 virus that is spreading like wildfire, many of us are hunkering down at home and only going out for necessities. Though some of our activities might be moved into the virtual space, we all know that isn’t the same. All this alone time can feel isolating and downright scary, but it doesn’t have to be totally terrible.
You have the power to make alone time YOUR time.
Think of it this way: What other time in your life has allowed you to have so much autonomy and control over your schedule? You don’t have to make a long commute; you don’t have people popping into your office every five minutes and interrupting your work flow. Sure, you might be dealing with babysitting your kids at home or working alongside your significant other, but I would still argue that you have an unprecedented opportunity.
How will you use all your newfound “home time?”
I am a big proponent of setting aside time for yourself. Even though you inevitably have other responsibilities, be sure to allot a few minutes every day (even an hour, if you can) that’s dedicated to YOU.
Practice reflection, journaling, or meditation. Think about what you want your personal and professional life to look like after this is all over, and make plans for how you’d like to get there. Perhaps, your plans involve self-improvement steps, such as reading professional development books (I’m planning on putting together a list for my next blog post) or taking online courses.
If learning a new skill (such as coding, video-making, or writing) is part of your personal development plan, you might consider doing a little research to see what, exactly, you need to learn and how you can learn it. Reach out to those who already have these skills, and request resources. Or, you might try combing through an online course bank, such as Udemy or Teachable.
If leadership is part of your personal development plan, try interviewing leaders in your community OR start taking an online leadership course (My 10-Minute Leadership Challenge course is now 50% off to make it more accessible during this troubling time).
No matter which personal development skills you choose to pursue during this time, it is important you make a plan AND stick to it. When you’re at home, it’s easy to let the days drift away in clouds of social media or television. Don’t let that be you! I want you to emerge from this time period, feeling empowered and equipped with a new set of skills to further your professional goals.
If you’re going to be stuck in isolation, you might as well make the most of your time. 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.
NOW LIVE: CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: capitalize on quarantine, make isolation your time, margaret smith leadership, Margaret Smith life coach, productivity and COVID-19, self-improvement during quarantine, Time management
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Goals, Leadership
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