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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Category Archives: Changing Your Life

July 10, 2024 How to Manage Your Mulling

Many people I know are worriers. They mull over situations, thinking about various outcomes, or fretting about potential missteps or failures. While it can be okay to mull things over, it becomes problematic when it’s all-consuming, taking up so much brain space that it’s difficult to think about anything else.

How do you stop nonstop mulling? How can you get past the thing that is taking up so much time and mental space? Here are four methods to try:

Designate Mulling Time

While it sounds counterintuitive, it can be effective to temporarily give in to your mulling and give it your full attention. Set aside time to let yourself ponder, jot down thoughts, and/or plan. This designated mulling time can help you to reflect on your thoughts and concerns in a structured manner. By setting specific times for mulling, you can contain the worrying thoughts to certain periods, allowing yourself to focus on other tasks without interruption. Additionally, having designated mulling time can prevent thoughts from consuming your entire day, giving you a sense of control over your worries. This approach helps in managing excessive overthinking and promotes a more balanced mental state.

Strategize

Instead of fixating on a problem or situation, try focusing on potential solutions. This will shift you from a place of helplessness to a place of productivity. Try brainstorming solutions, mapping out potential paths, and/or considering various outcomes for certain strategies. This approach can help you break free from the cycle of overthinking and move towards constructive problem-solving. By strategizing and exploring different options, you can empower yourself to take action and make progress. This type of strategic work can be undertaken by yourself or with others.

Talk It Out

In some cases, it can be healthy and productive to talk about the situation with others. If you’re in a mental rut, others’ perspectives can be tremendously helpful, and they might provide insights or suggestions you hadn’t considered on your own. Talking to someone else can offer a fresh perspective, new ideas, or emotional support. It can also help you gain clarity and process your thoughts more effectively. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, sharing your concerns can lighten the mental load and provide you with the encouragement or guidance you need to navigate through challenging situations.

Refocus Your Attention

Refocusing your attention is another effective way to manage excessive mulling. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. By diverting your focus to positive and enjoyable pursuits, you not only break the cycle of overthinking, you also give yourself the added benefit of enhancing your overall well-being. Immersing yourself in different experiences can provide mental clarity, reduce stress, and contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. I recommend prioritizing self-care and activities that nourish your mind and spirit.

While mulling can be productive and eventually lead you to solutions, it can also be all-consuming and distracting. To exit the mulling hamster wheel, try any of the above strategies to regain control over your thoughts. It’s time to develop a healthier approach to dealing with worries and uncertainties. You can start with just a few simple and intentional actions.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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June 12, 2024 The Power of Persistence

It is said that a river can cut through a mountain not because of its power, but because of its persistence. Little by little, year after year, the water will eat away at the rock until it carves a path. One has only to look at the Grand Canyon to see how something as ordinary as water can dramatically alter the landscape over time.

There is a lesson in this persistence.

In our modern world, we often want instant gratification or immediate results. We order a package, we get it the next day (or even the same day)! We want a question answered, we pull out our phones and find what we’re looking for. While modern technology can, of course, be a good thing, it has also eroded our patience and persistence. We are not as practiced at having to wait for results, and we may forget the value of persistence when things come too easily. True progress often requires time, effort, and unwavering dedication.

Fortunately, persistence is a skill that can be learned and developed. To start building your own perseverance, I suggest taking some of the following steps:

Set Clear Goals

When you keep your sights set on the end goal, it is easier to stick with the task at hand, no matter how long or tedious. By keeping your goals in mind, you have a constant reminder of why you are persisting. This clarity can help you stay focused and motivated, especially during challenging times.

Break Down Tasks

Sometimes, looking at a large goal can feel overwhelming and lead to procrastination. Breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks can make the journey seem more achievable.

Celebrate Milestones

Every step forward deserves your acknowledgement and celebration. By taking a brief pause to recognize what you’ve accomplished and how far you’ve come, you give yourself the fuel to keep going, keep persisting. These little celebrations serve as reminders of your progress and keep you motivated along the way.

Seek Support

Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you. Having a strong support system can provide the encouragement and motivation needed to continue pushing forward. Whether it’s family, friends, co-workers, or mentors, their support can make a significant difference in your journey to success.

Like a river slowly shaping the land, our consistent actions can lead to significant changes in our lives. Embracing the power of persistence allows us to overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, and ultimately create a lasting impact. Let us remember the wisdom of the river and persist in our pursuits with determination and resilience.

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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April 17, 2024 How Intentional Breaks Increase Productivity

Though it may sound counterintuitive, the occasional break can absolutely help to increase productivity. This is a way to pump the brakes, take a step back from life’s chaos, and strategize your next steps.

I know many people who put the pedal to the metal in the morning and go, go, go all day. Maybe they zone out occasionally, scrolling through social media or watching a show, but then they’re back at it the next day. This pace is not sustainable for most people, and it can often lead to burnout, discontentedness with work (or life), feeling distant from loved ones, or losing a sense of self. Believe it or not, one remedy is to take intentional breaks.

Keep in mind, an intentional break is different than mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or watching TV. Rather, an intentional break involves purposefully stepping away from work or tasks to recharge your mind and body. It could be a short walk outside, a mindfulness meditation session, or even a brief chat with a colleague. These breaks allow you to return to your work with renewed focus and energy.

Here are a few ways taking meaningful breaks can help:

Zoom Out Your Lens

When you’re living day-to-day in a state of constant activity and busyness, you can neglect to see the bigger picture. You tend to focus on the immediate tasks and lose sight of long-term goals and priorities. By taking intentional breaks, you can zoom out your lens and gain a fresh perspective. This mental shift helps you realign with what truly matters and avoid getting caught up in the day-to-day grind. Such breaks allow you to recharge, refocus, and come back with renewed energy and clarity to tackle challenges more effectively.

Course Correct

Sometimes when you look at the bigger picture, you realize you’re on the wrong track entirely. In these cases, it’s best not to panic! In truth, this is an opportunity—a chance to course correct and redirect your efforts in a more beneficial direction. Taking intentional breaks offers you the chance to step back, reassess your current path, and make any necessary adjustments. This pause in action can be a valuable opportunity to reset your course and ensure you’re moving in alignment with your long-term objectives.

Reflect On What’s Important

What matters most to you? Maybe it’s your family or close friends. Maybe it’s a particular cause that you’re involved with. Or, perhaps, it is a passion project or hobby. Whatever the case, taking meaningful breaks can help you gain clarity on your priorities. This allows you to reflect on what truly matters in your life and ensures that your actions align with your values.

Re-Energize

Taking a break to relax your mind and body can lead to a burst of creativity and renewed energy. By allowing yourself this time to recharge, you can approach tasks with greater enthusiasm and focus. When you allow yourself quiet time, away from the bustle of everyday life, your mind has the tendency to rejuvenate itself and generate new ideas. This mental reset can be the key to overcoming creative blocks and finding innovative solutions to problems.

Intentional breaks can serve as a catalyst for increased productivity and overall well-being. By incorporating these pauses into your routine, you empower yourself to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and the energy needed to tackle them effectively. Remember, a moment of pause can lead to great strides forward.

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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