Category Archives: Changing Your Life
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.
Tags: beat procrastination, boost productivity, Margaret Smith life coach, productivity at work, time management and productivity, time management improvement
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Goals
August 9, 2023 Navigating Change: Tips for Staying Agile in a Dynamic Environment
Over the years, workplaces have undergone significant changes. As technology, society’s wants/needs, and preferences or styles change, so does the business landscape. And as the workplace changes, so do people’s roles, responsibilities, and expectations. If you’ve had a sixty-year career, it’s possible you began your profession with a typewriter, hand-delivered memos, and in-person meetings and then, in the 1990s and ‘00s, had to shift to typing on a computer and tele-conferencing. After that, you may have had to shift again to working remotely, communicating through email and Slack, and meeting over Zoom. And that’s just one small example of all the changes the workplace has undergone.
With businesses always on the move, the workforce has had to be highly adaptive and agile. Employees have had to modify the way they communicate, problem solve, and process information. In some cases, they have to undergo additional training to prepare for new technology, new roles, or new operations. It can all be overwhelming and exhausting.
How can you stay on top of your game and stay agile in an ever-changing environment? Here are a few tips:
Embrace change.
The first step to staying agile is to accept that change is an inevitable part of any organization. Instead of resisting it, embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be open to new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of doing things. If change is going to happen anyway, it’s best to roll with the punches and be willing to learn and grow.
Stay informed.
To navigate change successfully, you need to stay informed about what’s happening within your organization and your industry. Attend conferences, read industry publications, and network with your colleagues. If your workplace offers any relevant training, be sure to sign up if you can (or request additional training if it isn’t offered). This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.
Be proactive.
Don’t wait until change happens to start adapting. Anticipate change and take preemptive steps to prepare for it. Identify potential challenges, develop contingency plans, and seek out additional classes or resources to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Collaborate.
Change affects everyone in an organization, so it’s important to collaborate with your colleagues to ensure a smooth transition. Work together to identify potential solutions, share information and best practices, and provide support to one another. Having a support system can be incredibly valuable during times of transition, and if everyone is experiencing the same struggles, that might mean the new system/technology/operation is flawed and can, potentially, be changed.
Take care of yourself.
Change can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Take all the normal steps to look out for your wellbeing—get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. You may also want to pause throughout the day to recharge and process what you’re going through. Journaling can also be a useful tool for processing new information.
As you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace, remember that you are not alone. Change can be daunting, but staying agile is all about embracing the new, collaborating, and taking care of yourself. With the right mindset and tools, you can thrive and grow, no matter what changes come your way. So, keep an open mind, stay connected, and remember to take care of yourself. Here’s to a successful journey navigating change!
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: dealing with change in workplace, margaret smith career coach, Margaret Smith Minneapolis career coach, navigate change in dynamic environment, rolling with changing workplace, staying agile in changing workplace, tips for staying agile in dynamic environment
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Transitions
July 5, 2023 5 Ways to Manage Negativity and Build a Positive Outlook
It is well-known in psychology that people tend to remember and cling to negative experiences more intensely than positive ones. That tendency is called negativity bias, and it can color the way we see the world. Instead of paying attention to the half-dozen positive comments after a presentation, we’re more likely to dwell on the one person who said they didn’t resonate with the material. Instead of recalling past experiences of success, we focus on the failures. To make matters worse, we are often inundated with bad news from the news, social media, and other sources.
Strategies for Overcoming Negativity
How can we overcome all this negativity in our lives? Try any or all of the following five practices:
Practice Gratitude
Believe it or not, gratitude is a state of mind you can practice and adapt with a little time and effort (it is not necessarily innate or intuitive!). Every day, write down three things for which you are grateful. These don’t have to be big things; they could be as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee or having a supportive friend. Focusing on what is going well in your life can help shift your thoughts away from negativity.
Embrace Failure
Failure is a natural part of life. Things are not going to go perfectly at all times (wouldn’t life be boring if they did?), so it’s better to face failures head on and strategize how to overcome them, rather than letting them completely derail you. Instead of dwelling on mistakes or perceived failures, use them as opportunities for growth and learning. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve in the future. Remember, the most innovative companies, such as Google and Apple, are not afraid of making mistakes and missteps on their journey to produce something cutting edge and new.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
The people you surround yourself with and the media you consume can have a big impact on your mindset. Seek friends and colleagues who have a positive outlook, are supportive, don’t say nasty things about others, and who encourage you in your endeavors. In terms of media, it’s a good idea to limit your social media and news time, AND edit who/what shows up on your news feed. This doesn’t mean you’re tuning out the world; you’re simply limiting your exposure to media that can often feel “doom and gloom.”
Talk Back to Your Gremlins
Does it sometimes feel like you have a gremlin that invades your thoughts and tells you things like: “you can’t,” “you’re not good enough,” “no one will listen to your thoughts,” or “you shouldn’t even be in this meeting.” I call this “gremlin” your saboteur—the negative soundtrack that runs through your mind and belittles your abilities. It’s time to start talking back! Pay attention to your negative thoughts, acknowledge them, and work on reframing them into more positive, constructive thoughts.
Practice Self-Care
Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally is essential for building a positive mindset. Make time for activities that you enjoy, get adequate sleep, eat well, and prioritize your mental health. It’s much easier to maintain a positive mindset when you’re feeling refreshed, healthy, and energized (see my post on 5-minute self-care ideas).
Building a positive mindset is a powerful tool for overcoming negativity and improving your quality of life. The five strategies outlined above can help you shift your thought patterns and approach life with a more optimistic outlook. It may take time and effort, but the benefits are worth it. Don’t let negativity bias control your life—take charge of your thoughts and embrace the positive.
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: manage negativity and build positive outlook, Margaret Smith LP of Insights, Margaret Smith Twin Cities, negative inner voice, opt for positive outlook, positivity in workplace, quash negativity
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