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“Creating Successful Leaders”

October 9, 2024 Dedicating Time to Work ON, Not Just IN, Your Business

When you run your own business, it is easy to become completely immersed in your work. You may have multiple clients to juggle, various meetings to attend, or a never-ending stream of tasks to complete. While this level of immersion can be productive in the short-term, it’s important to also step back and work on your business, rather than just in it.

Taking the time to examine and reflect on your business allows you to focus on the bigger picture, identify areas for improvement, and make strategic decisions that will drive long-term growth. Temporarily removing yourself from the day-to-day operations can give you some perspective and help you become a more effective business owner.

Although many people understand that working on their business is a good idea, they might resist doing so due to perceived time constraints, a fear of neglecting current responsibilities, or a lack of clarity on how to effectively work on their business. However, making time for strategic planning and reflection is crucial for long-term success. By prioritizing this type of work, business owners can identify opportunities, address challenges, and position their company for growth.

To overcome mental barriers related to working on your business, I suggest the following tips:

Set Aside Time

If you’re like many people, if it’s not on the calendar, it’s not getting done. That’s why it’s a good idea to intentionally schedule dedicated time for strategic planning, reflection, and tasks related to your business as a whole. Block off time in your calendar and treat it as an important meeting. To simplify scheduling, consider making this a recurring appointment by setting your calendar to block off this time every month or every other week.

Prioritize

It’s important to identify specific areas of your business that need attention, such as marketing, operations, or financial management. Try listing specific tasks that need to be completed and ranking them in order of priority. Then, focus your efforts on these key areas when working on your business. This will help ensure that you’re making the most impactful changes and improvements.

Seek Outside Perspective

Talking to trusted advisors, mentors, or industry peers can provide valuable insights and a fresh perspective on your business. They may be able to identify areas for improvement or offer suggestions that you hadn’t considered. You could also collect feedback from clients (if it seems appropriate), asking them questions such as, “Do you find my website easy to navigate? What would you change?” Or: “How did you originally hear about my business?” Don’t be afraid to ask for input and feedback to help guide your strategic planning.

Break Down Larger Goals

Some goals for your business may seem overwhelming or intimidating. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to break down these larger objectives into smaller, actionable steps that you can tackle incrementally. That way, you can make steady progress without feeling bogged down by the enormity of the task. Celebrate small wins along the way, as they’ll help keep you motivated and focused. Remember, even small improvements can have a big impact over time. By breaking down your goals, you’ll be able to tackle them in a more manageable and sustainable way, ultimately driving your business forward.

While it may require some initial effort, the benefits of working on your business rather than just in it can be transformative for your organization’s trajectory. By carving out dedicated time to focus on the bigger picture, you can gain valuable perspective, identify strategic opportunities, and make informed decisions that will propel your business forward. Embracing this approach can help you become a more effective leader, drive sustainable growth, and ultimately achieve your long-term goals. Remember, the time you invest in working on your business is an investment in its future success. Embrace this practice, and watch as your company reaches new heights.

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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October 2, 2024 Letting Go of Perfection: Embracing Trial and Error

Many of us are terrified to fail. Whether we’re taking on a new project, giving a presentation, starting a new hobby, or making a major transition, the fear of failure can stop us in our tracks and prevent us from fully taking on the endeavor. But what would happen if we didn’t worry so much about failure? What if we embraced the idea that trial and error is just fine?

How Trial and Error Spurs Innovation

By letting go of the fear of failure, we open ourselves to new possibilities and opportunities for growth. We free ourselves to go out on a limb, get creative, or take paths we might not normally take. This is how innovation and growth happen—when our comfort zones are stretched and we’re willing to explore the unknown.

Embracing trial and error allows us to experiment, learn, and refine our approach. Even if we don’t get it right the first time, each attempt provides valuable feedback and brings us closer to our goal. By letting go of the need for perfection, we can focus on the journey and find joy in the process.

Ultimately, trial and error is not only a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, but also a way to spur innovation, find creative solutions, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. By being open to failure and embracing the learning process, we can unlock new avenues for success and discover unexpected breakthroughs.

What Happens When You Fail?

Failure is a natural part of the human existence, and most of the time we can bounce back from these minor setbacks. Unless you are a NASA scientist or a surgeon, you likely have some room for error! If a presentation is flat or your idea flops, it is usually possible to use these moments as learning experiences. Rather than viewing a failure as an excuse to give up, try reframing it as an opportunity—a chance to grow, learn, and rethink the road ahead.

When you adopt this type of “opportunity thinking,” you can start to see failures as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Each misstep provides valuable feedback and a chance to refine your approach. By embracing this mindset, you can turn failures into fuel for growth and use them to propel you forward, rather than letting them hold you back. With a willingness to experiment and learn from your mistakes, you open the door to new discoveries and breakthroughs that may have been inaccessible had you played it safe.

When my coaching and speaking business was brand new, I was willing to take on all types of projects, clients, and assignments, even if I suspected they were not the best fit. This allowed me a chance to experiment, to figure out where I thrived and where I fell short. Furthermore, it gave me the opportunity to build my skills, gain experience, and better understand my ideal clients and offerings. While some of those early projects were not a perfect match, they provided invaluable lessons that ultimately helped me refine my business and find greater success. By embracing trial and error, I was able to iterate, improve, and discover new avenues for growth that may have remained hidden had I played it safe from the start.

Keep in mind, mistakes and missteps are not signs of weakness, but rather opportunities to learn and improve. When we approach life with a willingness to experiment and try new things, we cultivate a mindset of curiosity and resilience that can serve us well in all aspects of our lives. Instead of fearing the unknown, let’s approach it with curiosity and a willingness to experiment, secure in the knowledge that even our missteps can lead us to greater achievements.

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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September 25, 2024 5 Tips to Be Present

We live in a distracted society. A survey in 2023 found that, “Americans spend an average of four hours looking at their cellphones every day, checking them at least 144 times a day.” That statistic is frankly appalling. Even if it is wildly inaccurate and we decide to divide the findings in half, that still means we spend two hours absorbed in our phones every day, and glance at our screen 72 times. And this doesn’t include all our other distractions—TV, email, video games, and more.

This week, I’d like to talk about being present, why it matters, and how to be more mindful in your everyday life.

(I discussed this topic in a video I produced a while ago. If you’re interested, click here.)

Why Being Present Matters

Your presence matters in both your personal and professional life. Your presence means something to others, whether your family, co-workers, or boss. When you are present, you are able to fully engage with the people and tasks in front of you. This leads to deeper connections, increased productivity, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Conversely, when you are distracted, you miss important details, struggle to be an active listener, and fail to capitalize on your time.

Being present allows you to live in the moment and make the most of each interaction. It is also a sign of respect. When you’re present, you convey that you value the person or task at hand. You are not preoccupied with the past or future, but fully engaged in the moment. This builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps you be more productive and fulfilled. Ultimately, being present is a skill that takes practice, but the benefits are immense. It allows you to savor life’s moments, connect more deeply with others, and make the most of your time and energy.

5 Ways to Be Present

If you’re hoping to improve your focus and be more present in daily life, I suggest trying some of the following five tips:

Eliminate distractions

When possible, turn off your notifications, silence your phone, and attempt to create a distraction-free environment. This will support your goal of being present.

Practice mindfulness

Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and be fully present in the moment. It’s a good idea to build this into your schedule, so you get into the habit of doing it.

Single-task

Multitasking is usually ineffective and often leads to sloppy or incomplete work. It is much better to lend your full attention to a single task. To do this, try setting a timer and focusing on one specific task for fifteen or twenty minutes. Repeat.

Schedule tech-free time

Set boundaries around when you will and won’t use your devices. For example, you could decide not to use your phone during mealtimes or after a certain time in the evening. Stick to these tech-free periods to be more present with your loved ones or to wind down before bed.

Reflect and recharge

Take regular breaks throughout the day to pause, reflect, and recharge. This could involve a short walk, meditation, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes. Giving your mind a break will help you return to tasks feeling more focused and present.

Being present and minimizing distractions is crucial for personal and professional success. By making a few intentional changes in your life, you can train your brain to stay focused on the present moment. This will lead to deeper connections, increased productivity, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Remember, being present is a skill that takes practice, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Start implementing these strategies today to make the most of your time and energy.

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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