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“Creating Successful Leaders”

October 4, 2023 Changing Your Work Approach with the Seasons (to Achieve Success)

In the upper Midwest, we’re currently making the shift to colder weather, shorter days, and (all too soon) snowfall. During this time of year, our animal instincts are telling us to prepare for the lean months ahead—a time when it’s okay to slow down, bundle up, and stay indoors. And maybe the hibernating bears and migrating geese are onto something! Studies have shown that people endure more depression and anxiety in the winter, have greater difficulty breathing, experience a drop in energy levels, and more. So, maybe it IS a good idea to start operating a little differently to prepare for the tough winter months ahead.

One thing you can do is adopt a “winter mentality” in relation to work. To set yourself up for success, consider adapting to the changing seasons by trying any of the following four tactics:

Slow Down

The winter months are the perfect time to take the advice of working “smarter not harder.” To do this, it’s a good idea to take a step back and think about your current responsibilities AND your typical work day. What are your current priorities? What are your biggest time sinks? Are you dealing with any inefficiencies? Do you often find yourself doing work that is low priority (or should be someone else’s priority?).

Once you’ve identified these areas, look for opportunities to streamline your work process. Can you delegate tasks to others? Can you automate certain repetitive tasks? Can you eliminate any unnecessary steps in your workflow? By slowing down and evaluating your work approach, you can make changes that will increase efficiency and productivity during the winter months.

Stay Organized

With the potential for increased workload and additional holiday responsibilities, staying organized is crucial during the winter season. Take time to declutter your workspace, both physical and digital. Create a system for prioritizing tasks and deadlines. Utilize tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to keep track of your responsibilities. By staying organized, you can minimize stress and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Listen To Your Body

Just like hibernating critters intuitively know when to slow down and seek shelter, so, too, is it wise to listen to your body. Our bodies are constantly sending us messages (“I’m hungry,” “I feel tense and stressed,” “I ache”) that can signal when we need to make a change. If you’re feeling exhausted, gloomy, or lethargic, it’s a good idea to take notice and respond accordingly. Take a few days off, see if you can lighten your work load, or indulge in some self-care (a massage, soaking in a hot tub, or taking a long walk in nature). Pay attention to your body’s needs and give yourself the care and rest you require to thrive during the winter months.

Adapt Your Schedule

The change in seasons can also warrant a change in your daily schedule. Consider shifting your work hours to align with the daylight hours. If you find yourself feeling more energized and productive in the morning, try starting your workday earlier. Alternatively, if you struggle with motivation in the morning and feel more alert in the evening, consider adjusting your schedule accordingly. By aligning your work schedule with your natural energy patterns, you can optimize your productivity and well-being.

We naturally tend to operate differently in the winter, and that inclination can be applied to the workplace as well. This winter, make an intentional effort to adjust your work approach (and life approach) to fit your needs. Doing so can help prevent the burnout and lethargy so many of us grapple with during the winter months. Listen to your body, slow down when needed, and focus on working at a sustainable pace. 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. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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September 27, 2023 Feeling Stuck? Here are 5 ways to get “unstuck” and move forward

There are times in our lives when we feel like our wheels are turning, but we’re going nowhere. We’re in a rut, uncertain of how to move the wagon forward. Or, we’ve been handed a project that is either overly challenging or uninspiring, so we’re having trouble getting motivated to tackle it. Or…we’re simply feeling exhausted and drained.

How do you break through these ruts and “blahs”? How can you get yourself unstuck?

While there’s no magic bullet, there are a few actions you can take to help you move forward. You do have a measure of control over your motivation, whether you realize it or not. For many of us, being stuck is really our brains putting up a roadblock. We can do the job but, for whatever reason, we’re resisting.

But here’s the thing: roadblocks can be overcome. Hurdles can be leaped over. I suggest trying any of the following practices (whatever appeals to you) to help you get unstuck:

Journal

Loosen up your mind and spark your creativity through journaling! Buy a fresh notebook, grab a pen, and start writing. You don’t have to be terribly structured about this process—just write whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar and punctuation because the journaling is just for you. You might choose to write about whatever is making you feel stuck, or you can write about something totally different—whatever helps get the gears turning.

Change your scenery

Sometimes a simple change of scenery can do wonders for creativity or breaking through mental roadblocks. If you work out of the same office or at the same desk every day, trying switching it up. Test out a co-working space, go to a coffee shop, or bring your laptop to the library. Just remember to bring headphones or earplugs in case the new environment is a bit noisy.

Go for a walk

Taking an intentional break can be great for getting yourself back into gear and reigniting your motivation. In my experience, going on a walk is especially effective because it forces you to leave your desk and gets your blood flowing and your heart pumping. Even a little bit of exercise can boost your mood and sharpen your brain functions, so it’s a good idea to move every once in a while.

Get an outsider’s perspective

If you’re feeling stuck, it can be beneficial to talk about it with someone else. Ask a friend, family member, or a co-worker (preferably one who isn’t too close to the problem at hand) for their perspectives, or simply tell them about the roadblocks you’re facing. Just the act of talking about your sticking point can help move your wheels forward. Whether you realize it or not, this type of discussion is a form of problem solving.

Get away

In some cases, you could be feeling stuck because all of life’s stressors have left you exhausted and have drained your personal batteries. If that’s the case, you might need to hit the “reset button” in a big way. Consider getting away for a while, leaving your laptop behind, and turning on your vacation responder. Whether you enjoy a long weekend away or embark on a two-week vacation, you’re helping to refresh and rejuvenate your brain and boost your motivation. Something about getting away, unplugging, and creating some distance between you and the problem can give you perspective and help you problem solve.

Don’t let yourself remain stuck until the wheels fall off the axel and you end up in the mud! Oftentimes, being stuck is simply a state of mind, and it can be overcome. By using a few tools and tips, I’m certain you can get yourself unstuck and moving forward. And you’ll feel better once you do.

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 20, 2023 Always Growing: 6 Ways to Cultivate Continuous Learning

At certain points in our lives, we are learning almost nonstop. In school, we’re introduced to new subjects and topics while adapting to new environments and teachers. When we start a new job, we’re learning about the expectations, the workplace culture, and the ins and outs of the job itself. But if we’re not in a situation where we’re “forced” to learn, do we make an effort to expand our knowledge? If not, how can we make this a priority? And why is it important to keep learning anyway?

Continuous learning is vital for many reasons. It can help sharpen or expand your skillset, introduce you to new perspectives, help you master new technology, or even increase your leadership skills. Lifelong learning is also great for your brain health. Scientific studies have demonstrated that “when we learn new skills, the density of our myelin, or the brain’s white matter is increased. This in turn helps improve performance. Our neurons are also stimulated, forming more neural pathways which allow us to learn better.”

So how do you keep on learning? Try any or all of the following tips:

Maintain Your Curiosity

My grandson Leo is always asking, “Why?” Why this, why that. Why do I have to go? This childhood sense of curiosity is not only adorable, it’s helpful for expanding his world. If he doesn’t understand something, he asks about it. As adults, we do not always admit when we’re confused or need clarification. We don’t always acknowledge our shortcomings. I encourage you to get curious! Ask questions, find your sense of wonder, recognize that there are many things you don’t know about or understand (which is fine! You can endeavor to learn about these things…).

Learn Every Day

How might your world change if you attempted to learn something new every day? What if you woke up and, instead of scrolling through social media or checking your email, you read an article by Wired or Harvard Business Review? What if you read a few pages of a book? What if you spent just 10 minutes taking a go-at-your-own pace online class?

Alternatively, what if you dared to ask questions at your next meeting? Or asked for help or additional guidance/insights from one of your colleagues? Your curiosity and willingness to learn can open doors and expand your perspectives.

Cultivate Your Newsfeed

There is an educational side of the internet, but you have to look for it! There’s nothing wrong with occasionally checking Instagram or watching a cute cat video, but if this is all you’re doing you’re missing an opportunity to learn and grow. Try replacing some of your social media time (or mindless scrolling time) with something educational. The more you seek out and click on enriching, informative articles, the more these items will populate your newsfeed (through Google, Apple, or through a social media site). That’s how their algorithms work. But you have to make the first move! Seek out educational material, and eventually you’ll see similar articles suggested to you.

Create/Join a Book Club

There are many incredible books out there that can introduce you to new ways of thinking, expand your skills, or simply offer you a fresh perspective. No matter your interests, there’s a book out there for you. It can be easy, however, to let reading take the backburner. To keep up on your to-read list, consider starting a book club with like-minded folks. Discussing the books you read with others will help you appreciate them in a deeper way.

Change the Channel

I certainly understand the need to tune out at the end of the day with any old TV show. But what if you made an effort to watch something educational or informative once or twice each week? Several fascinating documentaries exist about a variety of topics. You don’t have to watch a five-hour Ken Burns documentary (unless you want to!); instead, you might opt for something like “Explained,” a mini-documentary series on Netflix, or switch over to YouTube to learn about a new topic.

Take a Class

It’s easier than ever to take a class on a new subject. You might opt for an in-person class (through community education programs, local arts or sciences organizations, a nearby university, etc.) or an online class (several platforms exist, including Teachable, which hosts my online leadership class). Each route has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose what’s right for you.

Happy learning!

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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