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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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July 3, 2024 8 Tricks to Complete that Terrible Task

At one point or another, we’ve all had to deal with tasks that fill us with dread. Maybe this involves having a tough conversation with a co-worker, or maybe it means filling out a long and tedious spreadsheet. Or, it could entail picking up the phone and calling an unpleasant or difficult client. Or, perhaps, this is a simple clerical task that we, for whatever reason, have formed a mental block against.

What is your personal “Mount Everest” right now? What task have you been putting off because the mere thought of it makes your stomach turn or your head hurt?

No matter what terrible task is clogging your to-do list, I believe in your ability to conquer it. Let’s talk about 8 ways to overcome this obstacle:

Block Out Time

Many of us have a full calendar, which can give us an excuse for procrastinating or putting off a difficult task. Because of this, it’s a good idea to specifically carve out time to tackle your “trouble project.” Block off whatever time you need on your calendar and STICK TO IT, just as you would honor a business meeting with a client or co-worker.

Set a Timer

If you’ve set aside time but you’re still having trouble getting started, try setting a timer. Once the timer is going, you’re not allowed to do anything else (check social media, browse online, clean your desk drawer) besides the one, specific task you need to do. If the idea of a timer sounds daunting, try setting it for a short amount of time—say 10 or 15 minutes. The idea is to simply get moving, even for a short while. This can help the task seem less daunting.

Prepare

If you need to engage in a tough conversation or send a difficult email, it is a good idea to prepare. Rehearse what you’re going to say, write out a rough draft, or practice out loud (see my blog post on prepping for tough conversations). If the task involves individual work (say, filling out a tedious spreadsheet), you can prepare by setting up your environment for success. Close your door, put your phone in airplane mode, put on your headphones—whatever will help you concentrate.

Relax

Sometimes the very idea of a certain task can cause stress. To combat heightened stress, try engaging in a relaxing activity before diving in. Try 15 minutes of yoga or stretching, do a crossword puzzle, read a few pages of a book, or go on a brief walk. Then get started!

Talk About It

To help you gain new perspectives, it can be helpful to talk about your assignment with others. You might choose to consult those who are close to the problem—people who understand exactly what you’re up against—or those who are removed from it and will see your situation with fresh eyes. Both types of people have merit and can potentially offer valuable points of view.

Set a Deadline

If your terrible task does not have a firm deadline, set one! Then, commit to sticking to it. This can give you the motivation you need to get rolling and complete your assignment.

Determine a Stick…

What happens if you do not finish your task on time? Or if you fail to work on the project during your allotted time? Figure out a “stick” to motivate yourself. Maybe you’re not allowed to open any social media apps until you’ve completed the task. Or perhaps you’ll opt to cut down your TV time and dedicate that time to your “terrible task.”

…and a Carrot!

Don’t forget to celebrate your victory against the terrible task. Figure out how you will reward yourself for completing this project, and keep that reward in mind as you work. This could be something small (a special dessert, a new book, etc.) or something larger (dinner out, a weekend away), depending on how difficult the task is.

Though it is tempting to continually “kick the can down the road” when it comes to terrible tasks, the reality is, we have to face them eventually. Use these 8 tricks to motivate yourself to complete the project that’s looming over you. Believe me, 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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June 26, 2024 How to Establish Communication Expectations

Have you ever worked with someone who is a notoriously poor communicator? Perhaps they often do not reply to emails, their expectations are unclear, or they come across as brusque or unapproachable. When communication is lacking, that can affect all aspects of the work environment and result in misunderstandings or delays. To establish effective communication expectations, it’s important to set clear guidelines from the start.

Here are 5 ways to improve communication standards in the workplace:

Define Communication Channels

When working with someone, it’s a good idea to inquire about their preferred communication methods. While email might seem like the go-to method, some people prefer the directness of a phone call or the brevity of a text or Slack message. In some cases (as with major or complex projects), in-person communication might even be best. By understanding others’ preferred communication methods, you can streamline processes and reduce the risk of miscommunication. Furthermore, having clarity on how and when to use each communication method can enhance efficiency and productivity within the workplace.

Set Response Time Expectations

Setting expectations for response times can help manage others’ expectations and prevents misunderstandings due to delayed responses. While it may seem strange, at first, to set these expectations, they can actually be enormously helpful for both parties. Approach this tactfully, saying something like, “Since I would like to move on to the next phase of the project by Friday, I would very much appreciate your response by Thursday afternoon.” Additionally, establishing guidelines for urgent communications versus non-urgent ones can aid in prioritizing tasks effectively.

Address Non-Communication and Poor Communication

When someone is repeatedly non-responsive or has trouble clearly and concisely communicating their thoughts, it can be a good idea to address the issue directly. Try offering feedback or guidance on how to improve their communication skills. Providing examples of misunderstandings or delays caused by poor communication can help illustrate the importance of effective communication. By addressing these issues promptly and constructively, you can prevent further communication breakdowns in the future.

Encourage Feedback

Encourage feedback from team members about the communication processes in place. By regularly seeking input and suggestions for improvement, you can foster a culture of open communication and continuous refinement. Creating opportunities for constructive feedback can enhance overall communication standards and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. This feedback loop can also help identify any recurring issues or challenges in communication, allowing for proactive solutions to be implemented.

Lead by Example

If you expect excellent communication from others, it is essential to lead by example. Demonstrating strong communication skills, such as active listening, clarity in messages, and timely responses, sets the tone for others to follow. Consistency in your communication style can help establish trust and credibility among your colleagues. By practicing good communication habits and showing respect for others’ time and preferences, you contribute to a positive communication culture within the workplace. Remember, effective communication is a two-way street that requires active participation from all parties involved.

Communication can, quite literally, make or break an organization. When you take the time to set communication expectations and address communication issues directly, you set the stage for a more productive and harmonious work environment. Remember that effective communication is an ongoing process that requires attention and adaptation. By prioritizing clear and respectful communication, you can build stronger relationships, enhance teamwork, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of the organization.

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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