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Tag Archives: Margaret Smith coaching

November 20, 2024 The Complexity of the Human Experience (and Insights Discovery)

As a career coach and Licensed Practitioner of Insights® Discovery, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from all walks of life. Through that work (and from life experiences, in general), it is clear to me that each person is a unique and complex tapestry, woven with a multitude of “colors” that make up their personality, interests, and ways of thinking.

We rarely fit neatly into a single box or category. Rather, we are dynamic—constantly evolving and adapting to the circumstances and challenges that life presents. One day, we might feel social and outgoing, and the next, we might find ourselves more quiet and introspective.

This diversity within ourselves is a testament to the richness of the human experience. We are not one-dimensional, but rather a kaleidoscope of traits, strengths, and weaknesses that come together to form the individuals we are.

The Insights® Discovery Program and the Color Wheel

As I’ve discussed in past blog posts, the Insights® Discovery program offers a fascinating perspective on this concept of our “many colors.” This program utilizes a color wheel to help individuals better understand their dominant personality preferences and how they interact with others. If you’re unfamiliar with the program, these are the basics:

  • The color wheel is divided into four main quadrants: Sunshine Yellow, Fiery Red, Earth Green, and Cool Blue.
  • Each quadrant represents a distinct set of personality traits and preferences, from the outgoing and enthusiastic Sunshine Yellow to the analytical and reserved Cool Blue.
  • Most people will find that they “lead” with one or two of these colors, which tend to be the most prominent aspects of their personality.

However, the beauty of the Insights® Discovery program lies in its recognition that we are not limited to a single color or way of being. In fact, the program encourages individuals to explore and embrace the other colors on the wheel, as they can provide valuable insights and strategies for navigating different situations and relationships.

Stepping into the “Other” Colors

Let’s say, for example, that you identify primarily as a Sunshine Yellow. This means that you are likely energetic, charismatic, and thrive in social settings. You may be the life of the party, always ready with a joke or a friendly smile.

But what happens when the circumstances call for a more analytical, reserved approach? Perhaps you’re facing a complex problem at work that requires a deeper level of critical thinking and attention to detail. In these moments, it can be incredibly valuable to step into your “blue” side and tap into your ability to be more introspective and methodical.

Similarly, if you lead with Cool Blue, you may find that embracing your “red” side can help you become more assertive and decisive when the situation demands it. Or if you’re an Earth Green, exploring your “yellow” qualities can allow you to be more spontaneous and open to new experiences.

The Beauty of Embracing Your Whole Palette

The key is to recognize that we are not limited to a single color or way of being. By embracing the full spectrum of our “colors,” we open ourselves to a world of possibilities. We become more adaptable, resilient, and better equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our personal and professional lives.

It’s important to remember that this process of self-discovery and growth is not a linear one. We may find ourselves gravitating towards different colors at different times, and that’s perfectly natural. The goal is to become more aware of the full range of our capabilities and to consciously choose the “color” that best serves us in any given moment.

Celebrating Your Unique Complexity

In the end, the beauty of the human experience lies in its complexity. We are not simple, one-dimensional beings, but rather a tapestry of different “colors” that come together to create the unique individuals we are. By embracing and celebrating this complexity, we can unlock new levels of self-awareness, personal growth, and fulfillment.

Let us embrace our many colors and step into the full spectrum of our potential. For it is in this journey of self-discovery that we find the true richness and beauty of the human experience.

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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August 21, 2024 How Sitting Still Can Be Productive

We live in a culture that rewards “go getters” and highly motivated people. We expect quick turnarounds and instantaneous results. Because of our fast-paced world, we tend to equate productivity with action. Send off a couple hundred emails, make advances in your project, attend that after-work networking event—all this activity can seem like progress and productivity…but is it?

Sometimes, work for work’s sake can actually be counterproductive. If, for example, you never pause to consider your trajectory, you might inadvertently head in the wrong direction (OR you might neglect to consider an alternative path you could take).

Additionally, if you never take time to rest and recharge, you may end up burning out. We all have a limited capacity in our “personal batteries.” If you’re barreling forward without the occasional pause, you risk depleting those reserves and being unable to perform at your best.

Taking time to sit still, reflect, and recharge can actually make you more productive in the long run. It allows you to gain perspective, identify areas for improvement, and come back to your work with renewed energy and focus. Embracing moments of stillness and contemplation can be a powerful tool for enhancing your productivity and achieving your goals.

Here are a few ideas to help you remember to pause, reflect, and perhaps re-strategize before moving forward:

Schedule Regular Reflection Time

Set aside a recurring block of time, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes, to pause and reflect on your progress, challenges, and next steps. This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consider jotting your ideas in a notebook or a Google doc.

Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing to help you be present and attentive to your thoughts and feelings. This can provide clarity and perspective.

Seek Outside Perspectives

Talk to a mentor, colleague, or trusted friend about your work. Getting an outside viewpoint can reveal blind spots or uncover new possibilities.

Take Breaks

Regularly step away from your work to give your mind a chance to rest and recharge. Even short breaks to stretch, go for a walk, or engage in a hobby can help you return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.

Embrace Solitude

Carve out time for solitude, whether it’s a quiet morning routine or an evening without distractions. Use this time to reflect, journal, or simply allow your mind to wander without the pressure of productivity.

By incorporating these practices, you can create space for productive contemplation and self-reflection. This can help you gain clarity, identify areas for growth, and approach your work with renewed purpose and focus. Remember, true productivity is not about constant motion, but about strategically pausing, reflecting, and then taking purposeful action. Embrace the power of stillness to enhance your overall productivity and achieve your goals more effectively.

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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December 13, 2023 4 Signs You Need to Slow Down

I’ve worked and spoken with many people who are constantly on the go. They juggle family responsibilities, work, household management, volunteering, and more, while attempting to squeeze in a little time for themselves (working out at the gym, reading a few pages of a book). This pace can work for a while, but when one thing fails, that can create a dominoes-effect disaster. Alternatively, an overly busy person might simply hit a wall and feel completely zapped of energy.

I urge you to not let things come to that. It’s far better to read the signs that, yes, you need to slow down instead of racing forward until your legs give out! Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

Let’s talk about 4 signs that you need to slow down and reassess/re-plan.

1. Your mind is hazy

If you feel foggy for large chunks of the day and you’re having trouble concentrating, chances are you need to slow down. Unless you’re dealing with an underlying health issue (like a thyroid problem), the culprit is likely a lack of sleep and/or spreading yourself too thin.

Make a Change:

Make a concerted effort to get enough sleep each night (7-9 hours for most people). Try using a meditation app to help slow any racing thoughts, prepare for bedtime well in advance, and stay away from screens for at least an hour before you head to bed.

2. You’re focused on the trees

Fixating on daily tasks and minute details (the trees instead of the forest) can be a sign that you’re running full steam ahead and need to pause. When we’re overly busy, we don’t stop to strategize—to see the big picture. Instead, we put our heads down and simply work…even if our work is taking us in the wrong direction.

Make a Change:

I encourage you to set aside time for big-picture thinking and planning. This planning might revolve around your work (Is your team really heading in the right direction? Are you prioritizing the right projects?) or your personal path.

3. You have trouble being present

When we’re tired and stressed, it can be exceedingly difficult to stay present. When others are speaking, we don’t necessarily give them the attention they deserve; instead, our minds are elsewhere, flitting through our to-do lists, current troubles, and the latest thing we read on social media.

Make a Change:

Recognize the importance of being present. When you catch yourself not fully paying attention to someone, make an effort to bring your attention back to them. Challenge yourself to repeat/summarize what that person said, either to yourself or out loud (It sounds like you’re suggesting XYZ, Jana. Is that right?). You can also make an effort to ask good questions after someone is done speaking.

4. You’ve neglected your self-care

If you’re skipping gym workouts and yoga classes, eating a rushed meal at your desk, and can’t remember the last time you did something nice for yourself, chances are you need to slow down and reevaluate your self-care. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Without it, we tend to either burn out or not feel great, and that can affect many other areas of our lives.

Make a Change:

If you’re like many people I know, if it’s not on the calendar, it’s not happening! Block off self-care on your personal calendar and commit to it, just as you would commit to a scheduled meeting with your boss. Set aside time to do the things that fuel your body and soul—exercise, read a book, bake cookies, take a walk outside. Once you start taking better care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to shine at work and be there for your family/friends.

If you’re constantly busy and constantly tired or stretched too thin, it may be time to pump the brakes. Pay attention to yourself and do NOT ignore the signs. This is your body and mind telling you that it’s time to slow down, assess, and potentially make some changes before going full steam ahead.

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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