Tag Archives: Margaret Smith coaching
April 26, 2023 Feeling Stuck? Here’s how to make that big decision
Have you ever found yourself at a turning point when you’ve had to make a decision? Maybe that decision was major (switching career paths, moving to a new city) or maybe it was less major but still important (deciding who to invite to a gathering, considering whether to take on a project). Whatever the case, making decisions can be difficult.
When it comes time to choose, we might freeze up and not know which way to turn. Sometimes we end up sticking firmly within our comfort zone, because we’re too nervous to take the plunge and commit to a new course of action.
To get out of a decision-making rut, try tapping into one or more different proven methods to make the best choice possible. Here are five techniques to try:
Map Out Possibilities
When you feel overwhelmed by choice, it can be helpful to create a visual representation of all your options. Mind maps are a great tool for this, as they allow you to see the paths before you in an organized and comprehensive manner. A pros and cons list is another useful tool for sorting out your thoughts and getting an organized view of your options.
Learn how to create an effective mind map by taking look at my past blog post on the topic.
Ask “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?”
When you plan for the worst-case scenario, you can worry less about making a mistake and start to realize that most of the time the consequences of a poor decision are not as dire as you might fear. Ask yourself, “What is the absolute worst outcome?”, and you will be more likely to act with confidence and a clear mind. Additionally, you’ll be better able to prepare for future “What ifs” if you consider possible adverse outcomes.
I’ve written more about this concept in my “How Bad Could It Be?” blog post.
Use the “Best Friend Test”
Before making an important decision, ask yourself, “What would I tell my best friend to do in this scenario?” This is a test author Daniel Pink recommends in a short, informative video. He says that asking this question is effective because it changes the perspective of the scenario. You certainly wouldn’t want to lead your best friend astray, so the advice you give to them should apply to yourself as well.
Journal About It
Writing is a process of self-discovery, and writing about your decision-making process can offer valuable insight into what you truly want. Keep a running log of your thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the issue at hand and explore different angles.
Get Support
When facing a difficult decision, sometimes it helps to turn to a few trusted advisors for input. Ask one or two people you trust for advice, but be careful not to get “advice overload” where you ask too many people about a topic. As with all advice, take these suggestions with a grain of salt.
Making a decision can be hard, but by tapping into different methods and taking a mindful approach, it’s possible to make the best choice. Taking the time to use these techniques can help you gain clarity and make the best choice for yourself.
Good luck and happy decision making!
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: better decision making, decision making methods, how to make decisions, make decisions when stuck, Margaret Smith coaching, Margaret Smith licensed Insights practitioner
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Communication, Goals
February 22, 2023 The Link Between Movement and Productivity
If you’ve ever sat in one place for a long time, like at your desk or on an airplane, you know how lethargic you can feel after a while. That’s because there is a direct correlation between movement and brain function. According to InMovement, “Prolonged sitting leads to poor blood flow. As you move more throughout the day, your body is able to maintain optimal circulation to the brain, which is linked to improved cognitive function.”
Regularly moving your body can also, of course, lead to better physical health. This, in turn, can help you feel healthy and better prepared to take on life’s challenges. It’s difficult to perform at your peak when you’re feeling unwell or sluggish.
Studies have shown that exercising during the workday can improve time management and productivity. One study even noted a 72 percent improvement in these areas! Simply making an effort to move during the day can make a world of difference for your concentration and energy level.
If you’re looking for some easy ways to get moving during the workday, try these tips:
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Stretch or do light exercises at your desk (try chair yoga or desk aerobics).
- Take walking meetings.
- Schedule activity breaks for yourself.
- Stand up and move around every hour or two.
- Walk to your colleague’s office instead of sending an email.
- Invest in a standing (or even a cycling) desk.
No matter which activities you choose, regular movement helps fuel productivity and increases your focus and energy. With the right balance of movement and work, you’ll be able to tackle anything the day throws your way.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
HER NEW EBOOK IS CALLED A QUICK GUIDE TO COURAGE.
Tags: exercise and better concentration, exercise and productivity, Margaret Smith coaching, Margaret Smith life coach, move body improve focus, movement and productivity link
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Thrive at Work
October 26, 2022 3 Steps to Deal with Negative Feedback
No one likes to receive negative feedback. We’d all like to skate through life and have people tell us, “That was perfect! No changes necessary.” Or, “I love your ideas. Let’s adopt every single one of them.” Or, “Your report was impeccable. Don’t change a thing.”
If only.
The truth is, you will receive negative feedback at times, whether in a meeting, during an annual review, or from co-workers (in a more casual sense). Negative feedback can sting. You might feel defensive, you may dread the work that the feedback might create, or you might even feel some animosity toward the person who delivered the critique.
Those feelings are normal, and you can work through them. Let’s talk about 3 ways to deal with negative feedback.
1. Delay Your Reaction
When you or your work is criticized, your kneejerk reaction may be to bite back. You might say something snappy, blow off the criticism, or even attack the speaker. None of these are productive responses, and they may end up damaging relationships or your reputation.
Instead, take time to internalize the criticism. You might ask a clarifying question or two (or gently correct something the speaker misstated), but do your best to not be defensive. Even if you don’t entirely agree with the feedback, there may be a kernel of truth in it. Let your anger or disappointment subside before you respond.
2. Examine the Heart of the Feedback
How often do you latch onto a criticism, even when someone has given you several compliments? When dealing with negative feedback, sit down and think about everything that was said. Was the negative component the most important part of the feedback? Or simply the part that stuck with you?
Even if the negative portion of the feedback wasn’t the central focus, it’s worth addressing it. Now that you’re in a more neutral state (hopefully!), consider ways to course correct. Will this be a major undertaking? Will it involve other people or various resources? Start planning, but don’t get too far until you do Step 3…
3. Circle Back to the Critiquer
After you’ve had some time to digest the negative feedback, it’s a good idea to reach out to the person who delivered it. It could be that they didn’t state their case clearly, were confused, or overstated the problem. Or maybe they meant every word of their critique.
Whatever the case, I encourage you to contact this person and address their criticism head-on. You might start the conversation like this:
“I’ve been giving what you said about X a lot of thought, and I want to ask you some clarifying questions before diving in to make corrections. Can we chat?”
If they agree to talk, keep things civil and professional. You should have a genuine desire to make things better and improve! The goal of this conversation is to capture more information AND demonstrate to the other person that you hear them, respect their opinion, and are willing to put in the leg work to make things right.
No one loves negative feedback, but we can all learn from it. At times, this feedback may be exaggerated or just plain wrong, but don’t dismiss it outright. We can learn from others’ thoughts and perspectives, and it’s helpful to keep a humble, always-improving attitude. Besides, the more you deal with criticism, the easier it will be to take it.
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.
HER NEW EBOOK IS CALLED A QUICK GUIDE TO COURAGE.
Tags: deal with negative feedback, dealing with criticisms at work, dealing with workplace feedback, margaret smith career coach, Margaret Smith coaching, steps for coping with negative feedback
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- Posted under Communication, Teamwork, Thrive at Work
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