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Tag Archives: Margaret Smith life coach

July 17, 2024 Taking the Leap: Overcoming Fear of Change

In some situations, you will never be one-hundred-percent, fully ready. This applies to both our personal lives (getting married, starting a family, moving to a new city or state) and professional lives (asking for a promotion, switching jobs or career paths, accepting a new role). In these cases, the path of least resistance might be to do nothing—to carry on with life as usual. If we constantly do this, however, we miss opportunities to grow, and we could miss out on some of life’s greatest adventures and rewards.

But I do understand that change can be difficult. It can push us far out of our comfort zones, challenge us in all kinds of ways, and force us to pivot or adapt. We might have to change our familiar routines or deeply ingrained habits. Or we might have to learn a variety of new skills, meet new people, or familiarize ourselves with new systems or places. This is all tough stuff, but as the saying goes, “Anything worth having is worth fighting for.”

When you’re considering whether to make a potentially life-altering change, it can be helpful to take a few steps.

Prepare as Best as You Can

Though it is nearly impossible to prepare for all outcomes of a major change, you can undertake whatever preparations you can. Parenting is a great example of this. Although you’ll never be able to predict every challenge you’ll face or every difficulty, you can still make plenty of preparations by reading parenting books, designing a suitable nursery, establishing a pediatrician, talking with other parents, and more. In the workplace, you can prepare for a new role by researching the company, understanding the expectations, and seeking guidance from colleagues who have previously held similar positions. By arming yourself with knowledge and support, you can increase your confidence in taking on these new challenges.

Keep the Benefits in Mind

While you’re in the thick of the “tough stuff” associated with any major life change, you might question your decision or wish you had done things differently. However, it is much more motivating and empowering to focus on the benefits of your new situation. Think about things such as:

  • Personal growth (that you have or will experience)
  • New opportunities
  • Exciting adventures and rewards
  • Developing new skills and relationships
  • Learning and adapting to new environments
  • Finding deeper fulfillment and satisfaction
  • Gaining confidence and resilience
  • Appreciating the journey and the lessons learned
  • Building a sense of purpose and direction through new experiences

When you focus on these benefits, you’re more likely to be excited and motivated by the change. This will help to propel you forward.

Don’t Wait Around for “Perfect”

The truth is, situations are rarely perfect. The time may not ever be quite right to move to a new city, for example, or start a new career path. Even so, it doesn’t serve you (or your long-term goals and dreams) to wait around, since the perfect moment may never come. Embrace the idea that there will always be some level of uncertainty or discomfort when making a significant change. Instead of waiting for everything to align perfectly, focus on your readiness to adapt and grow through the process. Take the plunge, knowing that facing challenges head-on is essential for personal and professional development.

Remember, it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure when facing significant changes. If you prepare as best you can, focus on the benefits, and make peace with a little risk-taking, that can help ease your transition and set you up for success. Embracing change is about taking calculated risks, being open to new experiences, and understanding that growth often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones. Change may be challenging, but it also presents opportunities for personal and professional development that can enrich our lives in ways we never imagined.

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 12, 2024 The Power of Persistence

It is said that a river can cut through a mountain not because of its power, but because of its persistence. Little by little, year after year, the water will eat away at the rock until it carves a path. One has only to look at the Grand Canyon to see how something as ordinary as water can dramatically alter the landscape over time.

There is a lesson in this persistence.

In our modern world, we often want instant gratification or immediate results. We order a package, we get it the next day (or even the same day)! We want a question answered, we pull out our phones and find what we’re looking for. While modern technology can, of course, be a good thing, it has also eroded our patience and persistence. We are not as practiced at having to wait for results, and we may forget the value of persistence when things come too easily. True progress often requires time, effort, and unwavering dedication.

Fortunately, persistence is a skill that can be learned and developed. To start building your own perseverance, I suggest taking some of the following steps:

Set Clear Goals

When you keep your sights set on the end goal, it is easier to stick with the task at hand, no matter how long or tedious. By keeping your goals in mind, you have a constant reminder of why you are persisting. This clarity can help you stay focused and motivated, especially during challenging times.

Break Down Tasks

Sometimes, looking at a large goal can feel overwhelming and lead to procrastination. Breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks can make the journey seem more achievable.

Celebrate Milestones

Every step forward deserves your acknowledgement and celebration. By taking a brief pause to recognize what you’ve accomplished and how far you’ve come, you give yourself the fuel to keep going, keep persisting. These little celebrations serve as reminders of your progress and keep you motivated along the way.

Seek Support

Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you. Having a strong support system can provide the encouragement and motivation needed to continue pushing forward. Whether it’s family, friends, co-workers, or mentors, their support can make a significant difference in your journey to success.

Like a river slowly shaping the land, our consistent actions can lead to significant changes in our lives. Embracing the power of persistence allows us to overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, and ultimately create a lasting impact. Let us remember the wisdom of the river and persist in our pursuits with determination and resilience.

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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