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Tag Archives: Margaret Smith life coach

January 3, 2024 Seeing the forest…

Image by Joe from Pixabay

The beginning of the year is one of those rare times that is conducive to raising our heads and taking a bird’s-eye view of the year ahead. Normally, many of us tend to keep our heads down and march forward, one foot in front of the other, doing whatever daily work and tasks come our way. This way of living may seem a bit passive (or can even seem like “survival mode”), but many of us are too busy–or think we’re too busy–to do anything else.

However, focusing on the trees instead of the forest can get us into trouble and may actually be costing us valuable time and resources. We might not be working efficiently, for instance, or we may be heading down the wrong path entirely. Additionally, we may miss opportunities for creativity and innovation if we’re so focused on the daily “grind.”

I suggest taking a step back and thinking about the forest.

“Forest thinking” means seeing the big picture and considering all the many options that lay at your feet. This type of thinking inevitably involves reflection, which may not seem terribly appealing to some. Reflection, however, can be whatever you want it to be. It can involve journaling, talking out your ideas with a good listener, or taking a long walk and thinking about your options. It could also involve creating a vision board or a Pinterest board (if you’re a more visual person), or drawing a mind map.

The goal of forest thinking is really twofold:

  1. It helps you identify where you are. What are you current struggles? What’s going well? What would you like to change?
  2. It helps you identify where you’d like to go. What options are available to you? (and are you sure you’re not thinking too small?) What would your ideal year look like? How can you make that happen? Does a major change or changes need to happen? What are your personal goals? What are your dreams/aspirations?

As you consider these questions, do not put limits on yourself. Dare to dream! You deserve a great year ahead, and it’s okay to think big or consider making a major change (such as a career shift). This month, I challenge you to take a step back, reflect in whatever way suits you, and start seeing the forest 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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December 27, 2023 Holiday Reflection

We’ve done it, friends. We’ve reached the end of another holidays season and another year, and we’re marching forward into the next year. If you’re like many people I know, this year has been filled with ups and downs, peaks and valleys. You’ve learned some tough life lessons, but you have also had moments of joy, satisfaction, and victory. The trick is, clinging to those “peak” moments and letting the valley moments slide away.

You might call this “selective reflection.” Make an effort to sit down (perhaps with a favorite warm beverage!) and spend some time quietly thinking about your accomplishments and positive moments. You could also choose to do this with a journal, jotting down your thoughts about the year. If you go the journaling route, remember this is just for YOU, so there’s no need for perfect grammar or even full sentences. Just write whatever comes to mind.

For me, this last year has had its challenges, but it has also contained several bright and shining moments. I welcomed a little grandson into the world this year, I had a chance to spend quality time with loved ones, I traveled to Iceland with friends, I spent time with family on both the east and west coasts. The list goes on.

When I focus on all the positive, uplifting, and joyful events that occurred this past year, the bad “stuff” seems to melt away. And that’s powerful. When you choose to concentrate on blessings, the difficult moments seem bearable (even if you’re grappling with difficulties right now).

I challenge you to set a positive tone for the New Year. Infuse yourself with positivity and gratitude, and march boldly forward. Don’t forget, you probably had plenty of support and love this past year, and it is always a good idea to reach out to your loved ones and thank them for their positive presence. Demonstrate your gratitude through a phone call, a hand-written card, a meaningful gift—however you see fit to recognize the special individuals in your life.

What will the New Year bring for you? What changes—large or small—do you anticipate in the year ahead? I would love to hear from you.

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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