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Tag Archives: Margaret Smith Minneapolis career coach

March 12, 2025 How to Build Your Resilience (4 Ways)

Photo by Jef Willemyns on Unsplash

I’ve talked to many people lately who are feeling anxious, exhausted, or full of trepidation. They are like those old No. 2 pencils that have been used down to the nub. They are so worn down, they feel as if they have nothing left to give. If this is you, then I’m sure you can relate to how hopeless and fatigued you feel when you’re in this state.

Many different aspects of life can make us feel this way. We might be experiencing problems within our families, with friends, or with co-workers. Our issues might be related to finances, or maybe they’re linked to a lack of time and being stretched too thin. Our exhaustion and hopelessness may also be related to the world around us—the troubles facing our nation or the “doom and gloom” we pick up from the news or from social media. All of these factors can have a compounding effect, like rocks piled on top of our shoulders. You might not notice one or two rocks, but as troubles and annoyances pile up, the burden gets heavier and harder to bear.

With so much weight on our backs, how to we keep going? And how can we remove some of those “rocks”? One answer is to build resilience.

Building resilience does not usually happen overnight or all at once. Rather, it is a process that should be nurtured over time. Additionally, we do not have to build resilience on our own. In fact, it is a great idea to lean on your community for support. With that in mind, let’s talk about five ways to build your resilience, so you can weather life’s storms.

Step Away

Being resilient does not necessarily mean you have to fight your way through adverse situations. Rather, it can be beneficial if you take some time to distance yourself from your troubles and reflect. This could mean stepping away from your work laptop, excusing yourself from a stressful situation, or logging off and finding a quiet place to think. Physically moving yourself from one room to another can be helpful and can give you a fresh perspective.

When you step away, I encourage you to consider what is causing your stress or anxiety. What is the source? Is there anything you can do to remove or reduce this source? Can you make any changes in the immediate future that will alleviate some of your pressure or give you a break? Stepping away can give you much-needed distance to mull over solutions.

Take Meaningful Breaks

Sometimes we can be resilient through pure willpower and grit but, to me, that is not a long-term solution. When you’re worn thin, you need some time to recuperate, relax, and reenergize. You won’t be at your best if you are completely exhausted, so why not take a break and give yourself a little TLC? Keep in mind, some breaks are better than others. If you take your work laptop with you on a weekend getaway, or if you’re constantly doomscrolling during a vacation, are you really helping your wellbeing? I encourage you to unplug, distance yourself from your stressors, and take a meaningful break.

Log Off

Today, it is far too easy to get sucked into the barrage of “doom and gloom” posts and videos on social media and clickbait “news.” I’m not suggesting you bury your head in the sand and ignore the world around you, but I am suggesting that you limit your exposure to anxiety-inducing news and events. After all, what do you gain by scrolling through your feed and feeling an ever-building sense of dread? Instead, try the following:

  • Give yourself a social media time limit
  • Prioritize reputable news sources
  • Limit your exposure to emotionally charged podcasts or news shows
  • Log off!

Bonus: If you would truly like to disconnect, perhaps sign up for Vox’s newsletter called “The Logoff.” This daily newsletter delivers one concise news story, followed by an uplifting fact or link to a positive story.

Reach Out

Your community is vital when it comes to building resilience. If you have people in your life whom you can trust, confide in, and lean on when times are tough, you will feel much better equipped to weather any troubles that life throws your way. The National Resilience Strategy, put together by the White House on January 18th, 2025, details ways that communities and social circles play a crucial role in resilience. It calls these relationships “foundational” and “essential,” and says they “benefit all systems and should be valued and supported by all sectors to advance resilience.” In short, community matters.

If you’re feeling bone-tired and anxious lately, it may be a good idea to start building your resilience. Take breaks when needed, step away to re-strategize, and limit your exposure to negative or sensational news and social media. And don’t forget to ask for support along the way. You do not need to build your resilience on your own.

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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September 4, 2024 The Case for Prioritizing Yourself (at least sometimes!)

During the fall season, much attention is given to kids (or grandkids) and to our work. Some of us are ushering kids back to school, sports, and extracurricular activities. Or we’re preparing for the final (often intense) quarter of the work year. And, sometimes we have to do both. That means our already busy lives often become even more hectic. With so many responsibilities and expectations, when can we possibly find time for ourselves? And why is finding that time so important?

It’s easy to neglect our own needs when we’re constantly focused on taking care of others and meeting professional obligations. However, making time for self-care is crucial for our overall well-being. When we prioritize ourselves, even if just for a few moments each day, we’re better equipped to handle the demands of our busy lives. Taking a break to recharge, reflect, or pursue a personal interest can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve productivity.

Far too often, however, we neglect self-care. We plow through our daily to-do list with hardly a pause or a moment to ourselves. This constant motion and busyness can lead to burnout, increased stress, or even health issues (both physical and mental). I understand why people go-go-go, but the truth is, that breakneck pace isn’t sustainable.

How can we carve out time for ourselves? How can we make self-care part of everyday life? Try these four tips:

Make It a Habit

If you make an intentional effort to incorporate self-care into your everyday routine, it will happen naturally and consistently. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits suggests tacking on a new habit at the end of a routine that has already been established. For example, after you finish brushing your teeth in the morning, you could do a brief, ten-minute mat workout, or read for a few minutes, or simply sit quietly and take a few deep breaths. The key is to attach the new habit to an existing one, so it becomes part of your daily routine. Over time, it will feel strange not to do your self-care activity.

Schedule It

Another approach is to block off time on your calendar for self-care, just as you would for a meeting or appointment. This ensures you actually follow through and take that much-needed break, rather than letting other priorities crowd it out.

Involve Others

If possible, partner with others on self-care activities. Form a book club, schedule regular workouts with others, establish a monthly coffee or dinner date with friends, or practice a favorite hobby with people you know and enjoy. Practicing your self-care with friends helps keep you accountable for actually following through with prioritizing yourself.

Find What Works for You

The most effective self-care activities are the ones that you genuinely enjoy and find replenishing. For some, it might be a relaxing bath or a quiet walk. For others, it might be reading, journaling, or listening to music. Experiment to discover what recharges your batteries and brings you joy. The key is to find activities that align with your personal preferences and needs. Don’t feel obligated to do what others recommend if it doesn’t resonate with you. Self-care is a highly individualized practice, so honor what works best for you.

Carving out time for yourself, even in small increments, can have a profound impact on your overall well-being and ability to show up fully in other areas of your life. As we approach this often busy time of year, I encourage you to establish self-care habits that work for you. Whether it’s a daily meditation, a weekly hike, or a monthly spa day, make your own well-being a priority. Remember, taking care of yourself allows you to better help others and tackle your responsibilities with more energy and focus. Invest in yourself, and you’ll reap the benefits in all areas of your life.

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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