Skip to content

UXL Blog

“Creating Successful Leaders”

Tag Archives: Margaret Smith professional speaker

January 8, 2025 Making a Fresh Start (Even When You’re Not Feeling So Fresh!)

It’s here: another new year and another (supposedly) clean slate. This is when people make New Year’s resolutions to hit the gym, eat healthier, limit screen time, and finally learn how to bake sourdough bread. But sometimes, those resolutions fall flat. Sometimes, they feel forced rather than genuine. How can you possibly start fresh when you don’t feel fresh?

You might not be feeling “fresh and new” for a variety of reasons. Maybe some of your troubles and projects from last year have carried over into this year. Maybe you’re dealing with ongoing interpersonal issues, tough family dynamics, or personal health struggles. Whatever the case, it can be difficult to adopt a positive attitude and step into the brand-new year with untarnished hope and energy.

If this sounds like you, I have a few thoughts about how to move past this sticking point—how to make the new year at least feel fresh, even when life is dragging you down. Let’s talk about a few logical steps you can take:

Acknowledge Obstacles Honestly

It is essential to give life’s obstacles and troubles some thought if you want to move beyond them. I suggest setting aside some time to honestly reflect on what is holding you back this year. Is a certain work project keeping you up at night? Are relationships between yourself and a family member or friend tense right now? Are you troubled by national or global issues? Once you recognize what is truly keeping you from starting fresh, you can begin to figure out ways to either overcome these setbacks OR learn to work with them.

Think Big-Picture…

Once you have a good grasp of what is holding you back, it’s a good idea to take a step back and think about the bigger picture. How important is it to overcome the obstacle? Can you overcome it? Or do you need to learn how to carry on, despite some discomfort or anxiety (in which case, it may be wise to chat with a mental health professional)? When looking at the big picture, you can begin to prioritize tackling the most pressing issues and creating strategies for dealing with them.

…But Start Small

Sometimes it can seem completely daunting to deal with a big issue that is holding you back. If that’s how you’re feeling about a certain obstacle, I encourage you to start small. Think about five bite-sized actions you can take to move the needle in a positive direction. These actions could include:

  • Sending an email you’ve been putting off
  • Placing a phone call to a co-worker, friend, or family member
  • Scheduling a meeting
  • Engaging in a half-hour planning or brainstorming session
  • Organizing and prioritizing a stack of papers
  • Adding information to a spreadsheet

What tiny actions could you add to this week’s to-do list?

Seek Support

If you’re feeling less than your best, don’t be afraid to reach out to loved ones, a therapist, or other trusted resources for support. Sharing your struggles and aspirations with others can provide valuable perspectives and help you feel less alone as you figure out how to move forward. Far too often, we believe we can (and should) shoulder all of life’s difficulties by ourselves, but that can lead to burnout, frustration, exhaustion, or resentment. I urge you to ask for help if and when you need it.

Though you may not be feeling “daisy fresh” at the start of the new year, it is possible to move forward in a positive and productive manner. Try some of these strategies and do your best to cultivate a positive mindset by practicing gratitude and focusing on the things you can control. Remember: you are not perfect, and no slate is ever truly clean. We can only do our best and use the tools at our disposal.

Here’s to the best new year you can manage, even if it’s not perfect!

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: , , , , , ,

November 6, 2024 Choosing Kindness (More Important Than Ever)

In a world that often feels increasingly divided and polarized, the simple act of choosing kindness has never been more crucial. Through both my life experiences and my work as a career/life coach, I have observed the profound impact that kindness (or the lack thereof) can have on our personal and professional lives.

The Importance of Kindness

Kindness is not just a feel-good concept; it is a powerful tool that can transform our relationships, our communities, and even our own well-being. When we choose to be kind, we open ourselves up to deeper connections, foster understanding, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

In a world that has become increasingly divided, with political and social tensions running high, the need for kindness is more pressing than ever. We have become a nation where civility, good manners, and basic humanity have been overshadowed by the constant need to prove our own point of view or to win at all costs.

The Impact of Kindness

The impact of kindness cannot be overstated. When we choose to be kind, we not only make a positive difference in the lives of others, but we also reap the benefits ourselves. According to an article written by the Mayo Clinic, kindness has positive effects on both the mind and body. The article says, “Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a hormone directly correlated with stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.”

Kindness is also a mood booster. It can make us happier, reduce stress, and improve our overall mental and emotional well-being. In short, the simple act of choosing kindness can be a powerful antidote!

Practicing Kindness in Everyday Life

Keep in mind, kindness doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic; it can be found in the small, everyday moments that make up our lives. Here are some ideas for incorporating more kindness into your daily routine:

  • Practice active listening and be present with the people in your life
  • Extend grace and understanding when someone is having a bad day
  • Be patient and understanding with service people
  • Practice empathy—attempt to see another’s point of view before passing judgment or responding negatively
  • Refrain from online squabbling. Little it achieved through fighting behind your screen!
  • Offer a compliment, give a few words of encouragement, or give someone a sincere “thank you” whenever it makes sense (consider sending a handwritten card)

In a world that often feels divided and polarized, the choice to be kind can be a powerful act of resistance. When we choose kindness, we are challenging the narrative of “us vs. them” and instead embracing the idea that we are all in this together. Though it’s easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of political and social debates, I’m certain you can find common ground with just about anyone if you just look for it. At the end of the day, many of us care about the same things—our family (and pets), our friends or community, our home, financial security, our career. Keep that in mind the next time you’re with someone who does not share all your points of view or beliefs.

Remember: kindness doesn’t mean that we have to agree with everyone or that we can’t stand up for our beliefs. It simply means that we approach our interactions with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to listen and learn. When we choose kindness, we create space for meaningful dialogue, and we open the door to the possibility of finding solutions that benefit everyone.

In a world that often feels overwhelming and uncertain, the choice to be kind can be a powerful act of hope and resilience. By embracing kindness in our everyday lives, we can not only improve our own well-being but also contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.

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: , , , , , ,

October 9, 2024 Dedicating Time to Work ON, Not Just IN, Your Business

When you run your own business, it is easy to become completely immersed in your work. You may have multiple clients to juggle, various meetings to attend, or a never-ending stream of tasks to complete. While this level of immersion can be productive in the short-term, it’s important to also step back and work on your business, rather than just in it.

Taking the time to examine and reflect on your business allows you to focus on the bigger picture, identify areas for improvement, and make strategic decisions that will drive long-term growth. Temporarily removing yourself from the day-to-day operations can give you some perspective and help you become a more effective business owner.

Although many people understand that working on their business is a good idea, they might resist doing so due to perceived time constraints, a fear of neglecting current responsibilities, or a lack of clarity on how to effectively work on their business. However, making time for strategic planning and reflection is crucial for long-term success. By prioritizing this type of work, business owners can identify opportunities, address challenges, and position their company for growth.

To overcome mental barriers related to working on your business, I suggest the following tips:

Set Aside Time

If you’re like many people, if it’s not on the calendar, it’s not getting done. That’s why it’s a good idea to intentionally schedule dedicated time for strategic planning, reflection, and tasks related to your business as a whole. Block off time in your calendar and treat it as an important meeting. To simplify scheduling, consider making this a recurring appointment by setting your calendar to block off this time every month or every other week.

Prioritize

It’s important to identify specific areas of your business that need attention, such as marketing, operations, or financial management. Try listing specific tasks that need to be completed and ranking them in order of priority. Then, focus your efforts on these key areas when working on your business. This will help ensure that you’re making the most impactful changes and improvements.

Seek Outside Perspective

Talking to trusted advisors, mentors, or industry peers can provide valuable insights and a fresh perspective on your business. They may be able to identify areas for improvement or offer suggestions that you hadn’t considered. You could also collect feedback from clients (if it seems appropriate), asking them questions such as, “Do you find my website easy to navigate? What would you change?” Or: “How did you originally hear about my business?” Don’t be afraid to ask for input and feedback to help guide your strategic planning.

Break Down Larger Goals

Some goals for your business may seem overwhelming or intimidating. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to break down these larger objectives into smaller, actionable steps that you can tackle incrementally. That way, you can make steady progress without feeling bogged down by the enormity of the task. Celebrate small wins along the way, as they’ll help keep you motivated and focused. Remember, even small improvements can have a big impact over time. By breaking down your goals, you’ll be able to tackle them in a more manageable and sustainable way, ultimately driving your business forward.

While it may require some initial effort, the benefits of working on your business rather than just in it can be transformative for your organization’s trajectory. By carving out dedicated time to focus on the bigger picture, you can gain valuable perspective, identify strategic opportunities, and make informed decisions that will propel your business forward. Embracing this approach can help you become a more effective leader, drive sustainable growth, and ultimately achieve your long-term goals. Remember, the time you invest in working on your business is an investment in its future success. Embrace this practice, and watch as your company reaches new heights.

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: , , , , ,