I recently read an article that indicated that many people are reluctant to tell the truth because they might anger, offend or hurt someone’s feelings.
Instead, they try to honor other people’s needs and wishes because they don’t want to challenge, have a discussion or share their opinion.
Although this may feel right at the time, it can and often does send a mixed message which can cause stress and lead to distrust.
You don’t need to keep your opinion to yourself.
Communication is Power
Speak up and diplomatically share your thoughts, ideas and needs.
If you need time to form your opinion before sharing it, Say So!
Suggesting time to think about a situation is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of thoughtfulness and demonstrates confidence.
Being direct and truthful may not always get you what you want, but it can lead to a better outcome.
Over time we have been conditioned to believe that More = Better & Busy = Productive.
However, as you know, this is usually not the case and often leads to burnout, brain drain and stress.
Most of us have long, overwhelming To Do lists, but what would happen:
If you slowed down and focused on one or two things at a time?
If you took time to reflect and recharge?
How would you feel if you practiced some of the success routines you have heard and read about- took a nap, a walk, or just sat and reflected for a short time?
I know it may seem a bit uncomfortable and may feel selfish, but I urge you to set some quality time for yourself.
You Cannot Continue to Pour From an Empty Cup!
Trust that reflection and focus helps you look at solutions and opportunities that you may otherwise have missed.
We need to break the cycle of trying to do it all.
Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation!
If I can help you move forward with purpose, let’s talk!
Feedback, both personal and professional, offers you a look at your blind spots and allows you to learn how you are being perceived.
It is a gift that offers positive tips and reminders of your strengths and behaviors which you may take for granted.
It also can enlighten you to areas you may want to tweak, strengthen, enhance or avoid.
Every July, I conduct what I call a “self-audit” and schedule time to review my goals, looking at the progress I’ve made and reviewing the barriers I’ve encountered.
In addition, every other year, I actually send out a short feedback questionnaire to those who have agreed to answer a few questions with the understanding that all answers will be used for my growth and will not be questioned or disputed.
I have been doing this for many years and find it to be both beneficial and often eye-opening.
Feedback is a gift and I suggest you make time to ask for it and then listen and learn from the information you receive.
I have become aware of opportunities as well as challenges from this strategy and my company has grown from practicing this routine consistently.
Have you asked for and received constructive feedback to help you on your success journey?
Are there routines and habits that you have put in place that have helped you to leverage your strengths and optimize your potential?
Please share some ideas that should be considered as we move forward with purpose. Your Partner in Change, -Marsha marsha@marshahaygood.com
I hope that during these first few months of the year you have taken some time to reflect on all that you have previously accomplished, recharged and made time for self- care and revisited your goals and intentions for the future.
I know how easy it is to get busy and be distracted by things that can take you off course. Consider this a little nudge. 😊
Don’t beat yourself up about what you have not yet done.
You are too important to let your desires, goals and intentions fall by the wayside.
Instead, dedicate some time to review your intentions and write them down if you have not done so already.
Look at the barriers that may have prevented you from moving forward.
Was it skill or will that has held you back?
Did you really set a goal or was it just a dream?
Goals require planning, dreams do not!
Don’t let limiting beliefs and negative self-talk hold you back from moving forward with purpose.
If you need time to regroup, recharge or “just be”, then take some time, but put a deadline on it and set a real date that you will get back on track.
The best opportunities often arise during the most challenging of times, so give yourself some grace and be open to all that awaits you.
“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. Strength comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn’t do.”
Now is the time to identify and leverage your strength and to optimize your potential.
Let me know how I might support you as you Move Forward with Purpose,
As an employee, there is no good time to be out of a job.
Also, as a business owner, there is no good time to eliminate jobs.
However, recently, we have definitely seen some inappropriate extremely wrong and uncaring ways to handle the downsizing of employees.
As an employee, what can you do?
PREPARE
You should definitely expect for opportunities to come your way and enthusiastically prepare for them.
However, you should also prepare for unexpected tough times and bumps in the road.
Preparing means taking stock of what you can control: that means your attitude, your behaviors and your budget.
It concerns me that some of the same people who say they cannot afford self- development opportunities, spend many $$$ on holiday shopping and plan and take part in “Black Friday Sales”.
COMMUNICATE
Rekindle and create connections. You should not wait until you need something from someone to meet them. Rekindle connections with those that you know and connect with those that you want to know without asking for anything.
A simple “thinking of you” or “happy holidays” is a good start.
REFLECT
Think about and document your successes and all you have accomplished.
A quote I live by is:
With this in mind, I encourage you to take some positive action over this holiday season and the year going forward.
“HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY, AND SOMEDAY IS NOT A TIMEFRAME.”
Please let me know if you can use my support in the New Year to help you Move Forward with Purpose.
If you could imagine your ideal life in 3-5 years from now, what would it be like?
How would it be different from the way it is now?
Will you continue doing the same things, in the same way and expecting different results? One of the previous reminders I shared recently was regarding changing lanes.
This was a friendly reminder to review your routines, habits and beliefs and make adjustments as needed.
Today’s reminder is to set your dreams in motion! To crack your “happiness code”, and feel more fulfilled, you need to think of enjoyable times in your life, the positive things you have accomplished, the people you enjoy being with and the skills you enjoy using.
Start with taking some quality time for reflection and self-exploration. Think about what happiness, success and your best life look like for you. Pay attention to what you enjoy and what puts you in a happy state.
Take time to focus on your passions, motivations and what gives you joy.
Think about the barriers that may have kept you from moving forward and how they can be prevented from reoccurring.
Identify who or what can eliminate or at least lessen these challenges going forward
Who can help you with this process and help hold you accountable?
What are 1-2 small changes you can make immediately.
I am a strong believer in doing things in 15-minute intervals and writing things down in a place where I can easily see them Consistency matters- decide on a regular time to work on any changes – Morning? Afternoon? Evening?
Give the best time of the day to yourself. Remember we are only talking about starting off with 15 minutes. Paying attention to your accomplishments, skills and what you enjoy doing will help you to focus on developing an action plan
Ask for help as needed- often friends and family can help point out strengths and accomplishments you may not have realized and enjoyments you may have forgotten.
There are also many assessment tools that can help identify patterns and commonalities.
NOTE: You may be good at something that you don’t really enjoy. I believe that that happiness comes when you identify the things you enjoy, that you are good at and that gives you a sense of accomplishment. The time to get started on living your best life is NOW!
Let me know if, as your Strategic Thinking Partner, I can help you to move forward with purpose.
