from Client Wisdom, a blog published by MBT More Business Today LLC
Once clients begin to explore the world of self-improvement, they often express feelings of anxiety and annoyance over the barrage of free advice offered on social media, and sometimes even in person from colleagues, friends, and family. Be mindful and meditate. Have empathy. Take this assessment or that one or the newest one. Which podcasts are the best? Or my favorite, just relax!
My clients bravely opened the door to learn more and improve themselves. Now that they are more open, they notice the plethora of new information and it sometimes makes them shut down. It can be a hindrance to their progress toward their goals.
What can they do to combat this onslaught? I suggest deciding two things:
- What offers the most value to move toward their goal in their current circumstances?
- Which improvements/ideas are most important and interesting to them?
That may sound obvious, but everyone needs a reminder now and then.
“Who am I and what am I trying to do?”
MBT client
This is a good time to take out the goals, SMART goals, and action plans clients wrote out for themselves (see The Beauty of the Blank Notebook as a reminder). Or maybe they hung that plan right next to their computer so it is easy to find.
If you are struggling with the avalanche of self-improvement ideas being shot at you daily, here are a few thoughts to ponder:
- Remember, you control your life.
- When determining where to concentrate your time, ask yourself:
- How does this area of focus fit in with your goals?
- What are the expectations at your job? Will the time spent here help with projects, relationships, and expectations at work? If everyone at work is reading a particular business book, you should read it, too. Likewise, what concepts are grabbing your clients interests? Do they coincide with your interests?
- Will concentrating on the area you have selected also improve your life outside of work?
- How much of your time can you realistically spend keeping up with outside ideas while continuing to move yourself forward? If you are a person who is easily distracted, you may maintain your boundaries by scheduling time for outside reading and also for working on the area of self-improvement you have chosen. This practice will keep you on track.
- And, finally, give yourself a break! Work at your own speed and keep moving forward.
For more information contact Mary Balistreri, The Mindful Business Coach at mary@mbtmorebusinesstodayllc.com