Choosing Your Next Best Step

Christi Hegstad April 18th, 2016

“The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief.”

David Schwartz

Coaching Tip for the Week:

When you look at your goals, how strongly do you believe you will accomplish them?

Once you’ve set your goals, you need to believe in your ability to reach them. You need to believe they are worthy goals. You need to believe in yourself.

This week, take one confidence-building action. My first tip is almost always this: get support. Find a personal cheerleader, hire a coach, join a group dedicated to lifting each other up. Don’t skip that step!

After that, the possibilities here are endless, but here is one of the best ways to decide what will work for you:

Imagine your child or best friend came to you saying, “I have this great goal to reach, but I just don’t know if I can. What should I do?”

What advice would you give him/her?

There’s your customized action step! Now, go take it.

Share your thoughts with the MAP community on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches you to live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose!

A certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker, Christi is a recognized leadership and professional development expert. She has received such honors as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, Forbes Coaches Council, and is current president of ICF Iowa. She is a frequently sought-after speaker and writes regularly for The Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, ICF, and more.

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter (@DrChristiCoach), Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or by email.

Your 30-Day Plan For Meaningful Work

Christi Hegstad April 17th, 2016

This article originally published by The Huffington Post.

“I wish my work was meaningful, but…”

How would you finish that statement?

I’ve immersed myself in the topic of meaningful work since my doctoral program 15 years ago. Amid various opinions and research, one consistent truth continues to rise to the top: You ascribe meaning to your work. It’s not handed to you with a certain title, role, or activity, but rather brought out with intentionality by you.

For example, I once coached a former self-proclaimed “desk jockey” who now sees how his data entry work ultimately, by virtue of the ripple effect, saves lives. I also worked with a physician who directly saved lives but felt depleted, overwhelmed, and ready to call it quits. Each responded quite differently to the question, “How meaningful is your work?”

If working with meaning and purpose sounds far-fetched for you, commit to focusing on it for one month. I’ve created a calendar of simple but profound actions that will help you get started, which you can adapt as needed for your particular position.

Day 1: Start a Success Journal, noting one win at work per day. Commit to this practice daily for the month.

Day 2: Uncover your values and begin actively bringing them into your work. Check out the free online Values In Action assessment to get your thoughts rolling around this topic.

Day 3: Read an article about someone who inspires you.

Day 4: Select a project that engages your strengths. Underpromise and overdeliver.

Day 5: Add a motivating quote or helpful words of wisdom to your email signature.

Day 6: Write your ideal job description. Ask yourself how you could start bringing part of it to life.

Day 7: Choose a volunteer project that’s meaningful for you. Gather a few coworkers to join you.

Day 8: Turn off all phones, notifications, & pings for 1-3 hours of deep, focused work.

Day 9: Send a handwritten note to a teacher or mentor who made a positive impact.

Day 10: Leave a voicemail for a colleague thanking them for all they do.

Day 11: Keep a time log for the day (or week). Accurately record where you spend your time.

Day 12: Make a list of 10+ career triumphs — moments when you truly felt in the zone, energized, and doing exactly what you were meant to do.

Day 13: Bring special coffees, fruit, or a cookie tray to the office (or send to a client).

Day 14: Take a task that weighs you down and outsource, delegate, delete, or positively deal with it.

Day 15: Take on a leadership role for a project, committee, or experience that lights you up.

Day 16: Map your work’s ripple effect. How do you make a difference for your coworkers, customers, family, community, and the world at large?

Day 17: Send a note to someone’s boss sharing how well she/he served you.

Day 18: Choose your Daily Top 3 – your 3 most important priorities for today. Focus on them before all else.

Day 19: Do something delightfully out of the ordinary: Hold a staff meeting outdoors or host “bring your dog to work day,” for example.

Day 20: Ask your supervisor for suggestions to help you grow, flourish, and make his/her job easier.

Day 21: Develop a reading habit of at least 15 minutes, or 15 pages, per day.

Day 22: Envision where you’d love to be — personally and professionally — 5 years from now. Start creating your action plan for that vision.

Day 23: Invite someone you respect out for coffee. Share what you admire and ask how you can help them.

Day 24: Publicly (i.e., on social media) thank an organization you admire.

Day 25: Who could benefit from your time and knowledge? Spend some time developing someone else.

Day 26: Overcome an obstacle. Choose something that’s frustrated you and take action to improve it.

Day 27: Give 3 sincere, specific compliments to others.

Day 28: Focus on one thing at a time. Be fully in each of the day’s activities.

Day 29: Take a significant leap to move a goal forward. Be bold!

Day 30: Decide your work is meaningful. Choose to act with purpose. Know, in your deepest self, that what you do matters!

You likely invest a good portion of your days — and therefore your life — at work. When you consciously use that time to express your purpose, make a difference, and help yourself and others grow, your experience changes dramatically.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. declared, “No work is insignificant.” Take these actions for the next month or create your own, knowing that your work provides an opportunity to live your purpose and make a meaningful difference — no matter what the role. Make it count!

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker.

A recognized leadership and professional development expert, Christi helps people live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose. She has received such honors as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and is current president of ICF Iowa. She is a frequently sought-after speaker and writes regularly for Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, ICF, and more.

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter (@DrChristiCoach), Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or by email.

How to Stay Positive in a Negative World

Christi Hegstad April 13th, 2016

This article was originally published in The Huffington Post.

“There are two ways to live your life,” Einstein reportedly said. “One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

Which do you choose?

You don’t need to look far to find negativity these days. Scroll the headlines or turn on your TV and you could quickly come to the conclusion that we live in a dark and angry place.

But you can change that — both your belief about the world, and the world itself.

Part of my purpose, I believe, involves contributing positively to the world. I want to be remembered for making a positive difference, therefore I strive to live that legacynow, every day, with every interaction. Do I always succeed? Probably not. But I hold this aim high and give it my best.

If you could use a boost of positivity in your work and life, consider one of these ideas:

1. Surround yourself with positive people.
Who in your life seems to glow with positivity? Who inspires, uplifts, and challenges you to up your game? Consciously build a network of people who motivate you to be your best, then spend ample time with them. Be that source of light for others, too.

2. Watch your vocabulary.
I once heard that Mother Teresa declined participation in an anti-war rally. When asked why, she replied that she did not want to give any attention to war, but she’d gladly participate in a pro-peace rally. Pay attention to your words. They can help you heal relationships, mend broken hearts, reach astounding goals, and craft a beautiful vision for your work and life.

3. Infuse yourself with positivity.
Putting poor quality gas in your car will not help it run at peak performance. Similarly, how you fuel yourself will determine your experience as well. Read inspiring books, download helpful podcasts, watch encouraging movies, follow positive people on social media. Share acts of kindness at staff meetings. Create a physical environment of positivity, too: post fun quotes on your bathroom mirror or put a light-hearted comic on your office door, for example.

4. Focus on what you can control.
So much is out of our hands, isn’t it? Focusing on that, however, can leave you feeling depleted and helpless. Determine what you can control and put your energy there. For example, you can control your responses, actions, words, and thoughts; you can, as Gandhi sagely advised, be the change you wish to see in the world. You have more power than you realize, and when you keep your focus there, that power expands.

5. Look for the good.
Have you ever decided to purchase a certain kind of car, then suddenly you see that car everywhere? We tend to find what we focus on: If you believe things are awful, you’ll find evidence to support that belief; if you believe life is a gift, you’ll find evidence to support that. Mr. Rogers reminded us of this opportunity even in times of tragedy: “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people that are helping.’” Look for positivity.

6. Examine your daily routine.
How do you start your mornings? How do you close out each day? How might you bring positivity into the activities you do regularly? One of my coaching clients uses her commute to send silent blessings to other drivers; another reflects on gratitudes every evening as she brushes her teeth. Shine positivity into your already-established routines.

7. Choose to be positive.
What? Can it be as simple as a choice? Like most things in life, positivity is a decision we can make in every moment. Set affirming boundaries in your work and life. Take action to support growth and joy. Begin the habit of pausing and thoughtfully choosing your response to situations rather than mindlessly reacting.

Perhaps most importantly, despite the title of this article, don’t think of this as a negative world. Yes, negative events occur; people inflict harm, make poor choices, cause pain. But this is also a beautiful world filled with promise, opportunity, kindness, generosity, and love. Take note of the random acts of kindness and how often they go viral. Pay attention to the small groups of people making significant positive change in their communities. Look for examples of helpfulness and contribution throughout the course of your days.

Continue to feed that positive world — like Einstein said, living as though everything is a miracle — and watch life transform accordingly.

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker.

A recognized leadership and professional development expert, Christi helps people live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose. She has received such honors as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, Forbes Coaches Council, and is current president of ICF Iowa. She is a frequently sought-after speaker and writes regularly for Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, ICF, and more.

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter (@DrChristiCoach), Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or by email.

Protecting Your Time Block

Christi Hegstad April 11th, 2016

“Although time blocking isn’t hard, protecting the time you’ve blocked is. The world doesn’t know your purpose or priorities and isn’t responsible for them – you are.”

Gary Keller

Coaching Tip for the Week:

If you’ve been following the 30 Days of Meaningful Work this month on Facebook or Twitter, Day #8 may have struck a chord with you. How often do you clear away all distractions to focus on one singular project– even for just an hour?

Many of us have great intentions, blocking purposeful time with a flourish at the start of the week. But when that time rolls around, we find we’ve allowed a meeting to get scheduled or we use the time to catch up on to-do’s rather than our original project.

I relate this to reserving a hotel room. What if you reserved your room across the country, only to discover upon arrival that they’ve given your room to someone else? They took the reservation just fine – they just didn’t protect it.

(By the way, if this resonates with you at all, I strongly encourage you to attend one of our Run Your Day sessions – click here for details.)

This week, reserve – and protect – one block of time. Start by identifying the important project or goal that truly deserves your attention.

Open your calendar and block some time – even one hour – and honor it as if you were paying someone top dollar for that hour. Decide in advance what result you’d like to achieve by the end of your blocked time, and commit to removing all distractions.

Then, just this once, let nothing sneak into that time – no excuses.

After one period of true, engaged focus, I can almost guarantee you’ll be addicted!

P.S. You can view the 30 Days of Meaningful Work calendar in my recent Huffington Post article – click here.

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker.

A recognized leadership and professional development expert, Christi helps people live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose. She has received such honors as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, Forbes Coaches Council, and is current president of ICF Iowa. She is a frequently sought-after speaker and writes regularly for Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, ICF, and more.

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter (@DrChristiCoach), Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or by email.

25 Journaling Prompts to Boost Your Success

Christi Hegstad April 10th, 2016

This article originally published by The Huffington Post.

At age 8, I received my first diary for Christmas: A pink gingham hardcover complete with lock and key to protect my words from unwanted eyes. I fell in love with this form of writing as a child and it has since become a significant part of my routine as an adult, too.

In those early days, my journal mostly consisted of a recap of my days, such as who sat by me at lunch, what school project I was working on, or what one friend said to another.

As an adult, my journaling takes on a different form and, often surprising to others, has supported my professional life as much as my personal life.

At this point, I’m what you might call a journaling evangelist. Most of my coaching clients will tell you that I’ve encouraged them to experiment with journaling at some point in our work together. I don’t force it, but I am always not-so-secretly delighted when I have a convert. And over the years I’ve had many — not because of my convincing arguments but because they’ve experienced the benefits for themselves.

A question that arises frequently is, “What do I write?” The true answer — “Anything you want” — isn’t particularly helpful for someone feeling stuck. So here are 25 prompts to get your ideas flowing. In typical coaching form, I present them as questions on which you can reflect and record.

1. If I was guaranteed unlimited time and money, with the only condition being that I pursue my dream career, what would I do?

2. What did I particularly enjoy doing as a child?

3. Who are the 3-5 people I admire most in the world? What do I admire about them?

4. What activities light me up, energize me, or make me feel stronger, better, or more inspired?

5. If I were granted an extra hour each day, and all basic needs (i.e., sleep) were met, how would I spend it?

6. Who is living a courageous life? Why do they come to mind? What can I learn from their experience?

7. If I am completely honest with myself, what beliefs or assumptions hold me back?

8. What’s the best job I’ve ever had? What made it so great?

9. Who would I want giving toasts about my life at my 95th birthday party? What would I want them to say?

10. Who in my world inspires me? What do I learn from them?

11. What’s the best book I’ve ever read and/or movie I’ve ever watched? What stands out about them?

12. What relationship(s) would I like to enhance? What are some possible first steps?

13. As a kid, what did I dream of doing when I grew up?

14. What activities are so engaging, I lose track of time?

15. Who’s the best leader I’ve ever had? What qualities made her/him so amazing?

16. When do I feel the most successful? Like I am in the right place, doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing?

17. What are some small actions that, if I made them part of my daily routine, would make a positive difference?

18. What do I need to let go of (grudges, past frustrations, long-ago mistakes) in order to freely move forward in my work, leadership, and life?

19. If my favorite magazine asked to write a feature article about me a year from now, what would I want the story to be?

20. What distractions am I allowing into my days? How can I start to minimize them?

21. When I think of my whole life — mind, body, spirit, career, relationships, etc. — what do I need more of? Less of?

22. What are 5-10 accomplishments that I am really proud of?

23. What role does kindness play in my work, leadership, and life? How could I invite more in and express more?

24. How do I make a positive difference in others’ lives? How could I do that even more?

25. What words do I want to come to mind when others think about me?

The neuroscience behind journaling, as well as the anecdotal evidence, is both fascinating and compelling. Let go of any “shoulds” and just allow yourself to write what feels best: Choose a prompt a day, select a few as the mood strikes you, or simply write whatever comes to mind in the moment. Just put pen to paper, suspend any expectation, and release your spirit. You may find clarity, insight, and unexpected breakthroughs waiting for you at the end of the page!

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker. A recognized leadership and professional development expert, Christi helps people live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose. She has received such honors as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and is current president of ICF Iowa. She is a frequently sought-after speaker and writes regularly for Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, ICF, and more.

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter (@DrChristiCoach) and Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or by email.

Becoming A Leader Who Coaches

Christi Hegstad April 8th, 2016

This article originally published by the Des Moines Business Record.

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified executive and leadership coach, president of MAP Professional Development Inc., and leader of the ASPIRE Success Club.

Surely you’ve heard the ancient lesson: Give someone a fish and she’ll eat for a day, but teach her to fish and she’ll feed herself for life. Do you agree? How have you incorporated this philosophy into your leadership practices?

Most of us, I’m guessing, believe that helping people to help themselves is the aim of a strong leader. We want our team able to make decisions, solve problems, and be innovative.

But most of us are also probably time-crunched, finding it easier and faster to tell someone what to do rather than draw out their expertise.

As a certified executive and leadership coach, I “teach people to fish” on a daily basis; the nature of coaching invites the space for this to occur. But even if you are not a professional coach, bringing a coach approach to your leadership can transform your team in profound ways. I’ve partnered with countless leaders over the years to develop their coaching qualities, resulting in more time, stronger engagement, and greater leadership within their teams. You can start with these five strategies:

1. Be quiet.

How comfortable are you with silence? If you’re like most in conversation, you probably find silence awkward and jump in to fill it. So do most other people! And in their talking, they’re more likely to generate solutions and tap into their own inner wisdom – or at least give you insight into their perspective.

2. Be other-focused.

As a leader, you have valuable experience to share. But the goal in coaching, and in true leadership, is not to showcase your knowledge but to develop the knowledge of others. Ask questions, invite exploration of thought, and draw out their expertise before interjecting your own.

3. Be present.

I can’t tell you the number of clients I’ve coached, both male and female, who find themselves in tears during our first meetings. When I ask about it, nine times out of ten they tell me it’s the first time they’ve felt truly heard in ages. Remove distractions, clear your mind, maintain eye contact, and listen to understand.

4. Be curious.

Remember, everyone has a story – and everyone has something going on that we know nothing about. Keep your assumptions in check. Instead of thinking you know best, ask a few questions first.

5. Believe.

When it comes down to it, coaching relies on one important expectation: You believe the person you’re coaching is capable, resourceful, and has potential. Come to your leadership conversations with a true growth perspective and you’ll experience far greater outcomes. As you’ve probably already discovered, people generally rise to our expectations of them.

COACH CHRISTI’S CHALLENGE:

For the next week, whenever an employee (or friend or child) asks you a question, pause before responding. See if you might ask a question or two before sharing your advice or suggestion.

For example, if asked “What should I do?” (assuming a non-emergency situation), you could respond with, “What have you thought of so far?” or “I have a few ideas, but can you share yours first?”

This might take less than a minute but allows the person the opportunity to think differently and reminds him that he has wisdom within too.

Remember: The true measure of a leader isn’t how many followers you have, it’s how many leaders you’ve developed around you. Bringing a coach approach can promote leadership in profound and sustainable ways – not to mention free you up for strategy, visioning, and the roles in which you thrive. For additional ideas on bringing coaching into your leadership, check out books like Quiet Leadership by David Rock and The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, too.

How has a coaching approach impacted your leadership, teams, or those around you? Share your thoughts below.

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning executive and leadership coach who helps people work, live, and lead with meaning and purpose. Learn more on Facebook and Twitter.

Run Your Own Race

Christi Hegstad April 7th, 2016

At my daughter’s track meets lately, I’ve found inspiration on several team t-shirts – sayings like “Start strong, finish stronger,” “Winners don’t wait for chances, they create them,” and (my personal favorite) “The choices you make, make you.”

What inspires me most, however, is seeing the drive and dedication on each athlete’s face as she’s running her race.

Yes, as is the nature of meets, they’re competing against others. But each runner has her own personal purpose for her race: to improve her time, make varsity, challenge herself in an event she’s never done, finish pain-free, not drop the relay baton, prove to herself that she can do what she’s set out to do.

It’s a good life reminder.

Choose what matters most to you and determine your ‘why,’ your purpose. Then, “run” for that.

Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing or how you compare.

Run your own race. You’ll always come out ahead.

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker.

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter (@DrChristiCoach), Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or by email.

10 Morning Practices to Create a Positive, Purposeful Day

Christi Hegstad April 6th, 2016

This article originally published by The Huffington Post.

I used to consider myself a night owl. In college, I would schedule midday classes whenever possible so I could stay up late without forfeiting sleep. Later, as a mom with three children under the age of five, the wee hours of the night often brought quiet space to write or work on my coaching business.

Several years ago, however, things changed. Or more accurately, I changed.

After many less-than-stellar (okay, crabby) mornings, a realization struck me: I often started the day on someone or something else’s terms, causing me to feel like circumstances controlled me rather than being the leader in my own life. I slowly started rising earlier, spending a few quiet moments alone before the bustle of the day began.

Before long, I found that I felt more focused, patient, and peaceful. I gained a clarity and presence that had previously eluded me. I became much more intentional and productive, without changing much other than my morning routine. My mornings felt more purposeful and the effects lasted throughout the day. When I began encouraging my coaching clients to develop a morning practice, they experienced similar results.

If you long for more meaning and purpose in your life, are a victim of your snooze alarm, or wish you felt greater fulfillment at the close of each day, pay careful attention to your mornings. Here are 10 simple ideas to consider:

1. Give thanks.
Nothing beats starting the day with gratitude. Have you experienced a work success recently? Did your child have a great day at school yesterday? Is the sun rising, meaning you’ve been given the gift of another day? We have much for which to be thankful, and beginning your day in a place of gratitude instantly raises your mood and emotional state.

2. Journal.
A lifelong journaler, writing is the foundation of my morning practice; I pour my heart and mind onto the pages of my journal and nearly always experience a breakthrough, insight, or at least a cleansing of sorts. Even if you don’t consider yourself a journaler, putting pen to paper for even a few minutes can clear your mind and support your wellbeing.

3. Read inspirational text.
I typically choose a devotional, poetry, or a few pages from an enlightening book. One of my clients randomly selects an entry from a book of motivational quotes; another reads a portion of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. I recommend something uplifting and positive.

4. Move.
The options here are endless: go for a run, engage in a yoga practice, do a series of situps and pushups, or simply wake up your limbs with some gentle stretching. I periodically combine this with the next tip and start the day with a meditative walk.

5. Meditate.
How amazing would it feel to clear your mind from constant chatter? Health experts, athletes, physicians, spiritual teachers, and more boast the effects of meditation, and beginning your day with it can increase your likelihood of returning back to it throughout the day, too. Consider a class or a guided meditation app to get started.

6. Visualize.
Create a mental picture for your ideal day, year, or life, then dwell on it for a few moments each morning. Once a year, I like to create a vision board – a collage of photos and words that represent my vision and goals – to support my visualization.

7. Savor the silence.
How often throughout your day do you get to experience true silence? No phones, no email notifications, no interruptions? Simply sitting in the silence, or combining it with prayer or admiring something of beauty, can be a rare gift these days.

8. Set your daily intention.
As you think about the day ahead, with its various activities and interactions, how do you want to carry yourself? Choose a word that represents who and how you want to be throughout the day, then call it to mind frequently. Words I have found powerful include: energized, joyful, focused, purposeful, and calm.

9. Review your “Best You.”
Who are you at your very best? Capture it onto paper and take a moment to review this each morning. I have a one-page document that holds my vision statement, purpose statement, guiding principles, values, and goals. A quick scan of this each morning provides a centering effect and reminds me of my ‘why.’

10. Step outside.
Even in the cold Midwest winter months, I love to step out on the deck, look up at the sky, and take a few deep breaths. It reminds me of the vastness of the world, the beauty that surrounds us, and the good fortune of another day to make a difference in the world.

How you begin your morning sets the tone for your entire day. Choose one or two of the items above, or ask yourself what would best serve you.

Then, tonight, turn your coffee maker to auto-brew, set your alarm and place it on the opposite side of your bedroom, and drift off into a peaceful sleep — confident in the knowing that tomorrow will begin with purpose, intention, and a focus on what matters most!

Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram!

Connect with Christi on Facebook (/MAPIncFan), Twitter (@DrChristiCoach) and Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or by email.

Want More Success? Check Your Mindset

Christi Hegstad April 5th, 2016

This article originally published by the Des Moines Business Record.

Imagine your day didn’t turn out quite like you planned: You got a C+ on your midterm, followed by a parking ticket on your car, then a brush-off from the friend you called for consolation. How would you likely respond?

A. Assume you’re a failure and that the world is out to get you. Take the day as further proof that you can’t seem to get things right. Do nothing about it other than perhaps eat, punch your pillow, or climb into bed.

B. Decide to study harder for the next exam, look at what you did wrong and resolve to do better, pay the ticket, and chalk the day up to “lessons learned.” You’re disappointed but ready to try again.

Your response may clue you into your mindset. And your mindset contributes to your entire outlook, well-being, relationships, level of success, and how you approach the world.

It also affects those around you – likely more than you realize.

I read Mindset by Carol Dweck with a parenting group a few years ago. The book prompted fascinating conversation not only about our children but also ourselves, spouses, teachers, and more.

Shortly thereafter, the book came up in a professional setting and resulted in similar conversation. Each time this book appears (and it is cited seemingly everywhere in business and self-help literature), a proverbial lightbulb seems to turn on.

The crux of Dweck’s research is actually quite simple. She describes two types of mindsets: fixed and growth. But in its simplicity lies one of the most profound learnings you’ll find in personal and professional growth.

If you have a fixed mindset, you likely base your success on winning, looking good, doing well. You tend to believe that qualities like intelligence and talent are innate and “tap out” at certain levels. If you can’t do something well, you might assume you just don’t have the “gift” for that particular activity and, as a result, may not even try it. Those with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenge, not pay attention to feedback if it’s anything less-than-stellar, and feel threatened by others’ success.

With a growth mindset, on the other hand, you believe you can improve, change, and grow. You’re willing to try new things, and doing them poorly doesn’t stop you from trying again; you assume that with experience and practice you will get better. In the vignette that opens this article, which Dweck uses in her mindset research, you are more likely to respond in the way described in example B than example A. Those with a growth mindset tend to welcome challenge, see effort as a way to gain mastery, learn from criticism, and become inspired by and/or learn from the success of others.

Quite a difference, eh?

Dweck offers many examples of both mindsets and how they impact our success as leaders, parents, teachers, and friends. In addition, she provides ways to enhance the growth mindset by simply changing the way we talk.

For example, think about how you praise others. If your son aces an exam, telling him “You’re so smart! You have such a knack for science!” sounds nice, but can actually undercut his growth. What happens when he takes his history exam and doesn’t do so well? He may interpret that to mean that he’s not smart, or that he doesn’t have a knack for history so he might as well not even try.

Far better to praise the process: “Great job! You must have prepared well for this exam!” Highlighting a strategy, choice, or effort reminds them that they influence their destiny and can learn from all experiences. Such a small shift in how we communicate but, as Dweck shares with numerous examples in the book, those small changes can result in transformational results.

Every person I know who has read this book has expressed incredible insights gained. In fact, when I posted about it onFacebook while writing this article, the feedback was unanimously positive with many indicating they planned to pull out their copy and re-read it. If you lead, teach, coach, parent, or influence others, addMindset to your reading list. You will grow in self-awareness and be able to more readily help others do the same.

COACH CHRISTI’S CHALLENGE:

Fortunately, a growth mindset can be cultivated, encouraged, and modeled.

Start making growth-oriented conversation part of your routine at the dinner table or in your meetings: “What did you learn today?” “Where have you put forth a strong effort this week?” “What mistake did you make, and what did you learn from it?”

These types of questions emphasize learning, effort, and growth over “winning” and remind us of the role we play in our own success. This mindset empowers, energizes, and trickles into all facets of our lives!

How has your mindset helped – or hindered – your success? Share your thoughts below.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps people make a positive difference in the world by coaching them to work, live, and lead with meaning and purpose. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/MAPIncFan, Twitter at www.twitter.com/DrChristiCoach, and (new!) Instagram at www.instagram.com/drchristihegstad.

Mindset by Carol Dweck, Ph.D. (Ballantine, 2006).

Honoring Your Priorities: What Matters Most?

Christi Hegstad April 4th, 2016

“Action expresses priorities.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Coaching Tip for the Week:

What are your priorities? Can you easily state your top five?

I attended a seminar once where the presenter claimed he could discern our priorities with just two pieces of information.

“It doesn’t matter what you say your priorities are,” he stated. “Show me your calendar and your checkbook and I will tell you what your priorities truly are.”

In other words, where we invest our time and money speaks volumes about what matters most to us. Do you like the story your calendar and checkbook would tell about you?

This week, be intentional with your time.Map out the week in advance, starting with your top priorities. Schedule them in, then honor them as you would a doctor’s appointment.

Whether a work project, a personal goal, exercise, time with family, or something else, if you wait “until you have time” to honor a priority, you’ll wait a long time.

Be proactive. Decide and take action. Choose what matters most right now, then make sure it gets some attention this week. Let your schedule serve as an honest reflection of who and how you want to be in this world.

Priorities, time blocks, weekly map…not as easy as it sounds? You might be surprised. Learn best practices at Run Your Day…So It Doesn’t Run You! Click here for details and use code CLARITY for special savings.

Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram!

I am Dr. Christi Hegstad, and I coach people to work, live, and lead with meaning and purpose. Ready to join the movement?

I am a certified executive & leadership coach, author, speaker, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc. I’ve been honored as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa).

On the personal side, I am a book addict, coffee lover, and mom to three amazing kids. I am passionate about growth and believe kindness is a game-changer. I am a recovering perfectionist and am learning to lean into my vulnerability more and more.

I love working with meaningful achievers who want to make a positive difference in their work, lives, communities, and world. Join our mailing list, connect on Facebook (/MAPIncFan) Twitter (@DrChristiCoach) and Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!

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