Category: life coaching

Posted on

How to Turn Tension into Collaboration with Three Simple Shifts

Have you ever walked into a conversation already expecting tension? Whether it’s a challenging patient, a frustrated colleague, or a demanding supervisor, those moments can feel heavy and stressful before the first word is even spoken. But what if you could turn that tension into an opportunity for collaboration instead?

The problem is, we often get stuck in a defensive mindset. We’re ready to protect our point of view or respond to criticism. This only heightens the tension and prevents meaningful communication.

But there’s a way to shift the dynamic and get better results.

Shift 1: Take a Neutral Stance

When we approach conversations with an agenda or strong opinions, we unknowingly create resistance. Instead, try to stay neutral—focus on the facts, not feelings. For example, rather than starting with, “You always forget to update the chart,” you could say, “I noticed the chart wasn’t updated after your shift.” This reduces blame and keeps the conversation focused on solving the problem.

Shift 2: Ask Open-Ended Questions

People feel more valued when they’re given the chance to share their perspective. Instead of assuming you know why someone acted a certain way, ask them to explain. Questions like, “Can you help me understand what happened here?” or “What do you think might work better next time?” foster collaboration rather than confrontation.

Shift 3: Look for Solutions, Not Faults

In moments of stress, it’s easy to focus on what went wrong. But what if you focused on what could go right? By shifting your energy from finding fault to finding solutions, you open up a space where everyone can contribute ideas. You might say, “Let’s figure out how we can make this work better moving forward,” inviting a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

These simple shifts can transform tense situations into opportunities for better teamwork, understanding, and productivity.

Want more strategies like these? Join my upcoming masterclass on Collaborative Communication, where we’ll dive into the exact steps to master neutral, solution-oriented conversations in your healthcare role. Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11 AM MT. Replays will be available. You can sign up here.

Don’t forget—if you work at Logan Health, you can schedule a coaching session as part of your employee benefits! Let’s chat about how we can reduce tension and build stronger communication skills together. You can book a coaching session here.

Posted on

When Conversations Fall Apart

Ever notice how quickly a conversation can fall apart, whether it’s with a colleague, patient, or your team? You start with the best intentions, but suddenly the other person shuts down, leaving you frustrated and stuck.

These breakdowns happen when we focus on what someone did “wrong” rather than trying to understand their perspective. This often leads to defensiveness, miscommunication, and missed opportunities for collaboration.

But there’s a better way.

Collaborative communication shifts the focus from judgment to curiosity, allowing for open, productive conversations where everyone feels heard and respected. 

Here’s how to start:

  1. Manage your emotions. Before engaging, check in with yourself. If you’re frustrated or angry, take a moment to calm down. Deep breaths or a brief pause can make a huge difference in setting a positive tone.
  2. State what you see objectively. Stick to the facts. Instead of saying, “You never finish things on time,” try, “I noticed the project wasn’t completed by the deadline.” This avoids blame and keeps the conversation neutral.
  3. Validate their experience. Show the other person that you understand their feelings. Use phrases like, “I get how this situation could have been frustrating for you.” When people feel understood, they’re more likely to open up and collaborate.

By following these three steps, you create a safe, respectful environment that fosters honest conversation and problem-solving. Want to take it further? Join my masterclass on Collaborative Communication, where we’ll dive deeper into the full process and explore ways to apply these skills in your workplace and at home. Registration is required and you can do so here.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get coaching sessions at no cost to them. You can book a coaching session here. 

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action. 

Posted on

Four Types of Burnout: How to Spot Them and What to Do

Let’s be honest—burnout in healthcare is real. And it doesn’t show up the same way for everyone. Whether you’re caring for patients or managing a team, the daily grind can leave you feeling exhausted, stressed, and wondering if you’ve got anything left to give. The good news is—you’re not alone, and there’s a way through it.

Let’s talk about the four types of burnout that healthcare providers often face, how to spot them, and what you can do to start feeling better.

Emotional Burnout

What It Looks Like:
You know that feeling when you’re on your way to work and you’re already emotionally drained? That’s emotional burnout. Frustration is simmering just beneath the surface, and connecting with your patients or coworkers feels like a huge effort.

How to Spot It:

  • You’re emotionally exhausted before your shift even starts.
  • You’ve hit a wall when it comes to showing empathy.
  • You feel frustrated or irritated more often than not.

What to Do About It:
Take care of you first. Set some boundaries around how much you’re giving at work, and make sure you’re spending time on things that recharge your emotional tank, whether that’s journaling or even a quick walk outside.

Physical Burnout

What It Looks Like:
Ever feel like no amount of sleep is enough? Or that your body’s constantly aching, even when you haven’t done anything strenuous? Physical burnout is your body’s way of telling you it needs a break—and fast.

How to Spot It:

  • You’re always tired, no matter how much rest you get.
  • You’re catching every cold or bug going around.
  • Your body just feels… worn out.

What to Do About It:
Let’s start with the basics—sleep, hydration, water, and movement. I know it’s easier said than done, but your body needs it. Take mini breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just a few minutes to breathe or stretch. And when you’re off the clock, make time for low-impact activities that help you recharge physically.

Mental Burnout

What It Looks Like:
When you’ve been juggling a million decisions, and suddenly, your brain feels like it’s on strike. Mental burnout shows up as difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and feeling like even small decisions are overwhelming.

How to Spot It:

  • You can’t concentrate, or you feel mentally foggy all the time.
  • You’re struggling to make even simple decisions.
  • You feel scattered and disorganized.

What to Do About It:
Slow down and take things one step at a time. Break up your tasks into smaller chunks and establish priorities. Writing things down can help clear your mental clutter and bring some clarity. And if you need to, give yourself time to pause.

Compassion Fatigue

What It Looks Like:
This one hits close to home for a lot of us in healthcare. Compassion fatigue is when you’ve given and given, and there’s just nothing left. You still care about your patients or your team, but showing that empathy feels almost impossible.

How to Spot It:

  • You feel detached or emotionally distant from those you’re helping.
  • Helping others no longer feels fulfilling.
  • You’re emotionally numb, like you’re running on empty.

What to Do About It:
Take time to reconnect with why you got into healthcare in the first place. Lean on your team for support when you need it, and don’t be afraid to step away emotionally when a situation is too draining. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so give yourself the space to refill it.

Moving Forward: Burnout Isn’t Permanent

Here’s the thing—burnout, in any of its forms, doesn’t have to be permanent. You can feel better. The first step is recognizing what type of burnout you’re experiencing and then taking small steps toward recovery. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.

I specialize in helping people like you find balance, manage stress, and rebuild confidence. If you’re feeling burned out, let’s chat. You can book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation here.

Logan Health employees receive complimentary coaching, and I’d love to support you in getting back to a place where you feel energized and fulfilled at work and in life.

Take a small step today. Let’s work together to beat burnout and bring more balance back into your life.

Posted on

This IS the Journey

I used to be the woman constantly running—dropping Tara off at school, juggling work, soccer, ski lessons, and home (all with a supportive and helpful husband) while trying to squeeze everything into a 24-hour day that never felt long enough. I gave everything I had—my energy, my love, my time—to everyone else, including my family, my job, and my friends. And whenever I tried to carve out a little space for myself, it felt impossible, like there wasn’t enough time.

I looked at other women and wondered how they had it all figured out. They seemed to be doing something that I was missing. I felt like I was failing, like something was wrong with me because I couldn’t seem to crack the code. And I was exhausted from trying.

But here’s what I learned: nothing had gone wrong, and nothing was wrong with me. The only real difference between me and those other women? They believed they could figure it out, so they kept trying. They didn’t have some secret formula or hidden knowledge that I didn’t. They were just doing life—just like me.

They experimented with different routines, schedules, and ideas. When things didn’t work out, they didn’t label it as a failure. They saw it as part of the process and kept moving forward, adjusting as they went.

Once I realized that, I stopped believing everyone else had it figured out while I didn’t. I started making small changes and gave myself permission to let it be messy. I stopped trying to cram everything into a perfect 24-hour container and started focusing on what worked for me. I saw that I was not failing at life. I was living it. This was the process; it was the journey.

And I want you to know that if this resonates with you, I can help you go from feeling overwhelmed and exhausted to feeling more in control. Together, we’ll focus on practical strategies for managing your time, prioritizing what matters to you, and making small, meaningful changes. You don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ll be there to support you as you find what works so that you can live a life you truly love.

If you want an easy way to come and see what I’m all about, join the How to Manage Your Time Masterclass on Wednesday, September 11, at 11 AM. Registration is required, and you can do so here.

I’ll be there waiting for you with open arms. I’ve got you. 💕💕

P.S. Reminder: Employees get free coaching sessions as part of Logan Health’s benefits. You can book a coaching session here.

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you how to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.

Posted on

The Cost of Poor Time Management

(Why It’s Hurting You More Than You Think)

As a healthcare professional, you’re no stranger to pressure. Long shifts, endless to-do lists, and constant multitasking are part of the job. But what if I told you that poor time management might cost you more than just a few extra minutes each day?

I see it all the time with the nurses and healthcare workers I coach: the creeping stress that builds when your day feels out of control. You feel like you’re constantly running behind, never quite catching up. And the worst part? It starts to spill over into your personal life, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, drained, and disconnected—even when you’re not at work.

The truth is, poor time management doesn’t just affect your productivity at work—it impacts every area of your life. Here’s how it might be affecting you:

Burnout: The constant race against the clock piles on stress, which—if left unchecked—can quickly lead to burnout. This leaves you feeling emotionally and physically depleted, unable to recharge.

Patient Care: Struggling to manage your time doesn’t just affect you– it can also compromise the quality of patient care. When you’re stretched too thin, being present, focused, and effective with your patients becomes more difficult.

Personal Life: Perhaps the biggest hidden cost of poor time management is that it doesn’t stay at work. Instead, it follows you home. You may find yourself unable to fully enjoy your time off because your mind is stuck on what didn’t get done at work.

This happens because our brains aren’t designed to handle constant stress and multitasking—at least not efficiently. As a healthcare professional, you’re likely experiencing decision fatigue, cognitive overload, and a stress response that makes managing your time feel impossible.

But here’s the good news: simply understanding *why* this happens is the first step toward changing it.

During my upcoming webinar, “How to Manage Your Time,” I’ll be diving deeper into the neuroscience behind why time feels out of control and how understanding this can help you take back control of your day.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t just about throwing more time management tips your way. It’s about equipping you with strategies to help you maximize your time without burning out. In the webinar, we’ll cover:

  ~ Why your brain struggles with time management

  ~ The hidden costs of poor time management that you might not even realize are there

  ~ How mastering time management can improve patient care, reduce burnout, and help you reclaim control of your life

Want to know more? I’ll teach how during the webinar, but for a full transformation, one-on-one coaching offers a deeper dive into personalized strategies that work specifically for you.

If you’re tired of feeling like time is slipping through your fingers, I invite you to join me for the masterclass. Or, if you’re ready for more personalized help, book a complimentary consultation or sign up for a one-on-one coaching session (especially if you’re a Logan Health employee- see below!).

It’s time to reclaim your time—and your life.

P.S. You can register for this masterclass with this link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tP782ZC1T9WmQDSiy13IwQ

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book yours here. 

Posted on

emotional responsibility

This week at Christine Seager Coaching, we’re focusing on emotional responsibility—allowing others to own their thoughts and feelings while reclaiming control over our own. It’s a mindset shift that empowers us to manage our emotional experience, no matter the circumstances.

As healthcare professionals, you know that emotions can run high in stressful environments. But did you know that you hold the power to decide how you respond? When we blame others for our frustration, sadness, or disappointment, we unknowingly hand over our emotional power. But what if we could reclaim it?

From a young age, we’re often taught that others are responsible for our feelings. When someone says something hurtful, we believe that pain is their doing. But as adults, we have the ability to reflect, choose our thoughts, and ultimately, decide how we want to feel.

Imagine approaching your day knowing that your emotions are within your control—not dictated by your boss, patients, or colleagues. How empowering would it be to realize that frustration or disappointment isn’t caused by outside forces, but by how we choose to interpret those forces?

By accepting responsibility for our feelings, we open the door to true emotional freedom. Instead of reacting on autopilot or avoiding discomfort, we can choose how we want to feel. The result? We start living a life of intention, rather than default.

Try this: The next time you feel frustration or stress in the workplace, pause and ask yourself, ‘What am I thinking right now that’s creating this feeling? And do I want to keep thinking this way?’ Shifting your mindset from blame to ownership can be transformative.

You have the power to take charge of your emotional experience.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.

P.P.S. You can register for the next free Christine Seager Coaching Masterclass on What to Do When You’re Not Getting Results by clicking here. 

Posted on

summer smoke

If you’re local in the Flathead Valley, it’s been relentlessly 90º and increasingly smokey.  According to the Flathead Beacon, we’re under a heat advisory over the next two days, and there are Stage II fire restrictions in surrounding counties. The Montana DNRC reports 59 active wildfires, including one outside Helena and one south of Missoula. 

If you’re like me and love summer, you might be inclined to think:

Well, there it goes– literally up in smoke.

I’m sad b/c I love summer & now it’s hot, miserable, AND smokey. 

Not being able to see the mountains makes me feel claustrophobic. 

I love fresh air, but now I can’t open the windows at night. 

We shouldn’t even be outside. 

Camping is more fun with a campfire. 

You feel dismayed, disappointed, angry, and annoyed. 

You complain to your friends, worry about whether you should change your camping plans, and spend endless amounts of time trying to figure out how to get out of here. 

You wind up not enjoying your summer. 

What can you do instead? 

If you were free to focus on something other than the smoke and being disappointed about it, what would you focus on instead? 

What else could you spend your time, energy, and effort on? What would be available to fill in the energetic gap? 

You might think: 

Yes, it’s smokey, and I can’t control the air quality here. 

I’m determined to enjoy my summer anyway. 

I will not just stay inside and do “nothing” for the rest of the summer. 

I have options. 

Now, you feel accepting, empowered, hopeful & creative.

From here, you can determine how you would like to play this.

You are better equipped to: 

  • Focus on things within your control
  • Find alternative activities
  • Enjoy your summer despite the smoke and heat
  • Explore new activities
  • Spend time with friends 
  • Make the most of the season despite challenging conditions 
  • Reduce your stress and frustration
  • Find opportunities for enjoyment and fulfillment in different ways. 

A smokey summer can still be your best summer ever.

This is how you create and live a life you love. 

Posted on

your self-concept

If you struggle to meet your goals and often let yourself down, this is for you. To be clear, this one is about your self-concept rather than the actions you do (or don’t) take.

You probably often hear me talking about creating and living a life you love. 

Your self-concept is how you CREATE your life rather than just life happening TO you.

It’s about deciding in advance what you want for your life and who you must be to create that life. 

If you’re trying to create results in your life and taking lots of action without addressing your self-concept, it will not work. 

If who you are being doesn’t match the results you’re working to create, you will sabotage your results every single time. 

For example, if you identify as someone who is overwhelmed, overwhelm the result you will produce. 

You simply cannot create results without changing your identity and your self-concept.

Here’s how to change your self-concept: 

  1. Assess—where are you now, and where do you want to be? 
  2. Define—why do you want it? Why is it important to you? And who do you need to be to get it? Consult with your future self. 
  3. Decide—what you want to change. What can you do to get from here to there, and where do you want to start? If necessary, borrow from other areas where you have created change. Consider how you did it and apply that here. 
  4. Plan and implement while also becoming the person who creates new results. 
  5. Evaluate your results—Find evidence that who you are becoming and what you are doing is working. Then, see what you might want to try differently (if anything). 

Then, as I love to say—wash, rinse, repeat; this is an ongoing process. 

This is how life works. We are constantly evolving and striving for the next thing. When we’re done, we’re dead, so learn to appreciate the journey.

If this interests you and you would like to learn more about changing your self-concept, join me via Zoom on Wednesday, July 17th, at 11 AM MT for the next FREE monthly masterclass. Registration is required, and you can do so by clicking here.

As a reminder, as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, you are entitled to fully confidential coaching at no cost to you. (Yes, it’s free for you). You can book an in-person coaching session here or a remote/Zoom coaching session here. If you have any questions, just email me at Christine@christineseager.com.

Posted on

The Difference Between & Solutions for Burnout & Overwhelm

Burnout is defined as a person in a state of physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress. 

It happens when you are producing results– like your hair is on fire, but you’re pushing through it, still working, still doing. It might look like things are fine, but you’re slowly dying on the inside. 

People think this happens when we work too many hours or too hard, but not necessarily. You can work many hours and still not get burned out, and you can work very hard and not get burned out. It’s the thoughts behind it, the attitude that leads to burnout. 

When I worked in the ER, I likened this to the difference between a busy day and a cluster eff day. We could see 60 patients in a 12-hour shift, and things could go smoothly, like clockwork, or we could see 30 patients in 12 hours & it could be a cluster— a big difference. In either case, everything could go sideways, but you can think: this always happens to me. Or you can think: this is what happens in a busy ER; this is just part of the deal. This is what I signed up for. 

Burnout happens when you’re trying to outrun a negative emotion. 

The solution is to give yourself more space. Relax, slow down, and be more intentional with your actions. Work smarter, not harder. Rest, take a break if you can. Manage your mind. Purposefully direct it to better thoughts. 

For example: 

  • I signed up for this when I took this job. 
  • People are out enjoying the nice weather; of course, there are a lot of injuries now. 
  • Tourists are also trying to enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes, they don’t know what they’re doing and make poor decisions, which can be costly—both physically and financially. 
  • I’m glad they’re here, and I’m equipped to help them. 

Overwhelm is defined as being overcome completely; to overpower, especially with superior force, to cover or bury beneath a mass of something.

Overwhelm happens when you are not producing results, like when your hair is on fire and you’re running around in circles.

It’s an emotion, a way for your brain to stay comfortable because when we feel overwhelmed, we often resist, react, or distract (aka. do nothing; take no action; spin our wheels). 

The good news is— because it is an emotion, you have control over it. Since you are creating it, you can change and manage your overwhelm. 

Overwhelm looks like feeling confused about what to do (how to get started or what to do next). You might have an unclear plan and procrastinate, thinking, “I don’t know what to do; I’m just so busy.” 

But it doesn’t have anything to do with your to-do list. It has to do with the thoughts in your brain about how overwhelmed you feel. You’re likely spending more time thinking overwhelming thoughts than actually doing things or taking action. (Also, notice that if you have a to-do list, then you actually know what to do, so check your list.) 

You can tell this is you because you see that you haven’t actually done much. You’re spinning, not creating. 

The solution is to plan and then do; take action. Make decisions: Pick one thing and do it, then the next, and the next. Constrain to doing one thing at a time, not all of the things at once. Take intentional action and get things done. All while managing your mind—not letting it run amok, thinking overwhelming thoughts, and creating the feeling of overwhelm. 

Knowing the difference between burnout and overwhelm will help you determine solutions to mitigate each in your life so that you can create and live a life you love rather than just going through the motions.

What are your thoughts? What are your questions? What would you love to learn more about here? Leave your comments below.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health Whitefish, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book an in-person coaching session here or a remote/Zoom coaching session here. 

You can register for the next free Christine Seager Coaching Masterclass on How to Change Your Self-Concept by registering here.

Posted on

under-living

Are you under-living? 

It might look like: 

~ a job you don’t love. 

~ relationships that are more stressful than joyful. 

~ travel you’re not taking. 

~ time you’re not spending doing what you love to do. 

~ feeling like a robot going from one required task to the next. 

You’re so annoyed with where you’ve wound up, with what you’re doing with your one wild and precious life. 

(You hate to admit that you feel like you might be wasting it.) 

You want more. 

You have dreams. 

You wish you could just step out of your life into a different one. 

Or maybe you like most of your life if only you could

~ be a better parent. 

~ have a different body. 

~ be a better manager. 

~ feel more confident. 

~ make more time. 

~ have a better marriage. 

~ feel in control of your life at large. 

~ could have more excitement & adventure like you used to. 

You feel stuck, frustrated, disappointed, and discouraged, and you have basically given up on remembering what you love to do. 

You want to make changes, but it feels overwhelming. 

You worry that it may not be possible for you. 

You don’t know where to start. 

You don’t know what to do. 

You don’t follow through. 

You aren’t consistent. 

So things just stay the same. 

Even though you so desperately want a different experience for yourself, your life, and your family. 

Please know that under-living is optional. 

You can opt-out.

And opt-in to living a life you truly love. 

It IS possible. 

You can have all of those things—be a better parent, have a better body, be a better manager, feel more confident, make more time, have a better marriage (have better relationships), feel in control of your life, have more excitement and adventures—live a life you love. 

And here’s the kicker– nothing outside of you has to change. 

It starts with you, just you, and your brain—where you choose to focus and how you choose to manage your mind. 

If you want to learn how, book an appointment or set up a consultation. We’ll discuss what you’re looking for specifically, and I’ll tell you how coaching can help. Then, the fun part—we’ll get to work creating a life you love. 

Go from this:

To this: