Category: mindset

Posted on

Inbox Zero Doesn’t (Necessarily) Mean You Had a Productive Day

(Especially for Managers)

I used to feel this pressure that if I didn’t get to inbox zero, I hadn’t really had a productive day.

It didn’t matter what else I did—if emails were left unanswered, it felt like I was behind.

Back when I was working as a manager, I’d stay late trying to catch up. After hours of managing my team, peer conversations, problem-solving, and on-the-fly decision-making… I was still measuring the day by whether or not I’d cleared my inbox.

It makes sense in a way. We’re trained to check things off, keep up, and not let things slip through the cracks.

But at some point, I realized: Inbox zero is a nearly impossible to obtain moving target.
And chasing it was costing me my energy—and my confidence.

Inbox Zero Is Like Laundry

Let’s be honest:
Your inbox is like your laundry basket.
You clear it, and it fills up again.
Not because you’re failing—but because you’re a human working with other humans.

In management especially, email is constant.
People need things. They’re sharing updates, asking questions, flagging issues.
There’s always more.

And yet… many of us have internalized the idea that inbox zero = success.
So if we don’t hit it? We feel behind, disorganized, or even (especially!) guilty.

It’s a Pattern I See Often

Someone spends the whole day catching up on emails—feeling busy, even overwhelmed—and yet walks away thinking, “What did I even do today?”

Can you relate?

It’s one of the sneakiest thought patterns I coach people on:
You worked hard all day. You were on your feet, using your brain, solving problems.
But if the inbox isn’t empty, your brain tells you: “You didn’t do enough.”

So Let’s Ask a Better Question

What if inbox zero isn’t the point?

What if the better question is:

  • On a scale of 1–10, how productive do you feel today?
  • Did you do your best, given what the day threw at you?
  • What did you do that mattered—even if it wasn’t visible?

Try writing it down:

  • Helped a coworker navigate a crisis
  • Checked in on a struggling patient
  • Made sure an important task didn’t slip through the cracks
  • Had a thoughtful conversation with someone who really needed it
  • Avoided snapping when you were short on time and energy

Those don’t show up in your inbox.
But they’re the reason you’re valuable (and good at your job).

You Get to Redefine a “Good” Day

When I finally stopped measuring success by how many emails I answered, things changed.

I could feel proud of my day without needing to finish every single task.
I could actually rest, because I wasn’t tying my worth to a number that was designed to reset tomorrow.

You deserve that, too.

You don’t have to earn rest, pride, or peace by clearing your inbox.
Especially in healthcare—where the real work happens off-screen.

Want Support Redefining What Productivity Means to You

If you’re tired of measuring your value by how many messages you cleared—and still walking away feeling behind, frazzled, or frustrated—I can help.

I coach nurses and healthcare professionals who want to feel more calm, clear, and in control—without quitting their jobs or adding more to their plate.

If you work at Logan Health,

You have access to confidential 1:1 coaching through your benefits.
Click here to schedule your free session.

Not a hospital employee?

Book a complimentary consultation here.
Let’s talk about what’s getting in your way—and what life could look like instead.

Posted on

The Two Kinds of Tired (and How to Tell the Difference)

You’re tired. Of course you are.

Long shifts. Tight staffing. Patients in pain. Charting that never seems to end.

But here’s the thing: not all tired is the same.

There’s the kind of tired that means you need to go to bed. Full stop. No phone, no Netflix, no late-night scrolling. You need a real nap, or an actual full night of sleep. The kind of rest that lets your body reset.

And then there’s the kind of tired that comes from thinking, “I’m so tired.”

You think it all day long. Between patients. On the drive home. Standing in your kitchen staring into the fridge. It loops in your brain like a song stuck on repeat.

The more you think it, the more exhausted you feel.

And it’s not fake. It’s just a different kind of tired.

Mental tiredness matters. But here’s the twist: it’s often self-created by our thinking—and it responds to a different kind of care.

So how do you know which tired you’re dealing with?

Start with what I lovingly call your B.S.-O-Meter.

Be honest: are you really tired? Or are you kind of B.S.-ing yourself?

Here are two questions that can help:

  1. Do I need to go to bed right now?
    If the answer is yes, then go to bed. To sleep. Not to lay down and scroll. You’ll be amazed what 20 minutes of real rest can do.
  2. If my spouse walked in right now and said, “Pack your bags—we’re leaving in an hour for a week-long all-inclusive trip to Fiji,” would I still be too tired… or would I rally and make it happen?

That question is a surprisingly effective gut check.

If you’d find the energy to grab your passport and toss clothes in a bag, it’s probably not physical exhaustion—it’s mental overload.

And if you wouldn’t? That’s a cue your body really is really and truly asking for rest.

You can trust yourself to know what you need.

You’ve been doing hard things for a long time. You know how to listen to your body. You know when your brain is the one keeping you stuck.

The next time you catch yourself repeating, “I’m so tired,” ask again:
Is this physical fatigue? Or is it mental weight I’ve been carrying around all day?

Then do the kindest thing for yourself.

That’s how you start to feel better. That’s how you build trust with yourself. That’s how you reclaim your energy—one honest check-in at a time.

P.S. Coaching helps with this. I teach nurses how to hear themselves clearly and get their energy back—mentally and physically. If you’re a Logan Health employee, this is already a benefit you have access to. If you’re not, book a consult (grab any time that works for you here) to chat about what working together could look like.

Posted on

How to Use Comparison to Find Your Next Step in Healthcare


Have you ever noticed how quickly we can go from “She’s doing amazing” to “I’m clearly behind”?

You’re not alone. We are masters at scanning for what’s wrong—in our patients, our charts, our coworkers—and yes, in ourselves.

But what if comparison isn’t a flawed thinking?
What if it’s a tool?

You can use comparison to help you find solutions. Let’s talk about how.

THE TRAP: COMPARE & DESPAIR

You scroll social media. A former classmate just ran a marathon.
Your coworker finishes charting with 20 minutes left in her shift.
Someone you used to work with is now in a job that seems down right dreamy.

And the thoughts roll in:

  • I could never do that.
  • I’m too behind.
  • What does she have that I don’t?

The compare-and-despair loop can shut us down.

THE SHIFT: COMPARE & DISCOVER

Instead of shutting down, what if you got curious?

What if the very thing that triggered your frustration could lead you to your next step?

Consider:

  • If she can do it, then I can too.
  • How do I *think* she made it happen?
  • What is she doing that I am not yet doing? (What’s in the gap between where I am and where she is?)
  • What is one small thing I can start doing today?

This isn’t about copying someone else’s life. It’s about observing what works for her and trying it on for yourself.

WHY THIS WORKS (A LITTLE NEUROSCIENCE FOR YOU)

Your brain loves evidence. It thrives on proof.
So when you see someone doing something you want to do, your brain immediately takes notice—but if you don’t give it direction, it defaults to self-criticism.

Instead, you can train it to look for strategy, not shame.

  • What are they doing that’s working?
  • What mindset might they be practicing?
  • How do they talk to themselves when they fall short?

REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES

  • You notice a nurse who always seems calm, even during chaos. Instead of thinking “I’m a mess,” ask: What does she do differently? Does she pause and breathe before delegating? Does she prep her space a certain way?
  • You see a tech who finishes their tasks on time every day. Instead of assuming they’re just faster, observe their process. Do they batch tasks? Do they avoid distractions?
  • You watch a colleague speak up in a meeting with clarity and confidence. What are they saying yes to behind the scenes that gives them that energy?

TRY THIS: YOUR MINI JOURNAL PROMPT

This week, when you catch yourself comparing, ask:

  1. What (or who) am I admiring?
  2. What do I think they’re doing that I’m not?
  3. Is there one thing I could try on for size?
  4. What’s one baby step I can take today to move in that direction?

THE TAKEAWAY:
Comparison isn’t your enemy.
It’s a flashlight.

You can use it to shine a light on possibilities you hadn’t even considered. It’s not about feeling behind. It’s about finding your next right step.

This is the creative process of designing a life you love—not by guessing, but by noticing what resonates and adapting it to fit you.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

If you’re a Logan Health employee, you can use your coaching benefits to get support on exactly this kind of shift. I can help you sort out the overwhelm and find what actually works for you. Click here to book a LHW coaching session (for our first session together, we’ll discuss what coaching is & isn’t, what sort of support you might be looking for, and how I can help.

If you’re not a Logan employee, you can still work with me. I offer complimentary consults to see if coaching is the right next step for you. Click here to book a consult.

Posted on

When the Plan Falls Apart (But You Don’t Have To)

In January, doing a triathlon in 2025 wasn’t even on my radar.

At the time, I was focused on growing my audience and doubling down on coaching goals. The triathlon came later—as a 90-day challenge that felt exciting, uncomfortable, and new. I wanted something that would grow me, physically and mentally.

I made the commitment.

And then—real life happened.

I traveled. I had a plan for working out while I was away: swimming with my sister at her community pool and riding her Peloton. But her subscription had lapsed. No Peloton access.

My parents had bikes—but neither of them fit properly. I tried. My knee protested.

Still, I managed a few runs. And I made a decision: I’d walk 10,000 steps a day, every day. That would be my new minimum.

It wasn’t ideal.
It wasn’t the plan.
But it kept me moving.

When I got home, I was ready to dive back in—and then, bam: a massive headache and neck spasms from too many hours with poor ergonomics at my computer.

Another week without working out.

This was not on my BINGO card.

But honestly? Neither was doing a triathlon this year.

And that’s the part I keep coming back to.

Progress Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

As a coach—I’ve seen how often people throw out the whole goal because something didn’t go exactly right.

We get this idea that if we can’t do it perfectly, we shouldn’t do it at all.

But perfection is a trap.

Real progress looks like:

  • Walking when you can’t bike
  • Not pushing through when your neck is spasming
  • Adjusting instead of quitting

In nursing, you already know how often plans change—shifts run late, patients decompensate, charting takes longer than expected. You adapt on the floor every day.

This is the same muscle, applied to your goals.

What You Can Do Counts

I didn’t do my scheduled workouts.
But I walked.
I noticed my negative thoughts and redirected them.
I kept going.

Even here, in the messy middle, I stayed committed. And that’s what matters.

Whether your goal is to get stronger, change careers, set boundaries, or simply enjoy your life more—it won’t always go according to plan.

But you don’t need to give up when the plan changes.

You just need to keep going.

When Things Don’t Go According to Plan

Here’s how to stay in the game:

1. Adjust the plan, not the goal.
Find a Plan B (or C, or D). The original plan is not sacred.

2. Acknowledge setbacks without making them mean something about you.
A week off doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re human.

3. Do what you can, not what you wish you could.
Walking counts. Rest counts. Starting again counts.

4. Ask: what can I learn from this?
Did you over-schedule? Skip recovery? Miss a red flag? Learn and adjust.

5. Keep the door open.
Don’t let a setback shut you down. Stay in motion—mentally, physically, emotionally.

This Is What Resilience Looks Like

Not pushing through pain.
Not doing it perfectly.
Not proving your worth through grit and grind.

Resilience is the willingness to keep going—with gentleness, creativity, and intention.

And if your goal needs to take a slightly different shape to match your real life?
That doesn’t make you weak.
That makes you wise.

Your Turn

  • What’s one goal you’ve adjusted or almost given up on?
  • What’s something you can do today to stay connected to it?

For Logan Health employees: Coaching is covered through your benefits. Want help staying consistent with your goals (even when life throws curveballs)? you can book a coaching session here—I’d love to work with you.

Not a hospital employee? You can still book a free consultation to explore coaching with me here.

Posted on

When Your Brain Fixates on the Negative (Even at the Beach)

Why this happens– and how to shift it, even in the middle of a stressful shift or a rare day off.

Have you ever said something and immediately thought, ‘Wait… did I really just say that out loud?“

That was me at the beach recently.

I was filming a peaceful video—panning across the palm trees, taking in the sunshine—and I heard myself say,
“At least there’s good music.”

Not in a joyful way.
More like a resigned, mildly irritated way.

I had time at the beach with Scott.
It was sunny, beautiful, warm.
And yet—my brain still found something to complain about.

Sound familiar?

As healthcare workers (and as simply human beings), we’re trained to notice what’s wrong.
What’s missing.
What’s abnormal.

It makes sense that this mindset doesn’t shut off just because we’re off shift.

Our brains—especially under stress—default to scanning for danger, risk, or imperfection.
It’s called negativity bias. And it’s completely normal.

You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re not “too” negative or ungrateful.
You’re just human.

What matters is what you do next.

After I heard myself say that out loud, I didn’t beat myself up.
I caught it.
I got curious.
And then I did what I often teach my clients to do:

I went on a rampage of gratitude.

It’s exactly what it sounds like—a no-edit, rapid-fire list of anything and everything I could possibly appreciate in that moment.

  • The breeze.
  • The sand.
  • The fact that I had a phone to film with.
  • That yes—the music actually was good.
  • And that I had the awareness to notice my brain doing what brains do… and make a different choice.

That’s how we rewire.

This works on the beach.
It works in your car.
It works in the hallway between patient rooms.
It works after a hard day when you’re questioning everything.

When a negative thought shows up, don’t judge it.
Just notice it.
Name it.
And then redirect—on purpose.

Start small.
Look for one thing that’s good.
Then two.
Then five.

This is how you shift from reactive mode to intentional mode.
It’s how you start managing your mind in a way that doesn’t add more pressure—but gives you a little more space to breathe.

Because you deserve that.
Even when the floor is short-staffed.
Even when your day feels like a dumpster fire.
Even when you’re on a beach and your brain still complains.

This isn’t fake positivity.
It’s a skill. One you can build.

Want to try it? Start your own rampage of gratitude.
Right now.
Wherever you are.
List five things—quick, simple, no editing.

Notice what shifts.

You don’t need a perfect day to feel better.
You just need a strategy for when your brain wants to focus on what’s not.

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

Or, if you are not a Logan Health employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me 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.

Real moment from the beach (and yes, I really said it out loud).

Posted on

The Other Half Is Also True: How to Find Calm, Confidence, or Joy in Healthcare (Even When It Feels Impossible)

Have you ever noticed how fast your brain jumps to worst-case scenarios?

You hear a code blue overhead, and your stomach tightens.

You’re about to walk into a shift with a tough patient assignment, and you’re already bracing.

You get a vague email from your manager that says, “Can we talk?” and your brain goes straight to “What did I do wrong?”

That internal alarm system is strong—and for good reason.

In healthcare, being alert and prepared can literally save lives.

But here’s what we don’t often hear:

Just as there’s always an opportunity for anxiousness, there’s also an equal opportunity for calm.

You might not feel calm in that moment.

You might not even believe it’s an option.

But it’s there.

The same brain that spins out with stress is also capable of grounding you.

And the same situation that brings up overwhelm could also be an invitation to find courage, clarity, or even joy.

Let’s break this down.

The Default: “What if something goes wrong?”

Healthcare trains us to expect problems.

From nursing school to the floor, we’re taught to spot what’s not normal, anticipate complications, and catch things early.

And that’s a skill you need.

But if you’re not careful, that skill can hijack your nervous system—and your day.

Without noticing, you start assuming that bad news is coming.

You live in constant readiness for the next crisis.

And you start to feel like anxiousness is just your baseline.

The Other Option: “What if this is okay?”

This is the part we’re not trained for.

What if your patient’s condition is stable?

What if that email from your manager is about something good?

What if today’s shift goes more smoothly than expected?

What if you don’t need to brace for impact, because nothing is crashing?

The brain won’t offer those thoughts automatically.

But you can practice them.

And the more you do, the more accessible they become—even on your worst days.

Emotions Come in Pairs

Here’s the truth most of us don’t realize:

Every time there’s the potential for fear, there’s also potential for courage.

Every time there’s an urge to panic, there’s an equal chance to choose peace.

And every time you feel resentment, frustration, or guilt… there’s a sliver of space to access something else—curiosity, pride, maybe even joy.

That doesn’t mean you’ll always feel the “positive” emotion right away.

It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong if anxiety still shows up.

But it does mean that the opposite emotion is always available. And you can reach for it.

A Practical Example

Let’s say you’re dreading your shift tomorrow.

You’ve already started feeling heavy. Maybe you’re thinking:

• I’m going to be exhausted.

• I won’t get a break.

• I’ll probably get floated or have a rough assignment.

All of those might be true. But here’s where the shift can start.

Ask yourself:

• What else might be true?

• What’s a more helpful thought I could practice?

Try on one of these:

• “I can handle whatever comes up tomorrow.”

• “There’s a good chance something goes right.”

• “It’s possible I’ll laugh with a coworker or feel proud of how I show up.”

Even just considering those possibilities can calm your nervous system.

This Isn’t About Toxic Positivity

Let’s be clear: I’m not telling you to slap a smile on and pretend everything’s fine.

This is about building mental flexibility.

So you’re not stuck in anxiety, dread, or guilt as your only options.

So you can notice the truth: that every hard emotion has an equal and opposite emotion standing quietly beside it, waiting to be noticed.

Try This Today

1. Notice the Negative Emotion

Name it. Don’t fight it. Just observe: “I feel anxious,” or “I feel overwhelmed.”

2. Ask What the Opposite Could Be

If you’re feeling guilt, could there be compassion?

If you’re feeling dread, could there be determination?

3. Practice a Thought That Points You There

Something simple and believable.

“This is hard, and I’m doing it anyway.”

“It’s okay to feel both nervous and capable.”

“Maybe this shift won’t suck.”

4. Repeat As Needed

Not once. Not perfectly. Just keep noticing the other half of the truth.

You don’t have to get it “right.”

You just have to stop assuming the hard stuff is the whole story.

Because for every anxious thought, there’s an equally real and available one waiting to calm your system.

And when you learn to practice both, you start living a different kind of life—even on the job.

Want to feel more confident and calm—without needing your job to change first?

That’s what we do in coaching.

Book a complimentary call to see what this work could look like for you here.

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

Posted on

The Power of Support: How to Give and Receive It

Support isn’t just something we need; it’s something we all deserve. Life is too challenging and rewarding to navigate solo. The most successful people have mastered both asking for help and offering it in return. Support isn’t just a safety net—it’s a catalyst that creates courage, strengthens confidence, and fosters growth.

So, how do you build a network of encouragement that moves you forward, especially when fear and doubt threaten to hold you back? By being intentional about how you give and receive support.

How to Receive Support

Asking for help can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s actually a gift to both parties. When you invite someone to support you, you’re allowing them to make a meaningful contribution to your life—a gift that comes full circle when you let them know how much their encouragement means.

Here’s the key: when someone supports you, they’re not doing the work for you. They’re there to remind you of your strengths, especially when you’re feeling stuck in your doubts.

They’ll challenge you—not by agreeing with excuses or allowing your self-doubt but by holding you accountable to your dreams and potential. They’ll remind you why your goals matter, even when you’re tempted to quit.

To strengthen this bolster this support, consider sharing the specific ways you hold yourself back when things get tough. For example, do you procrastinate, avoid difficult conversations, or shy away from big opportunities? Let your support person know what to look out for so they can gently call you out when needed. Their role isn’t to criticize—it’s to keep you aligned with the version of yourself you want to become.

How to Give Support

Supporting someone else is about more than cheering them on—it’s about truly seeing them for who they are and what they are capable of.

When you support someone, you’re recognizing their journey as their own unique path. You honor their courage, even when they doubt themselves. You see their desire to grow, contribute, and create a life they love.

Your role isn’t to fix their challenges or offer all the answers—it’s to remind them that they already have the wisdom and strength they need to find their way forward. Think of yourself as a trusted travel companion. You’re walking beside them, offering encouragement, insight, and perspective, while staying rooted in your own journey, too.

The Transformative Power of Connection

Support changes everything. When you allow yourself to lean on others and offer your support in return, you reach a level of ease and possibility that’s hard to achieve alone.

You don’t have to muscle through life on your own. Support is all around you—friends, family, mentors, and even colleagues can become partners in your growth. It’s as simple as asking and offering.

Consider:
Who in your life could you ask for support right now? And who might need your support in return?

Taking the time to strengthen these connections will not only propel you forward—it’ll deepen your relationships and create opportunities for growth on both sides.

Are you ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about how coaching can help you tap into the support and accountability you need to go after your biggest goals. Book a free consultation today, and let’s explore what’s possible.

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

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me 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

Disconnected to Reconnect: How Taking Time Away Can Recharge Your Life

Have you ever felt like the constant buzz of notifications and endless to-do lists were running your life? As healthcare professionals, being “on” all the time is second nature—answering calls, managing crises, and juggling patient care. It’s exhausting.

I felt it too. That’s why I decided to fully disconnect for two nights at a rural cabin. No Wi-Fi, no emails, no distractions. Instead, I focused on simple joys—playing games, reading, skiing, and relaxing on the couch.

It was exactly what I needed.

Why Disconnecting Matters

For healthcare workers (or an entrepreneur like myself), being “on” 24/7 can feel unavoidable. Even on days off, the mental load doesn’t go away. Constant connection—to work, family, and even social media—can drain your energy, leaving little room for you.

When you disconnect, you allow your mind and body to rest. It’s in the quiet that you can process, reflect, and recalibrate. And stepping away from the noise often reminds you of what really matters: your well-being and sense of purpose.

What I Gained From Two Days Away

At the cabin, I gave myself permission to simply be. Without the constant pull of notifications or emails, I reconnected with myself—and with Scott (and Max, I guess– lol).

It felt strange at first, like I should be “doing” something productive. But the longer I stayed disconnected, the more I noticed how much lighter I felt. My thoughts became clearer, and my energy lifted.

When I came back, I felt refreshed and ready to take on life and work with a renewed sense of clarity.

How You Can Disconnect—Even If It’s Just for a Day

You don’t need a rural cabin to experience the benefits of unplugging. Here are a few simple ways to create your own moment of disconnection:

  • Plan a No-Tech Day: Turn off your devices, set your phone to “Do Not Disturb,” and let people know you’re unavailable.
  • Spend Time Outdoors: Go for a XC ski, take a walk, or enjoy a park—leave your phone behind or in airplane mode.
  • Create a Mini Retreat: Dedicate a few hours or a day to reading, meditating, or relaxing at home.
  • Set Boundaries for Work: Avoid checking emails or work messages on your days off.

Your Next Step

What’s one way you could unplug this week? Maybe it’s leaving your phone in another room, taking a walk after a shift, or planning a short getaway.

Disconnecting is just one way to embrace the slower pace of winter. For some, it might mean finding more rest, and for others, it could be about discovering small joys in the season’s quiet moments.

If you’re ready to explore what “wintering well” could look like for you, join me for my Wintering Well Workshop on January 28. Together, we’ll discover personalized ways to embrace the season, recharge, and make the most of winter’s quiet moments—whether that’s disconnecting, slowing down, or something else entirely.

This winter can be a season of renewal. Let’s find what works best for you.

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

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me 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

Permission to Dream: What If This Is the Year You Go After It?

Have you ever had a dream that felt completely out of reach? One of those “impractical” or “too big” goals you pushed aside because life got in the way, or because the steps to get there seemed impossible?

I know exactly what that feels like.

I remember standing outside the ER doors, staring at the hustle and movement on the other side, and wanting so desperately to be a part of it. At the time, I was a nurse working in Med/Surg, but the ER was a more skilled nursing position, and I wanted in. I was someone who dreamed of being one but didn’t know if it was possible. The fear of failure, the logistics, the “what if I can’t do it?” thoughts—they all felt bigger than the dream itself.

But the thing about dreams is that they don’t go away. They sit quietly in the background, waiting for you to notice them again. And when you do, they’re there, asking: What if this time is different?

The Year to Revisit Your Dreams

What if 2025 is the year you finally go after it? That dream you set aside—whether it’s going back to school, starting a side hustle, transitioning to a new role, or creating and living a life you love—what if you decided it was possible?

One thing I’ve learned from my own journey and from coaching others is that possibility starts with a thought. You don’t have to believe 100% that it will happen right away. You just need to practice the thought: Maybe it’s possible.

When I started to shift my thinking, I found proof that I could do hard things. I looked back at other times in my life when I achieved something that once felt impossible—like becoming a nurse in the first place. I realized that the same determination and small, consistent actions that worked before could work again. And they did.

Directing Your Brain Toward Possibility

Your brain loves to focus on what feels safe, predictable, and comfortable. That’s its job—to keep you alive. But achieving your dreams requires you to redirect your brain toward possibility. It’s like gently nudging it out of its default mode and asking it to consider something new.

Here’s how you can start:

  1. Practice the Thought: Each time your brain says, “This is too hard” or “I can’t do this,” counter it with, “I’ve overcome challenges before—I can handle this.” Over time, this practice builds self-trust and opens the door to possibility.
  2. Find Proof from Your Past: Think of a time when you accomplished something that felt impossible. Maybe it was finishing nursing school, raising a family while working, or navigating a tough situation at work. What strengths did you use? What steps worked for you then?
  3. Borrow Strategies That Worked: Look at what helped you succeed before. Did you break the goal into smaller steps? Did you rely on support from others? Use those same strategies to start moving toward your dream now.
  4. Take One Small Step: You don’t need a perfectly detailed plan to begin. Start with one small, manageable action that moves you closer. Every step builds momentum.

You Are Closer Than You Think

Dreams don’t require perfection; they require persistence.

One of my clients, a nurse who dreamed of becoming a nurse educator, felt stuck for years thinking it was too late. With a few mindset shifts and small, consistent steps, she not only achieved her dream but discovered a newfound passion and influence in her career. Whether it’s becoming a nurse, finding a new career path, or designing a life that feels extraordinary, the key is to start. Just start.

When I finally stepped through those ER doors, everything changed. That one decision to believe it was possible led me to where I am today—not just as a nurse but as someone who helps others achieve their own extraordinary lives.

Ready to Go After It?

If you’re ready to stop setting your dreams aside and start creating a life you love, I can help you turn those dreams into actionable goals and make them your reality. Logan Health Whitefish employees have coaching included in their benefits package—this is your opportunity to take advantage of personalized support to how nurses achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s one dream you’re ready to revisit this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This is your year. What if you decided to go after it?

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

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me 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

How to Create the Holiday Experience You Actually Want

What if you could decide RIGHT NOW how you want to feel this holiday season?

Not how you think you should feel or how you’ve always felt in the past—but exactly how YOU want to feel.

For healthcare workers, the holidays can feel like a blur. Long shifts, missed family gatherings, and the weight of taking care of everyone else can leave you feeling drained before you’ve even started. Add in the pressure to make everything perfect at home, and it’s no wonder the holiday spirit feels out of reach.

But here’s the truth: those holiday feelings we’re chasing—whether it’s joy, connection, or calm—don’t just happen by chance. We create them.

That means you have the power to create the exact holiday experience you want this year—even if you’re juggling shifts or navigating a packed schedule. Here’s how:

Step 1: Decide How You Want to Feel

Take a moment to think about the feeling you want to create this holiday season. Forget about the to-do list or the expectations. Close your eyes and imagine:

✨ Do you want to feel calm and cozy?
✨ Excited and joyful?
✨ Connected and full of love?

It might help to picture yourself at the end of the holiday season. How do you want to look back and feel about the time you spent? Be specific. Choosing the feeling you want is the first step to making it happen.

Step 2: Focus on What Creates That Feeling

Now that you know how you want to feel, it’s time to take action. The key here is to focus on what creates that feeling for YOU—not what Instagram says or what your family expects.

Here are some examples:

  • Calm and Cozy: Slow things down when you’re off the clock. Say no to commitments that feel more like obligations. Light a candle, grab your favorite blanket, and watch that holiday movie you love. Let it be simple.
  • Excited and Joyful: Crank up the holiday music and dance around your kitchen after a long shift. Plan something fun just for YOU—like a morning walk to see holiday lights or a drive-through coffee treat before work. Joy often comes from the little things we let ourselves enjoy.
  • Connected and Full of Love: Reach out to people who matter to you in small but meaningful ways. Write a quick note to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or plan a video call with loved ones if you’re working during the holidays. It’s about small, intentional moments.

The magic happens when you intentionally align your actions with the feeling you want to create.

Step 3: Shift Your Focus When You Get Off Track

Even with the best intentions, the holidays can throw curveballs. A patient crisis, family drama, or your own perfectionism might try to derail your good vibes.

This is where your focus becomes your superpower. Instead of spiraling into frustration, gently ask yourself: “What can I focus on right now to create [insert your feeling]?”

For example:

  • If a coworker’s attitude frustrates you during your shift, refocus on gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
  • If family drama threatens your peace, remind yourself of the joy you can create in the small moments—like sharing a laugh with your kids or savoring a quiet cup of tea.
  • If the holiday chaos feels overwhelming, ask, “What’s one thing I can do right now to feel calm?”

Redirecting your focus is like resetting the holiday playlist in your mind. You can’t control everything, but you CAN control where your attention goes.

Step 4: Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy

So often, we hold ourselves back from enjoying the holidays because we feel like we haven’t done enough. Maybe you didn’t bake those cookies from scratch or finish every gift perfectly wrapped. But the holidays aren’t a test.

Give yourself permission to soak up the moments that matter. Let go of what doesn’t. 

Remember, you’re not chasing perfection—you’re choosing presence.

For nurses and healthcare workers, this might mean embracing unconventional celebrations. Maybe your family’s holiday dinner is takeout on your lunch break—and that’s okay. Joy doesn’t come from the details; it comes from the intention.

What Will Your Holiday Feel Like?

This holiday season doesn’t have to be like every other year. You don’t have to wait for the perfect circumstances to feel the way you want to feel.

You can decide, right now, what you want to feel—and create that feeling on demand. By focusing on what matters, choosing intentional actions, and giving yourself permission to enjoy, you can design a holiday that feels like magic.

So, what feeling do YOU want to create this holiday season?

Let’s Make It Happen

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, let’s talk. Coaching can help you figure out exactly how to create the holiday experience you’ve been dreaming of—without the stress or overwhelm.

Book a complimentary consultation today, and let’s design the life you love, one intentional step at a time.

Don’t let another holiday pass you by. Let’s create something extraordinary together—starting now.

As part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. 

Book a Logan Health Employee Coaching Session Here

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me.

Book a Complimentary Consultation Here