choices

I just had an unplanned, quite uncomfortable, and somewhat unsuccessful medical procedure today that will require more diagnostic testing. 

(Not at LHW, so don’t go thinking it was you, LOL. And don’t worry about me– it’s just my body doing its thing; nothing has gone wrong.) 

Here’s what I didn’t do.

Think: 

“Of course, this happened.”

“This sort of thing always happens to me!” 

“Well, here we go again…”

“If my doctor wasn’t on vacation, this wouldn’t have happened in the first place.” 

“This is never going to end– first this, then there’ll be more and more.” 

“Having this done is making things worse.”

If I were thinking those thoughts, I would feel overwhelmed, hopeless, dismayed, frustrated, and powerless.

They don’t help anything at all. 

If anything, they only make me feel worse: complaining, stewing, dwelling & feeling sorry for myself. 

Here’s what I do think:

“This is just my body doing its thing.” 

“Nothing has gone wrong; this is just what happens sometimes.” 

“I’m glad I have a medical team who can help me while my doctor is on vacation.” 

“I hope my doctor is getting some well-deserved rest & relaxation.” 

“I’ll have more answers soon.” 

“One step at a time. Let’s get this done & then go from there.” 

These thoughts DO serve. 

Not only do they help me feel better, they help me keep a level head. 

I called to schedule that procedure while I drove home. And they were able to get me in first thing the following day. 

(Here’s another thought: I’m so grateful I was able to get in so soon; if I lived in a bigger city, I’d probably have to wait weeks.)

I choose not to spend time thinking thoughts like this, and now, more often than not (over time & with practice), my brain doesn’t even bother to offer thoughts like this. 

(Even for writing this post, I had to purposefully think about what negative thoughts I could think & what might apply- I have to dig for the negative! How amazing is this?!) 

How do you go through life when not-so-great circumstances come up for you? 

Do you lose your marbles? 

Do you yell & scream & jump up and down? 

Do you shake your fist at the indecency of the universe? 

If you choose to live this way, that’s cool—I’ll still love and support you. 

But I want you to see that it IS a choice, and there is a better way. 

And if you want, I can help you with that. 

Now let me know what questions you have. 

*To be clear, I’m not advocating going along mindlessly with whatever anyone recommends for you. Make informed decisions and advocate for yourself. Keeping a level head and coming from a better-feeling place will help with this, too.


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

There are a few ways you can work with me, but the first step is to book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation here.

Reminder: Logan Health Whitefish offers free coaching sessions to employees as part of their benefits package. To book, click how you’d like to meet below.

Hey, one more thing. You can register here for the next free Christine Seager Coaching Masterclass (via Zoom) on How to Change Your Self Concept on July 17, 2024, at 11 AM MT.

no, without guilt

Are you feeling overworked or overwhelmed? Do you struggle to say no? Then this is for you.

You already know you perform incredible work. Your dedication to helping others is inspiring, and your job can be rewarding and challenging. However, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance—you’re pulled in far too many directions.

Setting boundaries, saying no, and making time for things you enjoy are essential, but how do you do that?

You know saying no is a one-word sentence, but you keep thinking about your co-workers who will have to work short-staffed. You feel guilty saying no, but you’re also drained; you’ve got nothing left. You’re annoyed at the person who called and asked you to work in the first place—as if they threw a “guilt bomb” on your day. You’re annoyed at the “system” because nurses “always” have to work like this. You’re annoyed at yourself because you struggle to say no.

But what if there was another way?

You can say no and not feel guilty.

You do this by finding different thoughts and directing your brain to focus there.

They will be OK; they know this is part of the job when they sign up to be nurses.

If I take a day off, I will be a better person—less exhausted—and better able to care for myself, my family, and my patients.

By recovering from my stretch on, I will have more staying power.

You can say no and still be kind, respectful, and loving towards your co-workers.

While it’s easy for caregivers to think they’re responsible for everything and everyone around them, that is simply not true. You can take care of yourself and let others be responsible for their thoughts and feelings.

Saying no without guilt will help you reduce burnout, sleep better, decrease stress, increase job satisfaction, improve patient care, have better focus and attention, build better work relationships (no one wants to work with a crabby co-worker), and allow you to be a better person for everyone around you.


P.S. 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

boredom

When we feel the restlessness of boredom, we think something has gone wrong.

Just because we have a million things to do doesn’t mean we are interested in or excited to do them. 

We’ve forgotten many mundane tasks are required to run a successful life and business. 

Food shopping, cleaning, cooking dinner, doing laundry, for example, or 

Bookkeeping, payroll, client documentation, or writing newsletters… 

I don’t know many people who are innately excited to do these things. 

(Do you? If so, send them my way; I want to know how. LOL) 

Not all of life is exciting or amazing, and that’s OK. 

You can dial up the fun by asking yourself: if this could be more fun, what might that be? 
~ listening to podcasts while shopping at Costco
~ having a dance party while cooking dinner 
~ listening to rap music while writing your client notes

It seems like such a minor thing, but it can be so draining when your brain constantly tells you something is wrong because you’re bored of life. 

So instead, create more fun. 

If you’d like to learn more tips and tricks like this, join me on Wednesday, 5/8, at 11 AM MT for How to Take Action.

You can register here.

I’ll see you there.

Screenshot

“Difficult” patients

As a healthcare professional working in a hospital or clinic, you are faced with many challenges, one of which is dealing with patients who may not always treat you with kindness, calmness, or patience. These interactions can be emotionally draining, leaving you feeling frustrated, exhausted, and overwhelmed. It is helpful to take measures to protect yourself from their negativity.

One empowering way to do so is by using grounding techniques. These are simple strategies that not only help you stay present in the moment but also empower you to remain calm and in control. For instance, you may focus on your breath, feeling the air moving in and out of your body, or concentrate on a physical object, like a pen, an alcohol pad, or a picture on the wall.

By staying clear, grounded, and level-headed, you can avoid getting caught up in the fight-or-flight mode, a natural response to stress that can lead to burnout and exhaustion. When you are in fight-or-flight mode, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol, making you feel anxious, irritable, and unable to think clearly. Grounding techniques, such as focusing on your breath or a physical object, can help regulate these stress hormones, promoting a sense of calm and clarity.

By grounding yourself, you can activate your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity. When you are grounded, you can think more clearly, make better decisions, and provide superior patient care, boosting your confidence in challenging situations.

So, the next time you encounter a challenging situation with a patient, take a moment to ground yourself. Use your breath or a physical object to stay present and focused. Remember, you have the innate ability to remain calm and in control, even in the most stressful situations. This reassurance can protect you from burnout and provide better patient care.


Join our next FREE Masterclass on ‘How to Take Action’ and learn practical strategies from Christine to overcome the root causes of inaction and achieve your goals. You will also learn how to balance client care, administrative tasks, and personal development while prioritizing your own well-being. Sign up now and take the first step towards a more productive, fulfilling, successful, and sustainable practice.

lead

For all leaders (or those aspiring to be), it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by fears, doubts, and worries, especially when “performing” in front of others. You may want to appear confident and assured but are concerned that your true feelings may be exposed.

To tackle this problem, you need to decide how you want to present yourself as a leader, whether in a meeting, to your staff, or in any other role. Embrace your emotions and lead from that place. By being open and confident, you can make a significant difference in how you approach your role as a leader.

If you lead from a place of vulnerability and authenticity, you will show your team that it’s okay to make mistakes and that it’s natural to be human. This can create a sense of safety and trust within your team, leading to greater collaboration, innovation, and success. It’s essential to remember that you don’t have to have all the answers as a leader, and it’s okay to ask for help or admit when you don’t know something.

At the same time, when you lead from a place of confidence, you show your team that you believe in yourself and them. You set the tone for your team’s culture and create an environment that fosters growth and development. When you lead with vulnerability and confidence, you make a well-rounded approach to help your team thrive.

By following this advice, leaders can transform their approach and create a positive culture within their team. When you lead from a place of vulnerability and confidence, you can create a safe, valued, and supported atmosphere for everyone. This can lead to greater engagement, productivity, and satisfaction for both you as a leader and your team members.

As a leader, it’s essential to acknowledge your fears, doubts, and worries, but leading from a place of vulnerability and confidence is equally important. Determine how you want to show up in your role, the next meeting, or for your staff, and embrace that. By leading with authenticity and confidence, you can create a positive culture that fosters growth and success for everyone involved.

tag

What dream, goal, or desire do you have in your heart right now? 

The one that you’re afraid to admit you even want out loud because that’s how terrified you are of it. 

What is it? 

State it. 

Breathe life into it. 

Know that it is safe and OK to want something more. 

Know that you are safe and OK to want more. 

Know that it’s safe & OK to admit your heart’s desire. 

The first step to achieving any goal is to know what you are working towards. 

Step toward with wild abandon. 

Be willing to be uncomfortable. 

This is where most of us get hung up and stop. 

It will not be comfortable, AND also you will be OK. 

If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. 

But while we know logically that it will be challenging, this doesn’t make it easier for us to withstand the discomfort.

Start small. 

Take one step at a time. 

(Any step because there is no one right step- who could even tell beforehand what that would be anyway? You don’t know the ‘right’ step until you’ve taken several steps & found which ones were ‘right.’)

Be willing to be wrong. 

Try different things. 

Evaluate your results. 

Keep going. 

You will inevitably arrive at your dream, goal, or desire.

decide

No one is going to decide for you.

So, you might as well learn how to decide for yourself now, and the sooner, the better.

You can poll all your friends.

Ask your spouse.

Confer with your mentor.

But they can’t decide for you.

They aren’t you.

Even with your best intentions at heart, they won’t experience the outcome of your decisions the same way.

Tough love truth: it comes down to you.

So, what do you want?

Which decision feels more like FEAR, and which feels more like LOVE?

What route helps you feel expansive, rejuvenated, or euphoric?

And if you can’t get to that–

Which feels thrilling & terrifying?

I know that when I’m thrilled and terrified, I’m in the exact right place—despite being uncomfortable.

Often, the best decision is not comfortable.

But comfortable equals boring, too.

Similar to: it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all; it’s better to be thrilled and terrified than not be thrilled and terrified at all.

Here’s the thing: the sooner you make a decision, the sooner you can implement it, and the sooner you can make that decision be the best decision.

You will NOT die.

You WILL learn.

If you want to learn a process for how to make empowered decisions, join me this Wednesday, April 17, at 6 PM MT for the next (FREE) CSC Masterclass. You can register right here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zVWZVyepSVGGsndkPFd-dQ

blame

Alex Hormozi said, “If you want to see who has the most control over your life… just look at who you blame.”

Ouch.

So much truth in this.

It’s so much easier to put the blame elsewhere,

Rather than face the cold, hard truth–

(And I say this with all the love in the world)

That it’s you.

You are to blame.

So often, we think our fate lies in the hands of others.

We give all of that power away.

But it’s you.

You have the control.

The power lies with you.

You have the ability to make a change.

And every moment that you are not changing….

Is a moment that you are choosing the exact same results.

Staying small.

Staying safe.

Not taking any risks.

Not learning.

Not growing.

Not taking any action.

Not creating any data from which to learn.

This surely is the harder path.

The one where you see that it’s on you.

But it’s the path that creates results.

Radical ownership is when you see that– 

It lies with you.

Your life.

Your business.

Your relationships.

Your happiness.

The only question that remains is:

Are you willing to do what it takes?

And the only way you will know is by trying.

You take action.

Have data.

Analyze the data.

See if you’ve created the results you want.

If not, you try something else.

Then

Wash.

Rinse.

Repeat.

If you want to see who has the most control over your life,

Look no further than yourself.

If you’d like to learn more about radical ownership to have the power & control to create the results you want in life, I can help you.

dreams

Do you take your dreams seriously?

Or do you half-ass any steps you take toward them?

You think about applying for your master’s, but talk yourself out of it.

You dream about working abroad but don’t think it’s possible, so you don’t pursue it.

You really, really want to go on that big trip, but it seems like such a pipe dream that you discount it before you even consider how it could be feasible.

I invite you to dream again.

But this time, take your dreams seriously.

Learn to level up.

Show up for yourself.

Commit to work towards what you want.

Your dreams certainly will not become reality if you don’t think they are possible, but I assure you they are.

Start breaking down how they could become a reality and get to work.

Living a life you love will be worth every step you take to get there.

If you want help breaking down how to achieve your dreams, I can help you. I support my clients in having, doing, being, or achieving anything they want. Let me help you create the life of your dreams. Book a consult here.

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. Let me help you create the life of your dreams.

My own writing FREED ME.

One of the most profound things I learned through my journalling allowed me to put down so much fear & anxiety; it absolutely freed me.

I never worried about that situation again. Ever.

I’m an avid journaler.

Through writing, I’ve learned a lot.

And I believe we can empower ourselves and gain clarity by answering our own questions.

So, what’s one question that’s been bothering you?

How much time, energy & effort do you spend thinking about it?

You may have a decision to make, some confusion to clear up, or a problem to work out.

I challenge you today to answer it for yourself.

Write it out.

Get all of your thoughts out, all of your questions, and answer them one by one.

If you’re not used to writing, just try it–

See what comes up for you.

And I’ll share a few pro tips:

1️⃣ Create a safe space for yourself. This is just an experiment to see what you can work out on your own.

2️⃣ Try not to judge yourself. No one says you must follow through with anything; you can decide that later. For now, just write it out.

3️⃣ If you’re worried that someone will find it– tear it up & throw it away as soon as you’re done writing.

4️⃣ If more questions come up, answer those questions, too.

5️⃣ If you’re worried it will take too long, set a time for as much as you want to spend on it. When the timer goes off, you can decide if you want to keep writing or not.

Journaling has had a profound impact on my life.

The ability to get my thoughts out on paper, where I can look at them objectively and then decide what (if anything) to do about them.

Seriously, it’s priceless.

Are you a journaler? What has been your experience?

If this is your first time, how did it go?

If this is interesting to you & you’d like to learn more, I am an open-book—

Ask away or reach out.

I’m happy to share.