Personal and professional life presents its fair share of challenges and unexpected situations. How we handle these moments can either propel us toward success or keep us anchored in a cycle of frustration and stagnation. 

From my experience and working with many talented clients, women, and leaders, I have found that the key lies in mastering the art of responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.

Today, let’s explore this practice and experiment with “taking out the trash,” both mentally and emotionally, to advance your career and enhance your overall well-being.

Reacting vs. Responding

When something doesn’t go as planned, your instinctive reaction might be to lash out or feel defensive. This behavior is a natural survival mechanism—a reflex that often serves as a quick, albeit temporary, fix to immediate discomfort. 

In contrast, responding is a strategic, mindful approach that considers not only the situation at hand but also the long-term implications of one’s actions.

For instance, I recently had a challenging personal conversation with someone close to me. Instead of reacting defensively, I chose to listen and understand what needs the other person was looking to meet. This approach not only resolved the issue but also strengthened our relationship. 

The same principle applies in the workplace, where a thoughtful response can turn potential conflicts into opportunities for growth.

Taking Out the Trash: What Does It Mean?

“Taking out the trash” goes beyond just physical cleaning. It’s about clearing your mind of accumulated negativity, stress, and limiting beliefs. 

Just as decomposing trash can smell bad if left unattended, unresolved mental clutter can hamper performance and well-being. We focused on this practical daily practice and tool during our last women’s self-care retreat. 

The first step in taking out your mental trash is self-awareness. Begin to notice how you show up at work, how you interact with your team, and how you react to stressful situations. 

Signs that it’s time to take out the trash include feeling constantly on edge, impatient, and reacting rather than responding.

Self-Reflection and Mindfulness As a Daily Practice

Daily self-reflection is one of the most effective tools to “take out the trash.” 

How does it work? Take a moment to connect with yourself at the end or beginning of each day. Ask, “How did I show up today?” Reflect on your interactions and responses. 

Were you patient? Were you mindful of your words? Were you an empowering listener?

I’ll admit that cultivating the gift of listening has been a long journey for me, and it has paid dividends in my personal life and coaching business. 

It’s crucial to recognize that how we show up at work can differ from how we show up in our personal lives. As a coach, I strive to listen to my clients on all levels. When I’m not “on,” it requires me to be more mindful of listening patiently.

Being mindful in both areas, professionally and with loved ones at home, is essential for overall harmony and effectiveness.

Reframing Your Beliefs and Flipping the Script

Another powerful tool I teach our clients to “take out the trash” is flipping the script. 

Often, we hold limiting beliefs that hinder our ability to respond thoughtfully. 

If you catch yourself thinking, “It’s hard to be mindful,” reframe it to, “I am going to show up authentically and do my best.” 

This shift removes the pressure and allows you to focus on the present moment.

Embracing a Growth Mindset

Have you noticed how the concept of a growth mindset keeps resurfacing in my vlogs?

There’s a reason for that.

Unless we cultivate a growth mindset where we can reframe situations with a “This is happening for me, not to me” approach, as Byron Katie taught me, we’ll miss learning and growing from our daily experiences.

A growth mindset is vital for removing the trash and flipping the script to work. It empowers you to believe you can change and improve through effort and learning. 

Conversely, a fixed mindset assumes that your abilities and qualities are static. 

None of us have a 100% fixed or growth mindset—we usually have a mixed mindset. 

Pay attention to your attitudes and beliefs in various areas of your life, and aim to cultivate a growth mindset across the board, with love and grace toward yourself and others. We’re all doing the best we can with the resources we have.

The Power of Intuition

Taking out the trash also helps you tap into your intuition, that inner voice that guides you toward wise decisions. When your mind is cluttered, it’s hard to hear this voice. 

By clearing out negativity and mental blocks, you make space for intuition to flourish. This aids you in making better choices that align with your true self and empowers you to become a safer and more impactful leader.

Taking out the trash is about maintaining mental hygiene and keeping your mind open, receptive, and prepared for growth. It equips you to handle challenges constructively, build meaningful relationships, and effectively lead your team. 

By practicing self-awareness, flipping the script, and embracing a growth mindset, you can transform your reactions into thoughtful responses. This approach advances your career and enriches your personal life.

If you’re a high-performing female leader looking to take the next step in your career, I invite you to join our Women’s Fearless Leadership Masterclass, where you’ll gain the tools, strategies, and support to claim your next leadership seat if that’s in your 12-month vision. 

As a former Women’s Fearless Leadership Masterclass guest, look out for our email and click the link “I’m in!” to join us in the next session in September ’24.

I would also love to support you or your leadership team in developing critical leadership skills that deliver business growth, high performance, and well-being at work. Reach out for a 15-minute cyber coffee.

Live with purpose, live with joy!

Coach Ginny