Right Here. Right Now.
Welcome to 2021! Many of us have been waiting to run across the 2020 finish line. Although we don't know what this year has in store, one thing we know for certain is, it will be different. If we learned anything from 2020 it was to be resilient during "unprecedented" times. I don't know about you but, I have had enough of the "unprecedented" for a couple years.
As I look back on 2020, I can sum it up as one that provided me more opportunities to grow and be creative than any other year. Embracing the unknown, exercising resilience and being present in each moment are the things I practiced every single day.
Now is all there ever is
The most important thing we can do is be in the moment, be fully present. Being present in the moment requires active, open, and intentional attention. The present is where we show up and make our biggest impact. Staying in the present keeps us focused and allows us to understand more deeply. Right here, right now is the only thing we can control.
Distractions are all around us, pulling our attention away from the current moment. We evaluate the past and think about the future which causes worry, stress and anxiety. The past is our memory and future is our anticipation of what is to come, both of which are just thoughts based on our life experience - not necessarily reality. Yet we spend so much energy focusing on them.
Being present in the moment simply means being fully aware of what is happening right now, using all of your senses. It is having an objective awareness of what you are feeling, seeing, hearing, smelling, and possibly tasting. Being objective requires you to withhold all judgement and expectation. Staying in the moment can be a constant battle.
Calmness and peace live in the present. Staying present in the moment reduces anxiety and stress, improves listening and memory and enhances the ability to distinguish what is important and what is not. It’s not surprising that this leads to a higher level of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Leadership Coaching Tip
Take opportunities to be fully present in the moment. As a leader, being present in the moment allows you to understand more deeply, to be more aware of subtle shifts, and to tap into your intuition more frequently. A great time to practice this is during 1 on 1 meetings with your employees. Here are some tips:
plant you feet firmly on the floor
take a deep breath
use all of your senses
put aside judgment
be curious
My Five Day Challenge For You
For each of the next five days, select one meeting in which you will intentionally stay fully present in the moment. Use the five tips above and if you find yourself distracted, it’s okay, simply take a breath and feel your feet planted on the floor to regain your focus. Good luck!
