Be present in the moment.

Sounds like good advice, right? Who wants to live a distracted life driven by anxiety over what the future holds -- or regret over mistakes made in the past?

Last month, I wrote about The Price I Paid for Distraction. I told the story of how text messages pinging on my cell phone distracted me while I was driving. That distraction cost me a $116.50 speeding ticket.  I shared some practices that can help leaders stay present in the moment.

But if you’re as busy as I am, you’re probably thinking:

“Yeah, I get that. I should be more focused and present in the moment. I even know some practices that can help me.”

“But, why?  What difference does it make if I practice being present in the moment?”

Great question.

You see, here’s the thing. We live on a time continuum -- past, present and future. The past can’t be changed, and the future is still on the horizon. Stop and think about it.  Each moment is the now -- and it's all we really have!

Each moment is the now -- and it’s all we really have!
Here are 3 ways being present in the moment can benefit you as a leader:

A greater sense of control -- As humans, we all struggle with the desire to feel a sense of control.  Leaders who are asked to meet goals and deadlines they have no part in establishing often feel out of control. That feeling leads to increased stress levels which, in turn, can lead to a decrease in performance.                                    

Practicing presence in the moment affirms the reality that all we can control is the now. Consistently focusing on the now creates the control we need to pay attention to details, ascertain what’s important, and make better decisions.

Harnessed energy -- Our biggest energy drains happen when we focus on the past and the future.  For leaders, focusing on the past may include regret over deals lost or projects gone wrong. Focusing on the future often includes worry about unforeseen circumstances. 

Being present in the moment allows us to harness all our energy to focus on what’s in front of us right now.  Focused energy allows for more laser-like precision aimed at the task at hand, which results in better outcomes.

Human connection: As leaders, much of our work is focused on getting things done through others.  Current surveys indicate that employee engagement levels are dismal.  People aren't leaving jobs -- they’re leaving bosses.                                                                                                                                 
Humans have a great desire for connection. In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection, Brene Brown defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”

As a leader, are you staying present enough to make the human connection?

Are you creating an environment in which human connection can happen?

Over time, people feel the sense of connection.  However, it’s only in the present moment that human connection occurs.

Being present in the moment may seem a lofty goal for busy leaders. But, if you practice it on a regular basis, being present in the moment can lead to higher levels of performance and satisfaction.

If you‘d like help developing practices that lead to being more present in the moment, I’d be delighted to help. Contact me at gayle@total-life-leadership.com.