Mindfulness is crucial in our lives, especially when we struggle with incessant mind chatter, often concerning others’ perceptions of us. This constant worry can lead to stress, self-doubt, and unproductive behaviors. If you find yourself caught in this cycle, know that you are not alone. There are practical ways to develop mindfulness to combat these intrusive thoughts.
Our minds tirelessly work to anticipate harm and strategize avoidance, essentially trying to protect our hearts from pain. However, this perpetual thinking about self-protection ironically often causes more harm. Mindfulness allows us to rise above our base survival mode, which is dominated by ego-driven thoughts, and tap into a higher functioning mode. In this state, clarity, confidence, and calm are omnipresent, enabling you to live fully in the moment rather than being ensnared by your mind’s narratives.
To develop everyday mindfulness and live more often in this higher functioning mode, start by incorporating simple mantras that can bring you back to the present, such as “Be here now,” “This too shall pass,” or “Surrender to what is.” Learn to view your thoughts as separate from yourself, acknowledging them without judgment and letting them pass. This practice helps you to observe and experience your current reality through awareness rather than overthinking. Take back the position of being the observer, noticing when your ego mind presents judgments and concerns, and steer back to experiencing and observing.
Regularly express gratitude for the moment and for people and things around you. As you do this, try to let go of your judgments and preferences about things. This shift in focus from internal worries to external realities helps to quiet the mind. Feel the gratitude you have for everything in front of you, from the cup of coffee in your hand to the relationships with your coworkers and loved ones.
Be mindful of when your actions are driven by ego, such as pride, fear, jealousy, and judgment, and strive for actions from a position of acceptance, enjoyment, or enthusiasm. In professional settings, avoid actions based on personal preferences of the ego mind, embodying mindful leadership. Always question your motivations – if they’re ego-driven, it’s time to reassess.
At the executive level, it’s not just about what you do, but how you do it. Emotional intelligence and the approach an executive takes significantly impact their career performance. Developing mindfulness takes continuous effort. Yoga retreats, meditation, and journaling can help, but it’s the everyday, minute-to-minute internal work that yields the most significant improvement. Whenever you find yourself lost in thought, gently return to being the observer, experiencing, and watching everything unfold without judgment.
Mindfulness doesn’t mean we don’t take action; far from it. The key is to take any and all necessary action from a position that will be most effective and not create future pain – which is to say we want to take action from a position of calm, clarity, and confidence, a position of acceptance – mindfulness.
In conclusion, practicing mindfulness is an ongoing journey. It involves being present, letting go of ego-driven thoughts, and focusing on what truly matters. Incorporating these practices into your daily life can bring peace, reduce stress, and improve both personal and professional interactions. The goal is not to completely silence your mind but to learn to coexist peacefully with your thoughts. Remember, the quality of your inner game determines the quality of your future.