How to apply mindfulness to your work and process?
Do you ever feel like your mind is constantly racing and you can't focus on anything? You're not alone.
Do you ever feel like your mind is constantly racing and you can't focus on anything? You're not alone. In today's day and age, we're constantly bombarded with new information and simulations. Concentrating on one assignment and seeing it through from start to finish can be challenging. However, there are ways to help ease this issue. One method is mindfulness.
Mindfulness is "the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something."
When we become mindful of our surroundings, we can focus on the present moment and fully engage in what we're doing. We're not letting our minds wander off to worry about the past or future. As a result, we're able to work more efficiently and effectively.
This is the way
So, how can you be more mindful in your work and process? Here are a few tips:
Start with baby steps.
If you try to do too much at once, you'll likely get overwhelmed and give up. Instead of trying to change everything at once, start with minor tweaks here and there. For example, if you typically start your day by reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, try leaving it on your nightstand instead. Once you've gotten used to that change, move on to something else. Not only will that put you on the right track, but you'll be much more likely to stick with it once you're in the habit.
Some of the greatest life lessons tend to have a long list of steps. If you're familiar with that concept in your own life, that might be the key to integrating more mindful habits into your life. At the same time, if you feel ready to dive into more significant changes, that's totally cool, too. Either way, though, starting small is a great place to start.
Set aside sometime each day for reflection.
At the end of each day, take a few minutes to sit down and reflect on what went well and what didn't. This will help you see where you can improve and be more mindful in the future. If you fall into a pattern where you never take the time to reflect and evaluate, you might find yourself coasting through each day, as if life is going to continue without you making any effort. On the contrary, the more effort you put into evaluating how you're doing and making improvements, the more likely you'll see positive results.
Breathe in positive energy.
Visualize and prepare for the next day. Try not to dwell on mistakes or past missteps. Instead, focus on all the positive things that happened throughout the day. "It's OK to take a minute every now and then to feel gratitude," Dr. Rosenthal says. "Write down the things you're grateful for in life, or even just a short list of three things you're grateful for — it can shift your perspective to a positive place."
And most importantly, be positive. Refuse to dwell on your mistakes or self-doubt. Think of your mistakes as opportunities for growth. "You have to be committed to your self-growth if you want to be able to start fresh every day," Dr. Rosenthal says. "Any progress you make is progress that you deserve."
Make a conscious effort to pay attention.
Once you've identified specific areas where you want to be more mindful, make a deliberate effort to pay attention to those things. For example, if you want to be more aware of your posture while working at your desk, make a point to check in with yourself every so often throughout the day. See if you're still sitting up straight or if you've begun to slouch. See if you're feeling discomfort or pain in your back, neck, or shoulders. The only way to improve your posture is to take notice.
Happiness has the power to change your entire perspective on life. Think of one thing you're grateful for every day. Studies show that you are happier in the long run when you constantly focus on your blessings. You can also deliberately choose to focus on one thing you're grateful for every day, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. This tip has been scientifically proven to produce lasting changes in your body and brain.
Identify one "aha" moment every day. Developing skills and mental models can take years of practice. But the ability to quickly experience an "aha" moment defines an extraordinary performer. We know of many extreme performers who wake up every morning and can't wait to get to work. They savor every second of their morning routine, putting their own passion, hard work, and ingenuity into creating an "aha" moment every single day. From the very first waking moment of your day, make it a goal to pinpoint at least one "aha" moment.
Schedule breaks throughout the day.
Our brains can only focus for so long before they need a break. If you struggle to stay focused, take a quick walk around the block or get up and stretch for a few minutes. This will help refresh your mind so that you can go back to work feeling more energized and focused.
When it comes to your work, you can never do it all, so make sure you leave some time for yourself every day. You need to have balance to function well as a successful entrepreneur. After all, who wants to work hard when you can spend your day chilling out with friends and family instead? If you want to be successful in your business, you need to get everything right, and the majority of the time, that means ensuring you have enough time to relax and have fun. With these tips, you can ensure you don't waste your time and energy trying to do everything simultaneously. You have to take time out for yourself to achieve success, so make sure that you do what you need to do and make sure that you are taking good care of yourself every day.
Mindfulness is all about being kind and patient with yourself. Don't beat yourself up if you have an off day. There will be days when it's more complicated than others to focus and be present in the moment. That's OK. Just be gentle and kind to yourself. Be gentle with your body and feel your body move and your breath come in and out. Be peaceful with your voice and your thoughts. Be gentle with your heart.
And if you feel it, love it!
Once you start to get the hang of this and become more mindful, try incorporating more mindful moments into your daily life. You might have a bit of a wait to get to your favorite meditation spot, but even a few minutes of mindfulness daily can help you feel more centered.
Final thoughts
Mindfulness is a great way to help ease anxiety, improve focus, and boost productivity levels. By making small changes here and there and being intentional about our thoughts and actions, we can train our brains to be more present in the moment—which can only benefit our work in the long run!
Remember, mindful thinking isn't always available to us. We have to intentionally make it a priority to engage in it. This means deliberately and consciously choosing to be mindful throughout the day and to remind yourself, "I'm here." It's not passive listening to your inner monologue, nor is it waiting for your brain to catch up and tell you what to think. It's being mindful and intentional about choosing to remain in the present moment, appreciating the change in your life, and focusing on the present. You will be amazed at how it changes your mindset and how your day goes from going just like every other day to something you look forward to every day.