Q: Kim, How can I practice mindfulness while still maintaining my edge in business?
A: Mindfulness can be your advantage or edge in business! Mindfulness is not just a fad or buzzword in articles and on the morning news. It is a competitive advantage.It is the act of being present, it is becoming conscious, it staying grounded. The definition of mindfulness is observing the present moment non-judgmentally.
Why is this important? Because being distracted with another person, not being present, acting unconsciously, judging, labeling, having our mind in the past or future but not on the present moment is considered “mindless”. When we operate mindlessly we are more stressed and may even cause others stress.
You want to be ….
- Present – Others’ are expecting our attention in the moment.
- Conscious – You do not want others to feel like you are talking over, around them or rushing to get to your next meeting, client or activity. When we are unconscious, we have a way of seriously offending others.
- Grounded – We are planted in reality and aware of labeling good/bad/categorizing/judging and our ego’s stories. For ex. You are being blamed for something. Your ability to stay grounded in your truth and not reactionary, but rather respond mindfully will ensure you have better relations, allowing for a diffusing rather than accelerating of the disagreement. More often than not, people are reacting to their own worries, fears, and situation and not you personally, so your ability to calmly, objectively, respond (rather than react in defense) is a mindful superpower!
All of this (and so much more!) is an advantage in business. To learn more about mindfulness including 10 keys to mindfulness, mindfulness training, mindful meditation or mindfulness coaching for individuals or groups and in the workplace, contact Kim at [email protected], (518) 301-3593.
