Do you feel like you are trapped on a hamster wheel? Are you feeling stressed by all that is going on around you? Is there too much information or are there too many things pulling at your brain, causing confusion, making you feel overwhelmed, and making you worry that you’re missing something? Are you busy multi-tasking so much that you are only partially aware of what is going on around you? This can drain your energy and keep you stuck in a rut, unable to move forward as a productive leader. You may find that you don’t have the time necessary to focus on the things you should change so you can move effectively into the future. However, you can incorporate some minor actions into your day to help you feel more present, improving your leadership so you can create not only great work, but deep work. 

Janice Marturano’s book “Finding the Space to Lead” and her video on mindfulness, focus on the importance of creating space. The idea is to focus on just creating small amounts of space in your daily life and being fully aware of yourself and what you are doing in the moment. So, as you take a break to perhaps have a cup of coffee or walk your dog, be fully present in that moment. Let your mind disconnect and relax as you enjoy what you are doing and fully experience that particular act. For example, focusing on the smell of your coffee or, if you are out walking, the feel of your feet as they each touch the ground. This mindfulness can lead to creativity because you have given yourself some space and some time to think with fresh perspectives. 

Another method to help you focus comes from martial arts. In his book “Three Deep Breaths” Thomas Crum presents a method to help you transform negative energy into more positive ways of moving forward. His breathing method involves beginning with a centering breath in which you focus on the present moment with balance and energy, before exhaling. The second breath is the possibility breath in which you breathe in who you want to be, with both power and purpose, and then exhale. The third breath is the discovery breath: breathe in the mystery of life, letting go of judgment. In this breath you focus on being open to things. This breathing method will help increase your calmness as you recenter yourself.

These are two small actions that allow you to do a reset during the day rather than continually hurrying through the day and exhausting yourself. Paying full attention to those around you is difficult but necessary to be an effective leader. Janice Marturano defines a mindful leader as someone who embodies leadership presence by cultivating focus, clarity, creativity, and compassion in the service of others. Those qualities can help you have the greatest impact on those around you, the very people you are trying to lead.

If you are ready to take a break from the hamster wheel to become more mindful and centered, try incorporating these two simple strategies into your life. Time goes by too quickly to not live in the moment at hand. Take some time each day to create the space you need to be the most present version of yourself, not only for your own benefit but to have the most positive impact on those around you!