Does maintaining a focused presence feel like an uphill battle? For what felt like an eternity, I found myself continually swayed by my thoughts, emotions, the sentiments of others, external stimuli, and countless messages. Merely reflecting on it is draining!

Then, unexpectedly, life came crashing down. A series of significant losses unfolded within a year, leaving me often trapped in my thoughts, struggling to stay present. This might sound like a nightmare, yet it turned out to be the greatest gift I could have received. And that's no exaggeration!

With nearly three decades of studying mindset and mindfulness research to empower leaders and teams through our training, I experienced an awakening. I needed to not only understand this data but also truly integrate it into my life. Rising anxiety was taking a toll on my well-being, prompting me to turn mindfulness and meditation into daily habits.

One truth I've discovered is that longing for things to be different from how they are or how they used to be anchors you away from the present. Catch yourself each time you utter, "I wish...".

Here are some strategies to recenter yourself whenever you catch yourself saying, "I wish...":

1. Remind yourself, "I am here, now - what can I learn from this?"

2. Tell yourself, "I am here, now - what can bring me joy at this moment?"

3. Assure yourself, "I am here, now - what feels uncomfortable and why?" Observe the discomfort without judgment, recognizing its difficulty. Then, when ready, circle back to the first strategy.

4. Remind yourself, "I am here, now - that experience, whether positive or negative, was a source of growth for me."

Do you notice a pattern?

5. Repeat to yourself, "I am here, now - I can navigate any challenge, conquer any hurdle. I can breathe, trusting my ability to make wise decisions that will guide my subsequent choices."

Life is filled with highs and lows, and while we understand that challenges foster growth, they can be quite unpleasant. However, what is even more regrettable is failing to appreciate the magnificent moments due to a lack of presence.

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."
- Jon Kabat Zinn

Let's embrace the waves of life, staying present and relishing the ride. Ready to catch a big wave?

In our leadership training at ID360, we emphasize the importance of building a strong internal foundation. You must first master self-leadership before you can effectively guide others. Our customized training includes enhancing your abilities to lead your own mind, a critical first step towards becoming an influential leader.

Why not schedule a discovery call with us to explore how our customized training can make a difference for you and your team? Let's work together to elevate your leadership potential!