Is Mindfulness Just Too Hard?
Posted on 28th October 2024 at 07:29
Is mindfulness an elusive concept for you - something reserved for the zen masters or yoga gurus of the world? Here’s how to overcome the common blockers to mindfulness, and how it will improve your focus, decision-making and wellbeing when you do.
As an executive coach, I’ve heard it often. Clients will tell me: "I don't have time for mindfulness," or "It's just too hard to quiet my mind." But here's the thing: mindfulness is not about becoming a monk, or sitting in stillness for hours – it’s not even the same thing as meditation. It's a practical tool that can significantly improve focus, decision-making, and overall wellbeing.
So, let’s unpack what mindfulness really is, how it can benefit you, and, more importantly, how you can overcome the common blocks that prevent you from reaping its rewards.
What is Mindfulness?
At its core, mindfulness is simply about being fully present in the moment. It's paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment, and focusing on a single task – and that could be something as mundane as doing the washing up.
It doesn’t mean you need to clear your mind entirely (a common misconception). Instead, it's about noticing when your mind wanders and gently bringing your focus back to the present moment. It’s about observing what you’re doing and being fully immersed in it, noticing how you feel and what your mind is up to. It's a mental workout for your attention, helping you stay grounded amid life's chaos.
The Benefits of Mindfulness
Improved Focus and Clarity: Mindfulness trains your brain to focus on one task at a time, which is crucial in a world of constant distractions. When practised regularly, mindfulness helps you hone your attention, making it easier to stay clear-headed and decisive in the face of overwhelming demands.
Better Decision-Making: Mindfulness fosters awareness of your internal biases and emotional triggers, helping you make more rational, thoughtful decisions. Instead of reacting impulsively or from a place of stress, mindfulness allows you to pause, assess the situation, and respond with greater clarity.
Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Being mindful means becoming more attuned to your own emotions and those of others. As a leader, emotional intelligence is critical in managing teams, resolving conflicts, and creating an inclusive, collaborative work environment.
Stress Reduction: Mindfulness helps reduce the chronic stress that many executives face by teaching you how to navigate stressful situations without becoming overwhelmed. When you can detach from anxious thoughts and approach challenges with calm, your stress levels naturally decrease.
Common Mindfulness Blockers - and How to Overcome Them
Despite the clear benefits, many people struggle with starting or maintaining a mindfulness practice. Let’s address some of the most common blockers.
“I Don’t Have Time for Mindfulness”
In the busy world of executive leadership, finding time for anything extra can feel impossible. However, mindfulness doesn't require hours of your day. Start small - literally two minutes. In those two minutes, focus on your breathing or simply observe your thoughts without trying to change them. You can even practice mindfulness while doing routine tasks like drinking your morning coffee, brushing your teeth, or walking between meetings. The point is to incorporate it into the regular parts of your day - not to carve out a huge block of time.
Solution: Schedule micro-moments of mindfulness. Set a reminder to take a one-minute mindfulness break during the day or practice mindful breathing before jumping into a difficult meeting.
“I Can’t Quiet My Mind”
The idea that mindfulness means completely shutting down your thoughts is one of the biggest myths. The truth is, it’s normal for the mind to wander - that's what minds do. The goal of mindfulness isn't to force your mind to go blank but to notice when your thoughts drift and gently guide your focus back to the present moment.
Solution: When your mind wanders, don’t get frustrated or feel like you’re doing it wrong. Simply acknowledge the distraction and bring your attention back to your breath or current activity. Over time, this process of "returning" gets easier.
“Mindfulness is Too Abstract for Me”
Some people find mindfulness difficult to connect with because it can feel a bit vague or intangible. What does "being present" even mean? That’s where a mundane task is the ideal starting place. Focus yourself fully on what you’re doing, and you’ve got it – you’re being mindful.
Solution: Pick a regular task that you normally do on autopilot – like making a hot drink – and concentrate completely on that. Mindful journaling is another option: reflect on your day with an emphasis on what you noticed in the moment, including your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
“I Feel Too Restless to Sit Still”
Mindfulness doesn’t have to involve sitting still. You can practise mindful movement through activities like walking, stretching, or even yoga. The key is to focus on the sensations in your body and the rhythm of your movement.
Solution: Try a mindful walk during a break at work. As you walk, notice the sensations of your feet touching the ground or the feeling of the air on your skin. This keeps you present while moving.
Start Where You Are
Mindfulness isn't about perfection or becoming some calm, enlightened version of yourself overnight. It’s a practice, and like any skill, it takes time to develop. The key is to start where you are and take small steps toward cultivating mindfulness in your everyday life. By overcoming common blockers and shifting your mindset, you can unlock the many benefits of mindfulness—from better decision-making to greater emotional resilience.
So, whether it’s for two minutes a day or 20, make a little space for mindfulness. The results will speak for themselves.
If you found these tips helpful and want to continue exploring ways to reduce stress and enhance your wellbeing, check out our other blog posts on simple techniques and mindful practices. From effective time management to emotional resilience, discover more strategies to help you lead a calmer, more focused life. Start exploring now!
If you're interested in cultivating mindfulness or creating a tailored strategy to support you or your team in embracing mindful practices, Haus of Coaching can help. Contact us today for a customised plan.
Tagged as: Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, Mindset, Personal Development, Stress, Time Management
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