The other day, while talking to a very close friend, he shared with me the following story:
'On my last visit to New York, where I had gone for a weekend for a work meeting, I stayed for a day to enjoy this wonderful city and wanted to get the best out of it. Take advantage and visit several key places. With the time measured, I began my journey. I was so focused on visiting several places that I had planned, however, when I began to walk through the different neighborhoods, I got caught up in the moment and remembered some of the conversations we had about living in the moment and letting the moment carry you, just ' Go with the flow '. So I sat down to enjoy the musicians in the streets, the smells, the people, and although in the end, I didn't visit all the places that I had put on my list, I had an unforgettable moment.'
We can achieve a state of "flow" by embracing the present moment. Just as my friend let himself be carried away by the moment, leaders can find their flow by immersing themselves in their work, allowing creativity and focus to guide them. For example, when faced with a challenging decision, a leader can achieve flow by fully engaging in the decision-making process, considering all aspects, and letting the ideas flow naturally. Similarly, in a team setting, a leader can foster a flow state by encouraging open communication and collaboration, allowing ideas to interweave and build upon each other.
Reflecting on this experience, it's evident how easy it is to get caught up in our goals, on what is coming next, on the challenges ahead, and miss the present moment. As a leader, balancing goal-setting and planning with appreciating the journey is essential.
Here are some tips to help leaders and individuals focus on the present:
1. Encapsulate moments – Consciously immerse yourself in the present moment, whether it's a conversation, an activity, or the environment around you.
2. Do something different - Break out of routine by trying something different, choose a new path when you return home. Do something unusual: start a new hobby, engage with new people, eat new food, listen to different types of music, etc.
3. Practice gratitude – Write daily something you are grateful for. The challenge is to write something different every day. This practice can bring immediate feelings of happiness, and contentment. Appreciating the people we have around us and what we have in our lives.
4. Acknowledge your strengths - Keep a list of your attributes handy and add to it when you recognise a new strength or receive a compliment. Whenever you receive a compliment or remember something you did that highlights one of your qualities, write it down on your list. This can boost your self-confidence and appreciation for personal growth.
5. Live in the Present - Remind yourself that today is a gift, and fully embrace the opportunities and experiences it presents. The past is done, and the future never comes because is always NOW.
This is one of my favorite phrases: 'I don't live in time anymore I live in moments'
When was the last time you let yourself go….and be present?
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