5 ways to be more mindful

January is the month that many people make resolutions and set goals for the new year - new job, promotion, get fit, quit smoking... just to name a few. Whilst it’s important to challenge ourselves and to set ambitious goals, we shouldn’t lose sight of the present moment.

All too often, we go through life thinking that life will be better when...I earn more money...buy a bigger house...get a new car…. When we achieve these things, rarely are we fully satisfied. We are already thinking about the next future desire.

Here are 5 simple mindful techniques that you can integrate into your daily life

1. Give people the gift of your full attention - How often do we really listen to people? All to often we are only partially listening, distracted by pings on our devices, thinking about to-do-lists. By giving the gift of your attention, you make the person feel valued and understood.
2. Be compassionate - Whether it’s leading a project or leading a team of hundreds of people, lead with compassion. Most people intend to do the right thing, even though it may not be perceived that way. By putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and understanding their perspective, you engage more effectively, build loyalty and ultimately create a more productive workforce.
3. Put away your devices (yes, all of them) for 20 minutes a day - For some people, having device-free times comes naturally, but in this hyper-connected world where people increasingly expect immediate responses, this is becoming more difficult. Set aside a set amount of time every day where you turn off all of your devices, and be fully present in the moment.
4. Do something fun and see the world with a beginners mind - When we are filled with expectation, we can easily be disappointed. See the world with an open mind and fully immerse yourself into the experience of the moment.
5. Deliver a random act of kindness - Do something kind and unexpected without expecting anything in return. It could be as simple as smiling at a stranger in the street, offering your seat on public transport, or simply buying a coffee for the person behind you in the queue. These small acts of kindness can bring more lightness to your life and to those around you.

In the words of Eckhart Tolle ‘The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present’ Eckhart Tolle

I would love to hear your thoughts on the small tweaks you will make to enhance your daily life. Written mindfully by Angie@outsideinperformance.com - helping people maximise their personal and professional performance.

www.outsideinperformance.com