Professionals, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs who are “all in” tend to be unique individuals. After all, what kind of person chooses a vocation that demands way more work-related hours in a day than a traditional 9-5 job. It may be an opportunity to align themselves with their passions, do what is necessary to have the freedom to make distinctive contributions, solve problems that may seem insurmountable by others, or out of sheer necessity given life circumstances or limitations. The reasons may be endless given how quickly life is changing in general.
In many cases, less traditional forms of work are not for the faint of heart and mind. Most individuals who are successful at evolving vocations play many roles within their workplaces. Some of these roles, demand knowledge and skills that are far removed from their areas of expertise. As a result, they are frequently forced to step out of their comfort zones and invest in being effective in many different parts of daily operations. It is also expected that they hold their workplaces together and make desired results a reality on an ongoing basis. Understandably, even when not physically at work, these individuals tend to be pre-occupied with work; mentally and even emotionally. This preoccupation with work can become a rhythm of constant striving rather than thriving. The price is a challenge to live in the “here and now”. Instead, there is a predisposition to reflect on what didn’t work in the near or more distant past and/or overthink about an uncertain future.
As a solopreneur and clinical, professional counsellor in private practice, there are many times when it feels like I spend more time being a business person than a counsellor. On a daily basis, I too have to step out of my comfort zone and confront the realities of a growing practice. However, I am highly aware that when I am about to start a counselling session, I need to leave the business and other personas outside of that sacred space for my clients. I have to let the recent and distant past go and not worry about what may be coming after attending fully to my client. While it is an ongoing challenge to meet that expectation of shifting completely from other roles to my preferred role as a counselor, I credit mindfulness for the improvements I continue to make in this area. In addition, experience in business over the past 15 years has taught me that being mindful (being purposefully focused on the present moment) is key to quality customer service and nurturing positive business relationships. Like myself, many professionals, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs deal directly with their customers. Others need to be aware of the quality of customer service their employees are providing on their behalf. Then, are we paying enough attention to whether or not being mindful is impacting our quality of customer service?
As a customer, I have experienced what it feels like when service providers are less mindful or not mindful. My guess is that upon reflection, you may recall times when it appeared that a service provider did not seem to be in the present; while attending to your customer related needs as well. My point is, if I am aware when some service providers are not fully in the present moment and you are too. Then even though customers don’t tell us – at least some of them are aware as well. It is human nature when interacting with another to desire mutual full attention in the moment. We all want to be valued. Especially when we are paying customers.
There are times when there is a genuine lack of alignment between customer and service provider. Otherwise, when we are not giving our customers the best of our undivided attention in the moment, they are understandably likely to assume that they are not one of our valued customers. A consequence is that they choose to no longer consume what we have to offer; taking their business elsewhere. It may not be just the quality of the product, it may be the quality of the experience that they appreciate.
When juggling many roles in the workplace becomes overwhelming, it is easier for a disconnection from the present to set in. It is highly likely that this way of being will overflow to the rest of life. Again, others may not communicate that they notice we are not present. The evidence may come at a high price. As well as losing customers, one may lose a marriage, financial stability, strong emotional connections with children, and quality relationships with others in general.
However, there is hope for all of us. Anyone can incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives, even when time pressured. Apart from teaching my clients how to meditate, I teach clients how to take seemingly ordinary moments during their work day and use them to experience mindfulness. For example, asking yourself what water feels like against your body as you take a warm shower before heading off to work. While at a stop in traffic or at a red light, observe the sun in the sky, rain, or snowflakes “as if seeing them for the first time”. Slow down before taking a sip of your favorite beverage or taking a bite of food then consciously savor the pleasure. When feeling stressed or tense, take 3 breathes with a hand on your heart and ask what is important in that very moment. On breaks, take a walk and observe a natural setting. Observe your breath or take deeper breaths while waiting for a meeting to start. Set an alarm to turn off your phone and not attend to e-mail for just minutes at a time. Be mindful of the moment and make it your intention to focus on the other person; more than yourself in interactions. These are just a few of the many small mindful practices that can be incorporated into your busy day.
It is my hope that we take an inspired lead in our workplaces and lives by seeking out the limitless resources available for further understanding, benefits and how to make mindfulness a way of being. Here’s a start. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n7FOBFMvXg Mindfulness 9 Attitudes with Jon Kabot Zinn, PhD. Enjoy!