Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
As the owner of several digital marketing companies, I’ve found that mindfulness has played a crucial role in my success over the years. Not only has it helped me to stay focused and productive, but it has also allowed me to approach challenges and difficult situations with a clear and calm mind.
Mindfulness helps us to stay focused and present in the moment. As entrepreneurs, we often have a lot of tasks and responsibilities vying for our attention, whether it’s two dozen tabs open in our browser or six consecutive Zoom meetings on a Tuesday afternoon. It can be easy to get overwhelmed and lose sight of what’s most important. Mindfulness allows us to quiet our racing thoughts and stay focused on the task at hand, which can greatly improve our productivity and effectiveness.
I think all entrepreneurs can benefit from this important aspect of self-improvement, and in this article, I’ll outline some of the key benefits and importance of mindfulness for entrepreneurs like myself.
Related: What Every Entrepreneur Can Gain From Mindfulness
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a mental state of being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings and surroundings. It is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment, without judging oneself or one’s experiences. Mindfulness is often associated with meditation and other forms of contemplative practice, but I try to go beyond meditation by incorporating it into daily activities such as eating, walking and even working.
For me, the goal of mindfulness is to help me develop a greater sense of clarity, focus and peace of mind. But the benefits at work, I find, are the strongest. If I’m present and less distracted at work, I can do more in 3 or 4 hours than I often do all day when I’m in a less mindful and more restless state.
Achieving mindfulness at work
One specific way that mindfulness can improve focus and concentration is through the practice of mindfulness meditation. This involves sitting in a comfortable position with a straight back, closing my eyes and focusing on my breath. When my mind starts to wander, which it inevitably will, I simply acknowledge the thought and then return my focus to my breath. This practice trains my mind to be more present and focused on my work, which has amplified my productivity dramatically over my career.
Sometimes, even just sitting in my office chair and counting 10 deep, mindful breaths is enough to put me in a more mindful state.
Benefit 1: Improved concentration and productivity
Mindfulness can improve focus by helping identify and let go of distracting thoughts and emotions. For example, if you are working on a project, and your mind keeps wandering to other tasks or worries, mindfulness can help you become aware of these distractions and let them go, allowing you to refocus on the task at hand
For example, writing a 500-word piece of copy might take me an hour or two, depending on the subject matter. However, after a 10-minute meditation session, I’m able to concentrate for long enough to write the same amount of copy in 30 minutes. Ultimately, I save time, and I’m more productive.
Related: Benefits of Mindfulness and Awareness Meditation
Benefit 2: Reducing stress and anxiety
High levels of stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on an entrepreneur’s physical and mental health, leading to health issues and decreased well-being.
One way I reduce stress and anxiety is by prioritizing self-care. This can include taking regular breaks, engaging in physical activity, getting enough sleep, and, of course, practicing mindful relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. It is also important to create a work-life balance and set boundaries between work and personal time, which mindfulness meditation and distraction-free living can help you achieve.
Benefit 3: Enhanced creativity and innovation
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment, without judgment. This can help to increase focus and concentration, which are important for creativity and innovation. When we are mindful, we are more likely to notice things that we might otherwise overlook, and this can spark new ideas and creative solutions to problems.
Additionally, mindfulness can help to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being, which can make us more open to new ideas and more receptive to the creative process. For me, mindfulness creates the conditions that are conducive to creativity and innovation.
Benefit 4: Improved relationships and business communication
When leading a company, mindfulness can help improve business relationships and communication through greater focus, clarity and empathy. When we are mindful, we are better able to listen actively and fully engage with others, which can foster better understanding and collaboration.
Mindfulness can also help reduce stress and improve overall mental and emotional well-being, which can enhance our ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with colleagues. A more mindful frame of being also helps us to be more self-aware and in control of our own thoughts and actions, which can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts from arising.
This is what has made mindfulness such a valuable tool for improving my communication and building stronger, more positive business relationships in my entrepreneurial life.
Related: 5 Ways to Boost Mindfulness Even on Busy Days
Putting it all together
Next time you’re at your work desk, try minimizing your web browser, relaxing your eyes and counting a few deep breaths. Notice the things around you. Acknowledge your thoughts as merely thoughts, and discard them if they aren’t useful for achieving your present goals. Take a walk outdoors, and observe your surroundings in the same way.
This, for me, is the core component of mindfulness as an entrepreneur. And, if you’re anything like me, you’ll find that your business results will be greatly amplified as a result of the improved focus, communication and useful relaxation that mindfulness brings.