It can be so hard to be fully present in the moment that you’re in. Even right now, as you’re reading this, you might be multitasking. Maybe you’re listening to music or the tv, eating a snack, or thinking about your to-do list. Did I catch anybody?
In today’s world, constant distractions rob us of something priceless: true connection. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s explore a few simple yet powerful ways to reclaim presence and rediscover what it means to be fully engaged in the here and now.
Here’s how to be present in a world full of distractions:
Stop Multitasking
Multitasking isn’t actually that helpful. It might seem like a time-saver, but it often does more harm than good. If you want to complete a task accurately and efficiently, you should focus all of your attention on it. In most cases, you’ll finish faster and with better results than if you were juggling multiple things at once. So the idea that multitasking saves time isn’t always true.
Listen with Intention
One of the most powerful ways to be fully present is to listen deeply. True listening goes beyond simply hearing words or waiting for your turn to speak. You need to really figure out what’s underneath their words. What’s driving this person? What makes this person tick? What does this person yearn for? What are they really saying?
So many times when we’re “listening”, we’re not listening at all. Most of the time, we’re just being quiet enough to let the other person finish before we talk. Whether you’re on the phone, texting, face-to-face, or in a Zoom meeting, the key is to focus on one thing: being fully present with the person you’re communicating with.
Ground Yourself
I like to look down and ask myself, “Where are my feet right now?” It might sound silly, but this is a powerful way to stay present by checking in with your body. Oftentimes, if we are traveling or going from place to place, our brains may have a hard time keeping up. We begin to “time travel” backward or forward, thinking too much of the past or future. By focusing on where your feet are, you can gently guide your mind back to the present moment, allowing your thoughts to catch up with your body.
Being Present is the Ultimate Gift
Anxiety is never about the present moment. Most of the time, right here and now, you’re just fine. It’s the mind that spirals, bringing up scary images of the past or projecting future scenarios that need problem solving. While your brain may think it’s preparing you, the truth is, the things we prepare for rarely unfold as we imagine.
By choosing to stop multitasking, listen with intention, and ground yourself in the present, you can break free from the noise. If you can learn to do one thing at a time, you’ll be giving yourself and the world a gift by being present. So embrace this moment, and let it be enough.
For more support, join my coaching community! I created this community as a space for coaches to give and receive personal and professional support as you learn how to clear your mind, build your business, and serve your clients.
