Chapter 8 - How Mindfulness is Important in Your Work and Business
“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” – Mother Teresa
Work and business are two things that preoccupy our adult lives. Workplaces and business environments can cause us stress. However, most of these stresses can be avoided through mindfulness.
The importance of mindfulness while working
Key strategies in maintaining a sense of mindfulness while working are to:
Avoid anxiety              
Focus your attention on the present moment
Use your power to attach and detach
Be nonjudgmental
These will go a long way in ensuring that your work doesn’t become a source of misery but rather a source of joy and happiness.
Avoid anxiety – You can avoid anxiety by not worrying about what your boss will say or won’t say about the task you are working on. Seek personal satisfaction in your accomplishment. Stop trying to please your boss. Instead focus on doing your personal best.
Focus your attention on the present moment – Do not focus on your past failures and avoid focusing on the negatives that could happen tomorrow. These kinds of thoughts only serve to disturb your focus from the present moment. They also promote stress and worry.
Use your power to attach and detach – Learn to schedule your tasks and focus on doing the right task at the right moment. When you are working on one task, don’t start thinking of the next task. Also don’t contemplate the task you just finished. Understand that there is a time to work and a time for leisure. During your leisure time avoid thoughts of work and let yourself fully enjoy your leisure time.
Be nonjudgmental – Don’t judge your colleagues, supervisors and juniors.
The importance of mindfulness while doing business
Just as you can apply the strategies mentioned above to maintaining a sense of mindfulness at work, you can also apply them to business by:
Avoiding anxiety – Let business happen in the now. Don’t panic about potentially missing your target for the day. Simply focus on the present moment and avoid worrying about things that are beyond your control.
Focusing your attention on the present moment – Be entirely of service to your customers by addressing their needs as best as you can in the present moment.
Using your power to attach and detach – Value your customers. If they have chosen to shop your store, thank them and provide them with the best service. If they reference buying product from a competitor, understand that they are just exercising their ability to attach and detach. Don’t take it personally. Rather, be courteous and tell them you appreciate their business.
Being nonjudgmental – Don’t judge your customers, employees or your suppliers.