Article By – Manish Behl and Published by The Free Press Journal

In today’s fast-paced world, mindfulness often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. Yet many of the most successful multinational organizations like Google, Microsoft, The U.S Marine Corps and even UK politicians have embraced mindfulness as an indispensable tool. But why do so many of us continue to overlook the benefits of mindfulness, even as it’s positive impacts become increasingly evident?

I remember a story about a tech company that might resonate with many. This company was grappling with common issues: employee burnout, low morale, conflicts, creativity blocks and a constant decline in mental well-being all of which were affecting company performance.

The CEO, recognizing the need for change, introduced something dramatically different – a mindfulness program. Initially, employees were skeptical, unsure how this practice could adddress their stress and workload. But as they consistently engaged with the program, something remarkable happened.

They began to report significant improvements in focus, job satisfaction and overall well-being.

The company culture shifted, becoming more collaborative and supportive. Productivity increased and turnover rates decreased. What was once seen as a fringe practice became the cornerstone of the company’s success.

So why in a world where mindfulness can bring such profound benefits, do so many of us neglect it?

Mindfulness pursuit of more:

One of the main reasons we neglect mindfulness is our culture’s relentless pursuit of more. We live in a society that glorifies business. Being constantly occupied is often equated with being productive and productivity is tied to our sense of self-worth. This pursuit of more – whether it’s material possessions, achievements or social validation – leaves little room for stillness and relection. Our brains are wired for survival, constantly scanning for threats. This innate fight-or-flight response keeps us in a state of perpetual alertness, making it difficult to relax and be mindful.

Illusion of control:

Another reason we shy away from mindfulness is our deep seated belief in the illusion of control. Many of us believe that being in control of every aspect of our lives is the key to happiness and success. But mindfulness asks us to embrace uncertainty, to let go of the need to control everything, and to simply be present. For many, this is a challenging concept. But the truth is, the more we try to control every aspect of our lives, the more we disconnect from the present moment and the joy it can bring.

Fear of the unknown:

We may fear what we might find – unresolved emotions, hidden traumas or uncomfortable truths about ourselves. This fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, preventing us from diving into the practice of mindfulness. But it’s important to remember that mindfulness is not about forcing ourselves to confront our deepest fears all at once. It’s about gradually becoming more aware of our thoughts and feelings and learning to observe them without judgement. By doing so, we can begin to heal and grow in ways we never thought possible.

Lack of patience:

In our world of quick fixes and instant gratification, patience is a rare virtue. Mindfulness requires patience and consistent practice. It’s a gradual process, and the benefits may not be immediately apparent. The long term benefits of mindfulness far outweigh the initial effort. Just like any other skill, the more you practice mindfulness, the more natural it becomes and the more profound the effects will be on your overall well-being.

Why mindfulness matters:

The importance of mindfulness extends beyond personal well-being it’s also crucial for effective leadership. Mindfulness are more self-aware, empathetic and resilient. They are better equipped to navigate challenges, inspire their teams and create a positive work environment. As the tech company in our story discovered, when leaders embrace mindfulness, it can transform not just their lives but the entire organization.

Become a ICF  Certified Mindfulness Trainer  – Read More

About the Writer

Manish Behl, Global Leading Mindfulness Expert and founder of Mindfulness India Summit and Mindful Science Centre

Manish Behl is a world renowned Mindfulness, Emotional intelligence, meditation and Leadership expert, who helps leaders and organizations foster wisdom and well-being through Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence and Neuroscience. He is the visionary founder of Mindfulness India Summit, Asia’s largest mindfulness and emotional intelligence summit, and Mindful Science Centre  a mindfulness research, development and training institute.

He is ICF PCC coach with his 25 years of successful leadership experience as CEO of various leading multinational companies, he brings a unique blend of practical and experiential knowledge to his mindfulness workshops and leadership coaching.

He offers practical strategies for leadership transformation, which enhances leadership skills, increase performance, transform anxiety and negativity into calm and focus. He is also a TEDx speaker, a neuroscience enthusiast and a conscious thinker who inspires and empowers people to live their best lives.  His workshops, talks and coaching facilitate physical and mental wellbeing, cultivate inner peace and fuels purpose and motivation.

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Article By – Manish Behl and Published by The Free Press Journal

Our world is in constant flux, demanding resilience and adaptability from leaders and entrepreneurs. As stress mounts, the search for sustainable success has intensified. While traditional leadership models once sufficed, today’s complex landscape necessitates a new approach.

Mindfulness, an ancient practice rediscovered by modern science, offers a powerful solution. Once confined to monastries and philosophy, it’s now embraced by leading corporate giants, silicon valley, and the U.S military. Rigorous research, including extensive studies by Harvard Medical School and other leading scientific research institutions, validates its transformative power.

From the boardroom to be battlefield, mindfulness is proving to be a catalyst for personal and organisational growth. From boosting focus to enhancing emotional intelligence, mindfulness is no longer a trend but a strategic imperative for thriving in the 21st century.

Over a decade of practicing, teaching and coaching practices based on mindfulness and emotional intelligence to leading organisations and professionals. I have witnessed its transformative power firsthand.

Let’s explore five easy practices to integrate mindfulness into your daily life.

Slow down: We often push ourselves to the brink, chasing deadlines and drowning in information overload. This constant striving depletes our energy and hinders focus. Imagine driving down a mountain road – slowing down allows for a safer journey.

Take mindful pauses throughout your day to simply observe your surroundings, connect with colleagues, or take a few deep breaths. These micro breaks allow you to rechargeand refocus, approaching your tasks with renewed vigor.

Focus on one task: In a world obsessed with speed, multitasking seems almost essential. However, research shows that the human brain is incapable of truly doing two things at once. When we multitask, we are actually rapidly switching between tasks, leading to decreased focus and increased errors. This may seem counter-intuitive, but it leads to greater efficiency and less wasted energy.

Ecotherapy: Spending time in nature, often referred to as “nature mindfulness” or “ecotherapy”, has profound benefits for our well-being. Studies show that being in nature reduces stress and anxiety, boosts memory and mood, and enhances overall happiness. We evolved in the natural world, and our brains crave the restorative power of nature. Take a walk in the park, spend time gardening or simply sit outside and observe the beauty around you.

Cultivate inner peace: Mindfulness is an ancient practice experiencing a resurgence in today’s fast-paced world. Scientific research consistently reveals the benefits of mindfulness for our physical and emotional health, as well as our performance. Regular meditation practice helps us manage stress, reduce anxiety, improve mental resilience and cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace.

Peak performance: Leadership isn’t just about individual performance, it’s about inspiring and guiding a team towards shared goals. Incorporating mindfulness into your leadership style can create a more harmonious, productive and innovative work environment.

By modeling mindfulness, you can foster a culture of empathy, compassion and open communication. Encourage your team to practice mindfulness together through group meditation sessions or mindfulness-based team building activities. This can lead to improved collaboration, reduced conflict and increased creativity.

Furthermore, mindfulness can enhance your decision making abilities by allowing you to approach challenges with clarity and perspective. By cultivating a mindful leadership style, you can inspire your team to reach their full potential and drive organisational success.

These seemingly small practices can have a profound impact on your life. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can cultivate inner peace, enhance well-being and find fulfillment in your personal and professional life.

Become a ICF  Certified Mindfulness Trainer  – Read More

About the Writer

Manish Behl, Global Leading Mindfulness Expert and founder of Mindfulness India Summit and Mindful Science Centre

Manish Behl is a world renowned Mindfulness, Emotional intelligence, meditation and Leadership expert, who helps leaders and organizations foster wisdom and well-being through Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence and Neuroscience. He is the visionary founder of Mindfulness India Summit, Asia’s largest mindfulness and emotional intelligence summit, and Mindful Science Centre  a mindfulness research, development and training institute.

He is ICF PCC coach with his 25 years of successful leadership experience as CEO of various leading multinational companies, he brings a unique blend of practical and experiential knowledge to his mindfulness workshops and leadership coaching.

He offers practical strategies for leadership transformation, which enhances leadership skills, increase performance, transform anxiety and negativity into calm and focus. He is also a TEDx speaker, a neuroscience enthusiast and a conscious thinker who inspires and empowers people to live their best lives.  His workshops, talks and coaching facilitate physical and mental wellbeing, cultivate inner peace and fuels purpose and motivation.

read more

Article By – Manish Behl and Published by The Free Press Journal

The startup world is a land of dreams and disruption. Yet, for every success story that graces the headlines, there are countless tales of ventures that never reach thier full potential. While many factors contribute to this high failure rate, one critical aspect often remains overlooked is the mental and emotional well-being of the founders themselves.

Why startups fail:

Lets explore the common pitfalls that leads to startup failure and how mindfulness can equip entrepreneurs with the tools to navigate challenges and maximize their potential for success. Startups are often faced with uncertainty, complexity and high-pressure situations that require effective leadership and collaboration. Some of the common external cause are:

• Constantly changing consumer behaviour
• Volatile market environment
• Regulatory changes
• Lack of experience
• Inability to forecast demand
• Poor business strategy
• Absence of creativity and adaptability
• Stronger competition
• Political and financial instability
• Lack of financial and operational planning
• Leadership and team management
• Conflicts

To survive in midst of these challenges, entrepreneur need to develop not only technical and business skills but also strong mental and emotional skills such as:

Adaptability: The ability to pivot strategies, embrace new technologies and continuously learn in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Risk management: Effectively evaluating and mitigating risks while taking calculated steps forward.

Perseverance: Bouncing back from set-backs and maintaining focus through failures is crucial for long-term success.

Focus: Prioritising tasks, maintaining clear goals and avoiding distractions are essential for achieving objectives.

Mindfulness for startups:

While technical and business skills are essential, a strong foundation in mindfulness equips entrepreneurs with the mental agility and emotional resilience to navigate the roller-coaster ride of running a startup. By cultivating this skills, entrepreneurs can unlock a range of benefits crucial for startup success.

Managing stress and anxiety: Startup life is a pressure cooker. Mindfulness offers tools to manage these emotions effectively, allowing founders to stay focused and grounded in the face of challenges.

Mental calm and physical health: The relentless drive to succeed can take a toll on physical and mental health. Mindfulness skills help entrepreneurs cope with stress.

Enhanced focus and productivity: Juggling multiple tasks and tight deadlines is a staple of startup life. Mindfulness helps cut through the mental clutter by sharpening their focus, prioritising goals effectively and managing their time and energy more effectively.

Boosting creativity and innovation: Mindfulness fosters a fertile ground for creativity by stimulating imagination, encouraging curiosity and promoting a willingness to experiment.

Increased flexibility and adaptability: The startup landscape is constantly evolving. Mindfulness promotes adaptability by encouraging divergent thinking, reducing cognitive rigidity and increasing openness to new perspectives.

Open mindset and out-of-the-box thinking: Mindfulness fosters an open mindset by enabling leaders to empathize with customers need and motivate employees to explore unconventional solutions.

Improved decision making: By encouraging present moment awareness, mindfulness allows entrepreneurs to make clear headed decisions.

Promoting transparency, values and authenticity: Mindfulness enhances ethical behaviour by reducing fear and cognitive biases, while increasing empathy and promoting ethical awareness.

Building resilience: The path to startup success is rarely smooth. Mindfulness cultivates self-compassion, optimism, and gratitude. Through regular practice, entrepreneurs develop their resilience, enabling them to bounce back stronger from setbacks.

Strengthened communication and collaboartion skills: Mindfulness fosters emapathy and active listening, allowing entrepreneurs to better understand and connect with team members, investors and customers.

Psychological safety and team cohesion: Mindfulness promotes psychological safety within teams by encouraging open communication, fostering trust and supporting collective intelligence.

Building strong relationships: Mindfulness allows entrepreneurs to build trust by fostering present moment awareness and empathy in interactions with team members, customers and investors.

Conclusion:

The startup landscape is dynamic and unforgiving. By integrating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, you can build a stronger, more resilient team, foster a culture of innovation and colaboration and ultimately, increase your chances of achieving your entrepreneurial dreams.

Become a ICF  Certified Mindfulness Trainer  – Read More

About the Writer

Manish Behl, Global Leading Mindfulness Expert and founder of Mindfulness India Summit and Mindful Science Centre

Manish Behl is a world renowned Mindfulness, Emotional intelligence, meditation and Leadership expert, who helps leaders and organizations foster wisdom and well-being through Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence and Neuroscience. He is the visionary founder of Mindfulness India Summit, Asia’s largest mindfulness and emotional intelligence summit, and Mindful Science Centre  a mindfulness research, development and training institute.

He is ICF PCC coach with his 25 years of successful leadership experience as CEO of various leading multinational companies, he brings a unique blend of practical and experiential knowledge to his mindfulness workshops and leadership coaching.

He offers practical strategies for leadership transformation, which enhances leadership skills, increase performance, transform anxiety and negativity into calm and focus. He is also a TEDx speaker, a neuroscience enthusiast and a conscious thinker who inspires and empowers people to live their best lives.  His workshops, talks and coaching facilitate physical and mental wellbeing, cultivate inner peace and fuels purpose and motivation.

read more