Are you so busy achieving and improving that you’ve forgotten stillness and how to just be?

In our relentless pursuit of goals, targets and that elusive ‘next level’, we often lose sight of the present moment, the ground on which our leadership and our lives unfold. We become so focused on doing, achieving and striving that we forget the simple joy of being.

This disconnection from the present moment can have profound consequences. It can lead to stress, burnout and a diminished sense of purpose and fulfilment. It can also hinder our creativity, our intuition and our ability to connect authentically with others.

But what if there’s another way? What if the key to unlocking our full potential as leaders lies not in constantly striving for more, but in rediscovering the stillness and flow we often experienced so effortlessly as children?

Remember the magic of childhood

Think back to those carefree summer days when time seemed to stretch endlessly. Do you remember those moments of pure absorption when you were completely immersed in play, creativity and exploration? There were no expectations, no deadlines, no pressure to perform – just the pure joy of being present in the moment.

Summer nights, especially those spent in the serene landscapes of Finland, held a unique magic for me. It always felt like time stood still. The warmth of the sun lingered in the air while a stillness fell over the land, creating a sense of timelessness and tranquillity. In these moments I felt truly present, connected to something deeper than myself, and filled with a sense of wonder and possibility.

As children, we naturally tap into this state of flow. We’re not afraid to experiment, to create, to just be. But as we grow older, we often lose touch with this innate ability. We become conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to our performance, our productivity and our ability to meet external expectations.

The demands of leadership

The demands of leadership can exacerbate this disconnection from the present moment. We’re constantly bombarded with information, decisions and challenges. We feel the pressure to perform, to have all the answers, to always be ‘on’.

But it’s in the stillness, in the moments of quiet reflection, that we can truly connect with our inner wisdom, our creativity and our authentic selves. It’s where we can find clarity in the midst of chaos, make more conscious decisions and lead with greater purpose and impact.

The benefits of presence

When we’re present, we’re more likely to:

Listen deeply and understand the perspective of others.
Communicate with clarity and empathy.
Make more informed and considered decisions.
Tap into our intuition and creativity.
Meet challenges with greater resilience and resourcefulness.
Inspire and motivate others with our authenticity.
Reclaiming the magic

So how can we reclaim the magic of presence and flow in our leadership and our lives? Here are some suggestions:

Mindfulness practices: Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation or mindful breathing into your daily routine.
Create space for silence: Schedule time to “do nothing” and simply be present with yourself and your surroundings.
Connect with nature: Spend time in nature, allowing its silence and beauty to nourish your soul.
Engage in creative activities: Explore activities that spark your creativity and allow you to express yourself freely.
Prioritise self-care: Make time for activities that recharge your batteries and bring you joy.
The invitation

I invite you to consider your own relationship with presence. Where have you lost touch with it? How can you reclaim it in your leadership and life?

Also connect with me on LinkedIn.