One of the clients I coach—an important leader in his industry—was extremely distraught and agitated about the future of his company.
I allowed him some space to vent and rant, and then I reminded him how great leaders look at the future, how they create vision and values and culture, and how they create targets based on where they’re going.
But when times are tough, I told him, great leaders are handed a gift.
The gift of being present.
The uncertainty of his current situation meant he could actually take the time to slow down and pay more attention to the present moment and the things he needed to do—helping him make better decisions that would, in turn, have a good effect on his future.
Being present in the moment does not mean we act without direction in the future.
The gift of being present requires intention and practice to carry out new action.
To think, to feel, to impact, we first must be.
Be a Witness: Sometime life is overshadowed by challenging events of our lives. Pause and pay deep attention to what is happening in the given moment.
Focus: Do not allow your thoughts to stray, but instead learn to focus completely on what you are feeling in the moment. Concentrate on getting things done one thing at a time.
Stay Calm: It can be hard in stressful times, but try to remain calm through the storm. Things might feel overwhelming but know this feeling passes.
Do Better: Take the time to make things better by being reflective and responsive instead of reactive and resentful.
Zoom In: Block all the noise out and zoom in on who you are being. Being present awards you the gift of feeling.
Don’t Do It Alone : The worst thing you can do is think you are alone in this world. Get help, hire a coach, speak to a trusted advisor, invite others to join you on making every moment of today matter.
Often when times are challenging we spend our time thinking about the past or the future.
There’s no magic pill to make the economy turn around, to make business be more lucrative, to bring back customers or valuable employees who are gone.
Being present is not an idea, a mood, a thought: It’s an awareness that is rich with heart and learning.
Lead From Within: As a heart-based leader, reduce life’s challenges by going deeper within yourself to receive the gifts of being present.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Martina
25. Jun, 2013
Great post Lolly. Presence is a gift that we often overlook or race by in our effort and striving to get to somewhere else in life. We put if off, and think there will be another time to enjoy, aontemplate and ruminate about where we are in life at this moment.
This moment is all there is, and we need to be attendent to it. To our own needs, to the needs of those we care about, and as leaders those we care for.
Now is all there is. Use it, learn from it. Embrace it.
lollydaskal
25. Jun, 2013
It is the art of “practicing staying in the present” that brings about clarity in our lives.
Panteli Tritchew
25. Jun, 2013
Insightful post, Lolly, and great reminder of one our life-long -learning challenges-staying in the moment.
Your post reminded me of the recent high-wire walk over a section of the Grand Canyon by Nik Wallenda. We’re not all dare-devils to be sure, but staying focused, staying centered, and staying in the moment of *each* step seems critical for any of our own balancing acts. 🙂 Panteli
lollydaskal
25. Jun, 2013
Panteli
Great comment.
……but staying focused, staying centered, and staying in the moment of *each* step seems critical for any of our own balancing acts.
Thanks for sharing.
lollydaskal
25. Jun, 2013
With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Gerardo
25. Jun, 2013
Great Post Lolly. Ithink one of the most difficult things for a leader is, when there’s a storm, to be able to remain focused, and at the same time discerning when he has to intervene or let others do their work.
lollydaskal
25. Jun, 2013
We’re so caught up in trying to do everything, experience all the essential things, not miss out on anything important..
we loose sight of what we have right in front of us.
Our lives would be so much better IF WE JUST STAYED focused on the PRESENT MOMENT because basically that is all we have.
lollydaskal
25. Jun, 2013
It is very difficult, and for that reason we have stay mindful.
Shandra White Harris
25. Jun, 2013
Staying focused, staying present,staying positive. Being better through reflection and response. An ongoing beautifully evolving process. Thank you.
Shandra
Tweet to: @shandra_lee #WithHeartWideOpen
lollydaskal
25. Jun, 2013
There is no reason for us to constantly be in motion. The wisdom comes through standing still.
lollydaskal
25. Jun, 2013
Peace of mind is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design in the present.
Alex
25. Jun, 2013
I’ve seen the opposite of what you coached your client Lolly. My company create many problems for itself because I believe leadership has a “What-about-me?” mentality. Many problems have arisen, clients drop out, and my director has mentality and physically checked out.
I would love your client to lead our company out of this rut. (Luckily, I’m moving on up and out)
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
I understand from the short story that I told you would say that. In this circumstance knowing the leader very well. I feel it was the best solution for him and his organization. Things have turned around for him which is always great to see.
He is more creative and innovative then ever before…
…..it is essential that the mind and the body and the business become motionless sometimes.
THE GIFT OF BEING PRESENT.
Lolly
Frank Sonnenberg
25. Jun, 2013
Great post Lolly.
The three areas that I find so critical are: “Focus, Do Better, and Don’t do it alone.” Focus ➤ Organizations often get into trouble when they try to be all things to all people. Focus is key! Do Better ➤ One of the advantages of “hitting a wall” is that it enables you to think and view things differently. This new perspective will lead you to the next level of greatness. Don’t do it alone ➤ When you seek input from your people, you’re creating buy-in. It’s one thing to provide a directive and another to gain the commitment and loyalty of the folks who work with you.
Great post Lolly. Thanks for sharing!
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
Thanks Frank,
For stopping by means a lot to me.
I REALLY like what you stated…
When you seek input from your people, you’re creating buy-in. It’s one thing to provide a directive and another to gain the commitment and loyalty of the folks who work with you.
So true!
So very important.
HAVE A GREAT DAY.
Lolly
Christin
25. Jun, 2013
In today’s world, it is easy to be so busy that you accomplish a lot of nothing. Mindfulness is a way to connect action with intention, and a good way to make the most of the destination as well as the journey. Thanks for the reminder to stay in the moment!
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
Mindfulness is the way to connect, you are so right.
I find when we connect we flow.
when we flow with whatever happens
and we let our mind rest.
we can stay centered by accepting whatever we are meant to do.
That is the gift of being present.
Thanks for stopping by.
Lolly
Karin Hurt
26. Jun, 2013
I find yoga and running a very important way for me to stay focused in the present. In one job, I had 15 Direct Reports and a 2000 person organization. I found it tough to really focus on what each leader needed from me at any given time. I developed a daily yoga practice where I spent time thinking about each of my leaders, their challenges and what they needed most from me. A few minutes spent reflecting on each one, as I went through my yoga practice really grounded me for the day. I was able to show up better to help them. Hmmm… now that I think of it, I should probably get back in that habit. Namaste.
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
Yoga it is… it sounds like it really grounded you.
And that is the whole magic of BEING PRESENT.
Being grounded in self to have energy for whatever life brings on.
Thanks Karin for sharing.
Lolly
Mark Ellis
26. Jun, 2013
Love this – listening is a forgotten skill in the modern, busy world. Focusing on someone absolutely, not thinking of yourself and visibly listening is one of the simplest and easiest gifts you can give.
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
Thanks Mark!
Its the simplest and the hardest all at the same time.
But we must practice. practice. practice.
Lolly
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
By coming back to the present moment you return the exterior to the interior, from the time to the timeless, and from diversity to inclusion.
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
We are so busy doing we do not slow down. We must slow down so we can speed up.
David O'Brien
26. Jun, 2013
Hi Lolly,
Thank you for another inspiring post. It reminds me of a quote I heard several years ago; “each of us has the capacity to quiet the mind, enter the silence, and know” Not sure who it came from but it serves me well when I’m feeling distracted.
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
I love the quote!
“each of us has the capacity to quiet the mind, enter the silence, and know”
it is so true!
thanks so much for sharing!
Lolly
Ed Fernandez
26. Jun, 2013
I spend too much time sometimes on those two great eternities.. The past… and the future… I am learning to be more mindful of the present moment, which is, incidentally all we really have.. It is good to look at the past and learn from it, but look at it as in a rear view mirror driving forward… It is also good to plan for the future… but our feet are planted in the now.. That is were we need to be… Present.
Thanks for sharing Lolly!
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
You are right Ed.
We need to be present. That is all we have.
Thanks so much for sharing your insight with us.
It truly helps to share wisdom.
We can all learn from each other.
Lolly
Maren Showkeir
26. Jun, 2013
Huzzah! Presence is so lacking in this world of too much to do, not enough time to do it. We can’t change the past, we can’t predict the future. But through practices (I’m an advocate of yoga) we can develop the habit of being present.
Presence truly is a gift, and the only one that is always available to give to anyone. Best of all, it’s free.
lollydaskal
26. Jun, 2013
You are so right!!!!!!!!!
Presence truly is a gift, and the only one that is always available to give to anyone. Best of all, it’s free.
Thanks for sharing.
Lolly
Bill Benoist
26. Jun, 2013
Hi Lolly,
Great advice – especially about seeking help when needed.
So often, when stress is at a peak, all we can see is the tree in front of us and not the path ahead. Those are the times we need someone to help us see the situation from a helicopter point of view.
lollydaskal
27. Jun, 2013
Seeking help is so important, it takes the energy or charge of feeling alone.
Thanks Bill for stopping by and adding your wisdom.
Appreciate you.
elainepinkerton
27. Jun, 2013
What an excellent thought for today (and always), Lolly. Being here now. It is simple and yet really profound—and sometimes it seems impossible. I find that when I walk or hike I’m brought back into the present and dealing with/enjoying/immersing myself in NOW. My mind loves to go out woolgathering in the past or future, but through conscious effort, as you point out, it’s possible to rope one’s mind back into the present. Thanks for being so inspiring and illuminating so beautifully! 🙂
lollydaskal
27. Jun, 2013
Thanks Elaine for stopping by and sharing your insights with us.
YOU have beautifully illuminated the gift of being PRESENT.
Julia Winston
27. Jun, 2013
Great points!
Zoom In: This is a discipline because when things are going haywire it is hard to remember that “your who is not your do”. It is worth the pursuit because beating yourself up about how you got there or what others are saying you only leaves you beaten down. In difficulty you need to rise a little above to see a clear path out.
Dan
27. Jun, 2013
What is beautiful about this post, Lolly, is how supportive and redemptive your advice is for the person who is suffering. That person might be me or you or anybody. There’s something kind of angelic in the reminder that right now is what we’ve got. You probably know that quotation from the Dalai Lama that speaks so eloquently to that point:
“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.”
dawoodchishti
27. Jun, 2013
Lolly,
Your words whisper and instigate passion.
Love you and your fascinating expression.
Permit them to chat with me!
Blair Glaser
27. Jun, 2013
Hi Lolly! Your gift of a post has echoed with me this week. I had some business to attend to tonight, but when I let the dog out, instead of rushing back to it, I explored the summer eve with her. The incredible smells, the warm air, the soft dusk light and the fireflies fortified my breath and filled my heart with gratitude.
For me the art of being present is a practice and a discipline.
Discipline is a forceI have been so fortunate to cultivate a friendship over the years. What a trustworthy, reliable and generous friend.
lollydaskal
28. Jun, 2013
Blair Thanks for your sharing. I always love listening to what you think.
Lolly
Rick Miller
30. Jun, 2013
Great post. Developing insight is an integral, yet often overlooked, element of great leadership. Without it, the disconnection between leader and team can create an impasse.
lollydaskal
30. Jun, 2013
you are so right Rick, it is an integral part of leadership as it is of life.
dawoodchishti
30. Jun, 2013
Stay calm; Focus deep,
Me zoom in; Don’t find alone.
Me is witness; Be Witness.
We do it better; Lolly.
dawoodchishti
02. Jul, 2013
Sweet dream; Got your presence.
dawoodchishti
02. Jul, 2013
Your comments please!
Tracey
15. Nov, 2016
The lack of being present can breed for missed opportunity.
marc zazeela
22. Dec, 2016
Well done, Lolly. This moment is the most important time of your life. The past is done and cannot be changed. The future is not here and may not happen.
Dale Carnegie used to say that 99% of the things that people worry about, never happen. Plan for the future, don’t worry about it.
Coach Barb
14. Sep, 2017
Great post! It resonated with me and the work that I do, thank you!
Phil
06. Oct, 2017
In this day and age where stress and depression are all around us, this post is one of many that can help an individual to go on and be strong. Thanks Lolly and nice post.