Skip to content

UXL Blog

“Creating Successful Leaders”

Tag Archives: be present

September 25, 2024 5 Tips to Be Present

We live in a distracted society. A survey in 2023 found that, “Americans spend an average of four hours looking at their cellphones every day, checking them at least 144 times a day.” That statistic is frankly appalling. Even if it is wildly inaccurate and we decide to divide the findings in half, that still means we spend two hours absorbed in our phones every day, and glance at our screen 72 times. And this doesn’t include all our other distractions—TV, email, video games, and more.

This week, I’d like to talk about being present, why it matters, and how to be more mindful in your everyday life.

(I discussed this topic in a video I produced a while ago. If you’re interested, click here.)

Why Being Present Matters

Your presence matters in both your personal and professional life. Your presence means something to others, whether your family, co-workers, or boss. When you are present, you are able to fully engage with the people and tasks in front of you. This leads to deeper connections, increased productivity, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Conversely, when you are distracted, you miss important details, struggle to be an active listener, and fail to capitalize on your time.

Being present allows you to live in the moment and make the most of each interaction. It is also a sign of respect. When you’re present, you convey that you value the person or task at hand. You are not preoccupied with the past or future, but fully engaged in the moment. This builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps you be more productive and fulfilled. Ultimately, being present is a skill that takes practice, but the benefits are immense. It allows you to savor life’s moments, connect more deeply with others, and make the most of your time and energy.

5 Ways to Be Present

If you’re hoping to improve your focus and be more present in daily life, I suggest trying some of the following five tips:

Eliminate distractions

When possible, turn off your notifications, silence your phone, and attempt to create a distraction-free environment. This will support your goal of being present.

Practice mindfulness

Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and be fully present in the moment. It’s a good idea to build this into your schedule, so you get into the habit of doing it.

Single-task

Multitasking is usually ineffective and often leads to sloppy or incomplete work. It is much better to lend your full attention to a single task. To do this, try setting a timer and focusing on one specific task for fifteen or twenty minutes. Repeat.

Schedule tech-free time

Set boundaries around when you will and won’t use your devices. For example, you could decide not to use your phone during mealtimes or after a certain time in the evening. Stick to these tech-free periods to be more present with your loved ones or to wind down before bed.

Reflect and recharge

Take regular breaks throughout the day to pause, reflect, and recharge. This could involve a short walk, meditation, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes. Giving your mind a break will help you return to tasks feeling more focused and present.

Being present and minimizing distractions is crucial for personal and professional success. By making a few intentional changes in your life, you can train your brain to stay focused on the present moment. This will lead to deeper connections, increased productivity, and a greater sense of fulfillment. Remember, being present is a skill that takes practice, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Start implementing these strategies today to make the most of your time and energy.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: , , , , ,

August 11, 2021 One Question to Determine if You’re a Good Listener

friends having coffee

Let’s say you’re sitting down with a few friends over cups of coffee. One friend is sharing the details of a recent trip she took with her family, and her story is reminding you of a trip you took not long ago. Instead of listening to your friend, your mind drifts to your own vacation and you begin thinking of all the details you want to share. As soon as there’s a lull in conversation, you jump in and begin telling about your experience.

When the coffee date ends, you head home and your significant other asks, “So, how did it go? How is everyone?”

“It was fun,” you say. “Sam went on vacation recently to the Maldives…or was it Morocco? One of the kids fell ill from…food poisoning, I think? Or maybe they caught a bug on the airplane? Umm…anyway, everyone’s fine and it was nice to catch up.”

Then, you whisk away before your significant other can ask any more questions!

If you find it difficult to recall details of conversations, your memory might not be at fault. Rather, you might need to tune up your listening skills. Active listening takes work. It’s a skill that many people lack these days (likely thanks to our short attention spans!), but it has always been a worthwhile skill to have.

If you’re wondering if you are, in general, a good listener, it’s a good idea to ask yourself one key question:

“Do I truly listen, or just wait to speak?”

If you’re crafting a response in your head, you’re not really listening. Instead of focusing on what you’ll say next, commit to being fully present for the speaker. Put away your distractions and think about what they’re telling you.

It helps to ask questions, too. You might ask a clarifying question or ask for a few more details. If you want to develop an even deeper understanding of what is being said, try asking a thought-provoking question that goes beyond a yes/no response (How did you feel when_____? What was it like to______?)

Another technique for practicing active listening is to repeat back some of the information you’ve learned and then, perhaps, ask a follow-up question. For example: “Wow, Sam, it sounds like Sophie was pretty sick in Morocco. Was any of the trip salvageable? Do you think you’ll go back for a “do over”?

Above all, you have to want to listen. Listening is a humble act. You have to be okay with not being the center of attention and investing your time and attention in others. So, do others a kindness: practice active listening!

Looking for a job change? Or, hoping to accelerate your current career? Check out the career resources (both FREE and paid) on my website!

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: , , , ,