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Tag Archives: gift of being 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. 

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April 21, 2021 The Best Free “Gifts” You Can Give to Others

Let me state right away that if you’re looking for a shopping list, this isn’t the article for you! The “gifts” that I’m talking about today have to do with time, intention, and kindness. To me, these types of gifts are worth far more than any purchases you could make. They center on humanity and creating a more harmonious workspace, home, neighborhood, and world.

My list includes 6 different gifts you can easily give to others. How might life change if we all attempted to give each other these gifts every day?

1. The gift of attentiveness

People can usually tell when you’re listening…and they can tell when you’re more interested in your phone, your grocery list, or whatever is on your laptop screen. Practice being present for others. Tuck your distractions away and give them your full, undivided attention. In a world brimming with distractions, your attentiveness is truly a valuable gift.

[For more on good listening practices, click here!]

2. The gift of punctuality

Show others that you respect them and their time by making an effort to be punctual. If you were meeting with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, would you show up late? Almost certainly not! You wouldn’t dream of it. Then, why would you show up late for a Zoom meeting with a co-worker? That says something about how much you value and respect them and their time, doesn’t it? And if you are running late (it happens!), send a quick message to let that person know. It’s a quick and courteous thing to do.

3. The gift of follow-through

When you say you’re going to do something, do it. It really is that simple. Nothing can destroy trust faster than not following through with a promise. Conversely, if you do make an effort to stay true to your word, meet deadlines, and follow through, you will build yourself an excellent reputation. In other words, keeping your commitments is not only a gift to others, it is also a gift to yourself.

4. The gift of kind gestures

A small, kind gesture can make a world of difference. Help an elderly neighbor carry their groceries, tip your delivery driver well, give someone a compliment, donate a few dollars to a nonprofit or a “Go Fund Me.” When you wake up in the morning with the goal of practicing at least one or two acts of kindness, it makes your whole day better. You begin to think about opportunities to make positive change in the world, and THAT can improve your entire outlook on life.

5. The gift of gratitude

We often take the people in our lives for granted. Make an effort to say thank you for the little things, and genuinely mean it! Let others (your co-workers, your spouse, the cashier you regularly see at the grocery store) know that you appreciate their presence in your life.

When others go above and beyond, you may also want to send a handwritten thank you note to convey your gratitude. Let them know, specifically, why you appreciate them.

6. The gift of empathy

How might life improve if we all took the time to (at the very least) attempt to understand others? Even if you don’t quite understand another’s perspective, you can make a concerted effort to place yourself in their shoes, ask good questions, and try to empathize with their point of view. Before conversing with someone, do your best to set aside judgments and just listen. Even if you don’t end up agreeing, your efforts will open dialogues and create bridges.

Which gifts can you give others today? Pick a couple of items on this list, think about how you will incorporate them into your day, and start giving! Amazing things start to happen when we focus on being kind and understanding to others.

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.

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