Before my life took an unexpected turn into the realm of mindfulness and presence, I had always been a future-focused person.
I was constantly chasing success, with my eyes fixed on an ever-changing horizon. I was like a horse with blinders, seeing only the finish line, while missing out on the sights along the way.
But all that changed when I stumbled upon a quote by Henry David Thoreau: “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” This caused me to stop in my tracks and reassess.
Was it possible that my relentless pursuit of success was, in fact, standing in the way of achieving it?
So, I decided to take Thoreau’s advice and shift my focus from the distant future to the immediate present.
And you know what? It was like taking off a pair of glasses you didn’t realize were smudged until they were gone. Suddenly, I was seeing the world clearly for the first time.
The results were surprising. I found myself more productive at work, more present in personal relationships, and more content with life in general. But, of course, as with any significant change, there were challenges.
The most significant shift was in how I perceived time. No longer was I racing against a ticking clock; instead, each moment held its own value and importance.
This opened up a new world of experiences and opportunities that I would have previously overlooked in my haste to reach the next milestone.
Now, don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t as simple as flipping a switch. It took patience and practice to stay grounded in the present and resist the urge to let my mind wander into what-ifs and should-haves.
However, over time, this new approach to life became less of an effort and more of a natural state of being. And the rewards have been immeasurable.
So here’s how this new approach to success has transformed my life, and how it can transform yours too.
Embracing the present moment: The unexpected key to success
As I started this new chapter of my life, I had to consciously remind myself to stay present. Initially, it felt strange, even daunting. It was like learning to walk again, stumbling and falling, then picking myself up.
But I persevered. I started with small steps, like taking five minutes each day to simply sit in silence, feeling the rhythm of my heartbeat and the rise and fall of my breath. This was my first taste of mindfulness, a practice that soon became my daily ritual.
I also began to incorporate presence into my everyday tasks. When I was eating, I focused on savoring every bite instead of planning my next meeting. When I was at work, I concentrated on the task at hand rather than worrying about the pending deadline.
Surprisingly, this shift in focus didn’t slow me down as I feared it might; instead, it made me more efficient. I was making fewer mistakes and coming up with better solutions because I was fully engaged in what I was doing.
The transformation was not just limited to my professional life. My personal relationships improved as well. I was listening more and understanding better because I wasn’t preoccupied with my own thoughts or future plans.
In essence, by focusing on the present, I was able to do more and achieve more. But this is counterintuitive to what we’re often told about success – that we should always be planning, striving, and reaching for the stars.
We’ll delve into why this common belief may not be as beneficial as we’ve always assumed.
The relentless pursuit of success: A common misconception
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been conditioned to believe that success is a product of relentless ambition, and of constantly striving for more.
It’s a narrative that society often promotes – the idea that you should always be in pursuit of the next big thing, always planning for the future, always climbing the ladder.
But my journey into mindfulness and presence challenged this belief. It made me question if this constant striving was really the path to success or if it was just leading to stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction.
I found that not only was I achieving more by focusing on the present, but I was also enjoying my life more. The pressure to constantly achieve and excel was replaced with an appreciation for the journey.
So why do we hold on to this belief that success is all about pursuit? Perhaps it’s because it gives us a sense of control over our lives, a belief that if we work hard enough and plan carefully enough, we can shape our own destiny.
But life is unpredictable. No amount of planning can prepare us for all its twists and turns. And when we’re so focused on the future, we miss out on the beauty of now – the moments that make life truly worth living.
In the next section, I’ll share how I was able to let go of this ingrained belief and embrace a new perspective on success.
Letting go of old beliefs and embracing the present
The key to shifting my perspective was, ironically, letting go. Letting go of that constant need to control, plan, and predict. Letting go of the fear of what might happen if I don’t have all my ducks in a row. It was a liberating experience, but it wasn’t easy.
I had to consciously remind myself that it’s okay not to have every step mapped out, that uncertainty is a part of life. It’s okay to take each day as it comes and fully immerse yourself in the present moment.
But how can you do this?
Start by giving yourself permission to slow down. We’re often so caught up in the hustle and bustle that we forget to simply breathe. Take a few minutes each day just to sit in silence, focus on your breath, and let your thoughts come and go without judgment.
Next, shift your mindset from ‘doing’ to ‘being’. Instead of constantly striving for more, appreciate what you already have. Celebrate your small victories, savor the simple joys of life, and remember that success is not just about achieving; it’s also about enjoying the journey.
And finally, practice mindfulness. Be fully present in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s working on a project or having dinner with your family. Engage all your senses, listen attentively, and respond thoughtfully.
By embracing the present moment, not only will you find more joy in life, but you may also discover that success comes more easily when you’re not frantically chasing it.
Embracing personal power and reshaping your reality
During this journey, I learned a valuable lesson: taking responsibility for my situation, even when it wasn’t my fault, was incredibly empowering. It allowed me to shift my mindset from feeling like a victim of circumstances to being the creator of my own reality.
Now, this doesn’t mean I ignored the reality of what was happening. I wasn’t blind to my dissatisfaction or struggles. But by acknowledging them and understanding that much of what I thought was ‘normal’ or ‘expected’ was merely societal conditioning, I was able to break free from those expectations.
Instead of allowing external influences to dictate my life, I pursued what I genuinely desired. I questioned societal norms and expectations that were limiting my potential. And in doing so, I discovered a sense of purpose and direction.
So here are the key points of this journey that I hope will empower you as well:
- Acknowledge your current dissatisfaction or struggles.
- Take responsibility for your situation, even when it’s not your fault.
- Understand that much of what we perceive as ‘normal’ or ‘expected’ is societal conditioning.
- Pursue your personal ambitions and desires, not externally imposed ones.
- Question societal norms and expectations that limit your potential.
In essence, the journey is about self-exploration and embracing who you truly are. It’s about aligning your life with your true nature and reshaping your reality.
