There’s an old zen proverb that goes something like
‘You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you’re too busy. In that case, you should meditate for an hour a day.’
Look, we’re no meditation experts, but we believe the basic premise of this proverb, like all of them, has an elemental truth to it.
Our focus is on being human-centric and encouraging balance. Our primary goal is to help you ensure your business remains compliant and successful. Time and time again we see that our clients who enjoy the greatest success, who are making money, doing great things, are meeting and exceeding their targets month after month, all have one thing in common- mindfulness. This looks different across clients, but the bottom line is they regularly take the time- if even for a five minute meditation- to step away from their business.
Unfortunately, it’s not usual for people to come to us having not had a holiday or a break from their business for years. Their business is all consuming, they work long hours as well as weekends. They often feel like they’re just not getting anywhere. In the day to day of running their business they’ve stopped setting goals and planning. Burnout is a very real possibility for them, which can be devastating; physically, emotionally and to their bottom line.
When a client comes to us, borderline burnt out, one of our first recommendations to them is to find a way to take time off. Stepping away from your business, and doing it regularly, is key to feeling refreshed and reenergised. Next, we encourage them to put into place practices that safeguards the person’s wellbeing to reduce their risk of burnout.
Mindfulness is big business. In the United States alone, the industry is worth an estimated $1 billion dollars. Corporate wellness programs are becoming as ubiquitous in organisations as ‘you’re on mute.’ Multinational organisations including Google are investing in training programs that teach employees how to harness the power of mindfulness. Google aren’t investing so heavily in this practice as a nicety- rather they see it as a way to build the capacity of their people. Research shows that people who consistently adopt some form of mindfulness into their lives experience less anxiety and stress with the accompanying physical and emotional manifestations and increased productivity and sense of fulfilment.
Mindfulness practices are proven to enhance creative thinking, increase focus and improve decision making. Best of all? They’re highly accessible! You don’t have to work at a Silicone Valley juggernaut for permission to take a regular virtual breather. You don’t have to sit in lotus position for three hours chanting- even taking five deep breaths between meetings will reduce the cortisol levels in your body, giving you a reset before you tackle the next part of your day.
Many people we work with start their businesses for the flexibility and the ability to call their own shots. Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing through mindfulness is one of the best investments in your business you’ll ever make, and you’ll reap the rewards across all levels of your life. If you feel like your business is not working as hard for you as it should, please reach out.