Coping with the mental demands and stressors of life can sometimes be overwhelming. Some days, there are just too many hassles, and they seem to come at the worse times. Therefore, staying energized and focused on work is impossible regardless of your sales mindset.
You can meet scholarly challenges by reviewing and comprehending information. Physical tasks can be handled with strengthening, practice and training. But how do you conquer those mental pressures that refuse to let you have control of your mind?
Recapture Your Sales Mindset with Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of cultivating awareness of your thoughts and feelings while remaining in the present without judgment. Mindfulness is a quality that every human being already possesses. So, it’s not something you have to conjure up, you just have to learn how to access it.
When we’re mindful, we reduce stress, enhance performance, and gain insight and awareness through observing our own mind. In this way, we can increase our attention to others’ well-being while maintaining self-awareness. It’s the best way to live in the moment without dwelling on the past or anticipating the future.
Mindfulness Can be Woven into Your Daily Activities
Mindfulness is rooted in Buddhist and Hindu teachings and has emerged in Western culture as a pivotal therapeutic technique. Meditation and yoga are associated with stress reduction primarily through mindfulness training. However, carving out time to meditate in your busy day only adds to the stress.
Micro-mindfulness: Bite-sized meditation sessions
It’s possible to enhance your sales mindset and increase your productivity without special equipment or training. Instead of dedicating an hour to meditation, micro-mindfulness encourages you to practice mindfulness in short sessions throughout your day. Michael Watkins, writing for Harvard Business Review offers several types of practices, here are just a few:
- One-minute breathing: Inhale for a count of four seconds. Hold for a four-count. Exhale for another four seconds. Repeat for one minute.
- Five senses check-in: Pause and take a moment to notice five things you can see, then four things you can touch. Proceed with three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
- Body scan: Close your eyes and slowly focus on each part of your body. Go from from your toes to your head, and notice any sensations, tension, or feelings of relaxation.
- Mindful walking: Take a few minutes to walk slowly and mindfully. Be sure to pay attention to each step and the feeling of the ground beneath your feet.
- Mindful listening: Practice active listening by focusing on the person speaking and really hearing what they are saying without judgment or distractions.
Incorporate Mindfulness into Your Busy Day
Face it. The only way to practice mindfulness is to make it a habit. Watkins suggests specific times when the practice can become part of your routine.
Morning
- Upon waking, take a few deep breaths before getting out of bed
- During your morning coffee or tea, practice mindful sipping
- While showering, focus on the sensations of water on your skin
Workday transitions
- Before starting work, take a minute to set intentions for the day
- Between tasks or meetings, pause for a quick body scan
- During lunch, practice mindful eating for the first few bites
Stressful moments
- Before an important presentation or meeting, take three deep breaths
- When feeling overwhelmed, pause for a quick five senses check-in exercise
- After receiving difficult news, take a moment to check in with your emotions
There are more fine examples in the HBR article. I urge you to check them out.
Remember, the key to effective micro-mindfulness is consistency and integration into your daily routine. Your sales mindset will be at the forefront when you practice micro-mindfulness to remain grounded in the present.
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