Mindfulness is a growth mindset

🧘🏽‍♀️Mindfulness has been my quiet resolution word of the year. From intentional breathing to guided meditation to carving out time for reflection, I’m forming the important habit of slowing down; not just to rest but to listen to myself, to others, to the moment I’m living in.

Previously I found myself constantly chasing the next deadline. I was often reacting instead of responding. So, I asked myself, “What are you doing? What impact are you really making?” So, I made a commitment to stop. I reflected on what I wanted my life to feel like, and I started incorporating more mindful moments during my day. I now practice deep breathing and 1-minute pauses that effectively make me feel more grounded. These short and simple acts shift everything for me. They help me gain clarity, respond with intention, and lead with calm.

I used to think mindfulness meant sitting still for hours at a time in a place of solitude. But I’ve learned I don’t need a yoga studio to center myself. Mindfulness can be applied at any time, any place. It can mean five deep breaths between meetings. For me, it’s often a quick prayer to help remind me of my true purpose.

Mindfulness hasn’t just helped me feel more grounded, it’s made me a more present communicator, a more thoughtful leader, and a better collaborator and partner. I’ve found this helpful in my personal life as well as my professional one. Simply put, in a world that celebrates speed and multitasking, mindfulness reminds me that clarity and quality come from stillness and focus.

Whether I’m writing a message, mentoring a teammate, or navigating a change, I now ask: Am I responding with intention? I’m grateful for growth in this season and thankful that at any time I can change the course of how I see and respond to what’s happening around me.