The idea of mindfulness conjures “touchy-feeliness.” Meditation, incense, perhaps some herbal tea.
But Ellen Langer, a social psychology professor at Harvard University, is more straightforward about mindfulness.
She says it’s simply the act of noticing change. If you want to be more mindful, simply put yourself in a context where you can notice change and then engage. No wind chimes required.
I found this strategy+business interview with Professor Langer fascinating. The interview focuses on mindfulness for senior executives and business leaders, but there are lessons for solopreneurs, consultants, and small business owners as well.
Mindfulness for the Entrepreneurial Spirit
- To snap yourself out of auto-pilot behavior, change your physical context. If working from your home office is fostering bad habits, go find a co-working space with some new energy.
- Stop being certain about things. Re-evaluate some of the long-held attitudes and beliefs you’ve become stuck with over time. Take a second look at your assumptions.
- Explore different points of view, and notice how others express themselves. Find someone who will challenge your positions on a certain subject.
- Look at distractions as potential opportunities. New things that come into your environment should be inspected, appreciated, and used as fuel for growth.
- Think of the limitations you feel you have on your business right now. Are they real, or are they presumed limitations? How would you run your business if you assumed there were no limitations?
- People create context as well. Surround yourself with people who energize and challenge you.
- Noticing the things and people around you, in detail, makes you magnetic.
Take a moment and watch the video and interview linked above; what do you think? Can you find ways to incorporate mindfulness into your day-to-day business?
Featured image via Flickr CC: Umberto Salvagnin
