Opinions expressed by entrepreneur associates are their own.
As a business owner, I am proud of my work ethic. I am a hard worker. I do things. I’m passing. I am strong, resilient and I do not take my eyes off the ball.
And for the longest time I thought it would all fall apart if I wasn’t worried or in a state of stress. It was as if somehow my anxiety and constant obsession kept it all going. It showed my commitment. And how could something to which I am so committed could fail?
Because it’s real fear, isn’t it? That everything will fall apart as soon as you dare to relax?
I have been constantly working on my own development since 2018. I have read all the recommended books. I wake up early. I dive cold. I keep a diary and practice. Like many others, I tried meditation, but how could I even have time to meditate and own a business? I have a million things to do! I run a company that manufactures and sells custom mouth guards. I am the CEO, CFO, technician, accountant, plumber, janitor and everything in between. My mind would go wild.
Luckily, I stuck to it and now it’s my number one thing I have to do every day. I put meditation above everything because I work best when I am relaxed, intentional, full of confidence and focused.
They say that daily meditation is a practice. It’s like a muscle that gets stronger every time you show up. And when you start getting it, things really get better. So why do it?
Meditation offers clarity
It sounds counterintuitive, but turning off your brain and thinking about nothing is exactly what the universe wants you to do. Strange things happen when you silence your mind and dissolve your ego. It is neutral, peaceful, and once you feel it, you will come back for more.
There is a time to reap, a time to sow, and there is a time for you to sit down and turn off that brain. The world will continue to wait when you return and you will be able to approach any issue with more confidence and clarity.
Related: 7 proven ways for meditation to prepare you for success
Minimizes excessive thinking
The late Thich Nhat Hahn and many other Zen leaders say we all think too much. And when we are trapped in our minds, we are not very free. Our body is present, but our mind is somewhere else.
This leads to the fact that we are not able to give our best. When we give our best (which is only achieved by holding on to the present moment), we are in a position to be of service to others. This is an act of love. And remember Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion: There is an equal and opposite reaction to every action. What did you throw out the will come back.
Your brain is exhausted from all thinking. Become softer; adjust to breath; just be. The present moment is usually the perfect place to exist. Don’t waste anything, especially not time. In fact, you acquire it because you learn how to really live.
Related: How meditation can help you form a clear business vision
It connects us to our center
When we are in tune with the universe, we are in a state of flow. You can feel it when you are in a state of flow and you can certainly feel it when you are out of it.
Many of us swim upstream every day. We emphasize and normalize it. We say things like “Everyone I know is stressed and busy. It’s just life. “
But life is lived through our unique lens. Shut the mind. Dare to let go - there is magic in it.
Related: What every entrepreneur can gain from awareness
Closing remarks
Guided meditations abound on YouTube. For example, Muji is a great Zen leader who has many wonderful meditations that are available for free.
Remember, be patient. Sit in a quiet room and inhale and exhale. Focus on your breath and remember to be kind to yourself. If your thoughts wander, don’t scold yourself. Think of your thoughts as passing clouds and redirect your mind back to breath. In and out; don’t think about anything.
Your mind will wander. Be strict with the mind and gently lead it back to nothingness. Do this every day as long as you have time to sit. Don’t skip the day. Stay with it.
As the muscle gets stronger, it will become easier and a completely new way of being will begin to reveal itself to you, and because of that, you will be a better business owner. I know I did.