There is absolutely NO END to it… the incessant distractions of the modern world – cell phones, social media, text messages, emails, voicemails, calendar reminders, streaming TV, to-do lists, Amazon deliveries, deadlines. As a result, we’ve become master multi-taskers, but we’ve also become flops at being 100% present in almost any situation. I swear some days I can talk on the phone, listen to music, load the dishwasher, jot notes, compose a blog post in my mind, brew a cup of tea, and flirt with my husband all at the exact same time.
Lately, I’ve been focusing on the opposite of multi-tasking, being singularly focused on this moment and the people in it. As a skilled and practiced multi-tasker, I’m far from perfect, but I’m getting better.
I read recently about a firm whose company mantra is “Be here now.” They have it posted in their team meeting room and start each day and all their meetings with this request, allowing a moment for everyone in attendance to halt their racing thoughts, unpack the layers of multiple attentions, and focus on “being here now.” I LOVE this idea and the company value it declares. I’ve decided it is not only a worthy request but also a mantra from which I could gain a great deal.
And it really requires nothing more than a firm decision and the discipline of practice. Whether it’s dinner with my husband, a phone conversation with my son, a client call, a training session, an educational seminar I’m attending, or a meeting with my own team, being here now is the greatest gift I can give them and myself. When I do it, I notice that singular focus reduces misunderstandings and demonstrates respect and true empathy by engaging all my senses with the end result of higher quality work, better decisions, and a greater sense of service and connection.
When I adopt this approach of being present in the moment, I’m less inclined to even think about multi-tasking, but it takes some getting used to. I have to continuously remind myself to be here now when I start to wander in my mind or become distracted by emails or cell phone pings. It’s definitely a re-training of my brain.
The song “Little Wonders” by Rob Thomas says, “Our lives are made in these small hours, these little wonders, these twists and turns of fate,” a beautiful reminder that life is made in the now. This week, don’t be somewhere out there and miss the right here and the right now.
Comments
One of the best reminders ever. Oh how proud Ive been in the past to be a multi-tasker, getting things done even if I felt like a joyful octopus at the end of the day!
I shall stop being so busy and learn to BE HERE NOW more often! Thanks, Katherine for the reminder. ❤️❤️
Hello, are you THE Linda Miles?! If so, I want you to know that you have had the biggest influence on my 40-year dental career.
I came to dentistry with a degree in business administration, but no knowledge of dentistry whatsoever.
My doc sent me to your 3-day Institute and I came back “on fire”.
Although back then we worked with paper ledgers and hand-written recall reminder cards, all of your concepts and teachings stood the test of time. I have worked with many great consultants over the years and learned something from each of them, but your comprehensive program laid the groundwork for all the systems I have put in place.
Your passionate approach inspired me to be the best I can be and make a true career out of “working the front desk”.
Thank you, Linda, you truly made a difference in my career!
Sorry to hijack your post, Katherine. Thanks for this reminder to try and stay present with each task.
Bettina, no hijack here. I share your admiration of Linda and what she has done for my (and so many others’) careers. Happy to witness the impact she’s made on yours and even more thrilled that you took the time and the opportunity to write and tell her so on my blog! She’s one of our industry’s great gems and one of its most generous souls. Thanks for brightening both our days with your kind post.
Thank you, Miss Linda. It’s harder than I thought, but the rewards are truly BIG. I feel like you’ve always “been here now” with me.
So fun to read this thread – yes THE LINDA MILES 🙂