The MINDful Cycle

**This blog was originally published on iB-LIEVE's blog (www.GOiBELIEVE.com/blog)**

Much of what we learn, we learn from watching others. Whether it is a science experiment, how to kick a soccer ball, or leadership techniques - by observing others, we acquire new information – we learn. This certainly happens in childhood during our developmental years, but it doesn’t end there. Throughout the entirety of our lives, we constantly take in information on how to complete tasks. As leaders, we can use this knowledge to model how we want those with whom we interact to engage in their work.

When we are mindful, that is, being present and connected to that single task at hand, we are able to concentrate in a way that enables us to complete it quicker and more successfully than if we engaged in it distractedly. When we are mindful, we model behavior that encourages others to stay focused and present on their own tasks. This then leads to success and accomplishment of those individuals which leads to the success and accomplishment for the team or organization with which we are a part.

But let me be clear. Mindfulness does not mean being cold, closed-ff, or bored. Mindfulness is also about finding ways to make those typically mundane tasks enjoyable. Being present to those activities means creating ways to enjoy the experience. It’s actually a cycle. When we enjoy an experience, we are more connected to it. And when we are more connected to our work, it provides more meaning. When we have meaning for the things we do, we enjoy the experience. With that, I hope we can all find ways to be more mindful in our daily tasks. For me, I’ll start with being more mindful in writing my next blog. What will you begin with?