8 ways to perform better through focus and mindfulness

Productivity is a buzzword that’s thrown around in the business world an awful lot lately. As a result of the economic downturn a few years ago, a top priority for companies is to get the biggest return from their employees. Here are eight tips from entrepreneur coach Martin Swilling for improving your performance at work through focus.

1 Stay present and engaged
Mindfulness is built on presence in the current task. Pay full attention to the people, objects and ideas around you and be present and engaged with clients at meetings.

2 Be rational
Patience is key here. Stay calm in every situation by taking a few breaths and thinking about your response. React rationally rather than on impulse.

3 Be honest and constructive
Show kindness. By being respectful and understanding so when interacting with your colleagues during a big project, you can improve everyone’s productivity.

4 Keep an open mind
Approach every situation with a “beginner’s mind” by keeping previous experiences in the past. Coming into a project with preconceived notions keeps you from being perceptive to new and better ways of doing things.

5 Accept defeat
Understand that not every problem has an easy solution. Recognise when you’re in over your head and seek help early on to avoid a long struggle to fix it yourself.

6 Maintain balance
Identify those tasks that come easy to you and the ones that give you trouble. When you’re aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you can change your level of quick distraction and long-term avoidance.

7 Find joy in your work
Because most of us are “always on” these days, it’s important to identify activities at work that make you happy. Aim to do this task every day.

8 Let go of distractions
Letting go helps you clear your mind and refocus on the task at hand. Let go of problems that are stuck in your head and distractions. Practice by relaxing and taking a moment to refocus.

Read the original article for Forbes at onforb.es/1iYSEKd