“Self-inquiry and self-reflection are the most powerful tools one can use to build your leadership style.” – Paul MacCormack, Founder of Mindful Island Consulting
Most folks in our industry are tuned into the value of reflection and quiet moments. When people hear the word mindfulness, many people envision someone sitting in silent meditation (although it can). You can also try journaling, going for walks, or just sitting in silence after the day is done. The important thing is to carve out space for yourself each day.
In a recent episode of Leadership on the Links, Paul jokes that, in the second half of his career, he was able to get twice as much work done in half the time–all because he allows himself proper rest. He no longer wastes time at working when he’s being unproductive.
Whether it is 10-minutes a day or an entire day off, taking time to self-reflect and meditate allows for greater creativity and problem-solving.
The more mindful you become, the more you’ll start to recognize patterns in your life. You’ll notice idiosyncrasies in yourself and better emphasize with others. You’ll also get to know where your limits are, so you know when to push and when to pull back.
Here are a few benefits of adopting a more intentional meditation practice:
- Patience. Like learning any new skill, repetition is your key to success. When we begin to practice a new skill, it takes dedication. With this intention, we naturally develop deeper patience.
- Flow. Deliberately making space for quiet time translates into more natural flow in your daily life. Things just seem to move at a different speed. The funny thing is that you still accomplish just as much (if not more) than you ever did before.
- Opinions. You discover that they matter far less than ever before (especially your own). You will begin to spend more time listening and you come to realize that most opinions are just that, opinions.
- Clarity. Seeing things with more clarity is always helpful. Situations which seemed huge before, take on far less urgency when you practice meditation.
- Ease. Similar to flow, life takes on a sense of ease. This doesn’t mean that life gets “easier”; it actually doesn’t change the regular comings and goings one bit. What it does change is your relationship with them.
- Blind Spots. By practicing meditation regularly, one is better able to see the defaults and blind spots that hamper us on a daily basis. When we can recognize our less desirable habits and apply a touch of self-compassion then we can work with them in a positive way.
For more insights and tips, please check out Paul’s information at https://www.mindfulisle.com/
About the Author
Paul MacCormack is the founder of Mindful Island Consulting, and has been part of the global turf family for almost 25 years. Working his way through the ranks as Greenskeeper, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent & General Manager has shown him the ups and downs of this industry. His career has given him a unique perspective on what it means to be a Mindful Super and has inspired him to share it with the industry as a whole.