THE LONG RUN

How many times have you decided to do something, done the planning, really felt good about your decision, and then quit? For many people that happens at the beginning of the year. New Year’s Resolutions are (in)famous for being broken, but this isn’t about losing 10 pounds or giving up, ahh, colorful language. This is about how mindfulness and meditation keep you engaged with your goals and aims, large and small.

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Through using meditation to maintain peak performance over time you increase your mental resilience. You become fortified against the strains of stress and burnout. With greater mental resilience, you develop the tools to weather the storms and navigate the peaks and valleys of your pursuits with equanimity.

Using meditation to maintain peak performance over time also involves the practice ofintentional rest. What the…? Yes, a little time spent doing nothing can make you more productive! The value of downtime is in how it refreshes and sustains your vitality and creativity. Listen, world-class athletes understand that they only perform at their best when they have the proper recovery.  Their body and mind need to recharge after a strenuous effort. Through intentional rest, you carve out moments of stillness and rejuvenation that replenish your energy and focus.

I’m not suggesting you sit in full lotus just wishing and hoping  Try the mindful pause practice. This is a break in the flow of activity, in which you engage in a brief meditation or mindfulness exercise. This practice allows you to regroup, center yourself, and return to your tasks with renewed clarity and focus. This can be as simple as closing the door to your office and being quiet for 5 minutes. You can even take a walk between sales calls. At home with 2 needy kids? Go in the bathroom, close the door, and give yourself a minute to breathe. By incorporating mindful pauses throughout your day, you create a rhythm of balance that supports your ongoing performance.

Another technique is mindful reflection and goal setting. This is one you can schedule once a week, each month, or every quarter. Find a quiet corner where you sit down to reflect on your achievements, challenges, and aspirations. Through reflection, you gain insights into your progress and identify areas for growth. By setting goals mindfully, you create a roadmap that aligns your actions with your aspirations, ensuring that your peak performance remains intentional and sustainable.

 Through using meditation to maintain your performance over time, you are the steward of your vitality. This impetus shapes your positive mindset, gives you a sense of equilibrium, and is a testament to the remarkable power of mindfulness to sustain your excellence over time.