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Summary.
We know the benefits of mindfulness — from less stress to steadier decision-making to emotional balance — and many of us have tried out meditation. But it’s hard to develop a consistent practice. The author offers four tips for making mindfulness a more regular part of your life, and therefore. First, try practicing with a group that can both hold you accountable and provide support when your commitment wavers. Second, decide on a time during which you’ll meditate and commit to it, no matter what. Third, you might work with an instructor who can give you advice on how to overcome some common derailers. Lastly, let go of any expectations you have about linear progress. Think of the times when meditating leaves you unsatisfied or even thinking that it isn‘t “working” as part of the process and even signs that you’re on the right track.Developing a sustainable meditation practice is hard. So hard, in fact, that when I start working with executives, most tell me that they’ve tried meditating, but only a very few report having a regular practice. This isn’t because they don’t see benefits. Many say things like, “I noticed a clear difference in how my day went when I started it with meditation — I would be more focused and less likely to get sidetracked.” Or, “On days I practice meditation, stresses would more easily flow off me.”