Embracing the Power of Detachment: A Path to Mindful Action
Mar 04, 2024
In a world obsessed with outcomes and results, it's easy to lose sight of the present moment. We become fixated on achieving a specific goal, measuring success by the end result rather than the journey itself. But what if we shifted our focus away from the outcome and towards the process? What if we learned to detach ourselves from the results and instead embraced the power of being present in our actions?
Detachment from results doesn't mean we no longer care about achieving good outcomes. Rather, it means that while we still want favorable results, they are not our sole purpose or primary focus. Instead, we prioritize being fully engaged in the present moment, fully immersed in the task at hand.
Much like the practice of meditation, where we learn to detach from thoughts and return our focus to the breath, detachment from results allows us to stay present in our actions. When the thought of the outcome arises, as it inevitably will, we acknowledge it and then let it go, redirecting our attention back to the task in front of us.
For example, consider the golfer who is fixated on breaking 80. If their sole focus is on the final score, they are likely to become distracted and lose focus on the shot at hand. Instead, by detaching from the outcome and focusing on each shot as it comes, they are able to stay present and fully engaged in their game.
The same principle applies in business. When we hyperfocus on short-term profits and share prices, we lose sight of the bigger picture. By detaching from these outcomes and focusing on the process of serving our customers and building a strong company culture, we set ourselves up for long-term success.
Detachment from results may seem counterintuitive at first, but it's essential for mindful leadership. By prioritizing our inner purpose and presence over the outcome, we free ourselves from the anxiety and stress of constantly chasing results. Instead, we focus on taking responsible actions and trusting that the results will follow in due course.
As the Bhagavad Gita teaches us, "The wise man lets go of all results, whether good or bad, and is focused on the action alone." By embracing the power of detachment, we can cultivate a mindset of mindfulness and presence in our actions, leading to greater fulfillment and success in all areas of our lives.
In his book "The Practicing Mind," Thomas Sterner beautifully summarizes the essence of detachment: "Focus on the process, not the product that the process was meant to achieve. It's a paradox. When you focus on the process, the desired product takes care of itself with fluid ease." So let us embrace the paradox of detachment and discover the transformative power of being fully present in our actions.
I wrote a book, Profit with Presence: The 12 Pillars of Mindful Leadership, which goes in to further detail about this topic and more.
Although the world is currently abuzz with the term “mindfulness,” some believe mindfulness is a fringe activity to be practiced before or after the workday, if at all. Too few business professionals take the time needed to be present and aware throughout the workday, which is counterproductive. Mindfulness is not only a path to personal success, but a sound business strategy.
My hope is to positively impact the world through infusing more mindfulness into business -- and it starts with each of us individually. Together, we can create a future where mindfulness is deeply embedded in our work culture, leading to greater well-being, productivity, and meaningful success for all.
I am available for select 1:1 coaching; workshop facilitation and key note speaking: email [email protected] with inquiries.
- Dr Eric Holsapple
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