5 Reasons Busy People Struggle With Mindfulness and What to Do About It!

Hello! Jon Macaskill here, former Navy SEAL commander turned mindfulness coach from the?Men Talking Mindfulness podcast ;?The Deliberate Discomfort Challenge ; and?Macaskill Consulting/Keynote Speaking. ?This is the weekly Mindfully Happy Newsletters from us to help you become happier, healthier, and more stress free in 2023!

Mindfulness can be “tricky” and, though it’s a simple process, it’s not always easy to understand or implement in our busy lives! Below, I’ve outlined 5 reasons busy people (executives, entrepreneurs, parents, and others!) struggle with mindfulness and what to do about it.

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. In recent years, mindfulness has become a popular topic in the business world, with many executives recognizing the benefits it can bring to their personal and professional lives. However, despite the potential benefits, some struggle to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routine.?

Here are five reasons why this may be the case, along with some suggestions for overcoming these challenges:

1. Lack of time: One of the most common reasons people struggle with mindfulness is that they simply don't have the time to practice it. With demanding schedules, it can be difficult to carve out the time needed to sit quietly and focus on the present moment. To overcome this challenge, it's important to prioritize mindfulness and make it a part of your daily routine, even if it's just for a few minutes at a time. Consider setting aside a specific time each day to practice mindfulness, such as first thing in the morning or before bed.
2. Difficulty focusing: Another reason many may struggle with mindfulness is that they have difficulty focusing their attention on the present moment. This can be especially true for those who are used to constantly multitasking and are always on the go (more on “mono-tasking” and its benefits in the future). To improve your focus, try incorporating mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or body scans into your daily routine. These practices can help you relax and focus your attention on the present moment.
3. Distractions: In today's digital age, it's easy to get distracted by the constant influx of emails, texts, and notifications. This can make it difficult to stay focused on mindfulness practices. To overcome this challenge, try turning off your phone or other distractions while practicing mindfulness. You may also want to consider finding a quiet, peaceful place to practice mindfulness, such as a park or a meditation room.
4. Negative thoughts: Another challenge many may face when trying to practice mindfulness is negative thoughts or self-doubt. It's natural to have negative thoughts from time to time, but they can be particularly distracting when trying to focus on the present moment. To overcome this challenge, try using mindfulness techniques such as self-compassion and self-acceptance to acknowledge and accept your negative thoughts, rather than getting caught up in them.
5. Resistance to change: Finally, some many people may struggle with mindfulness simply because they are resistant to change. This can be especially true for those who are used to fast-paced, high-stress environments and are hesitant to slow down and focus on the present moment. To overcome this resistance, it's important to keep an open mind and be patient with yourself as you learn and incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Remember that it takes time and practice to develop mindfulness skills, and it's okay to take things at your own pace.

Overall, mindfulness can be a powerful tool for those looking to improve their personal and professional lives. While there may be challenges to incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, with patience and practice, it's possible to overcome these obstacles and reap the benefits of a more mindful approach to life.

Please let me know if you’ve got any questions or anything you’d like to see incorporated into future newsletters. If you'd like to sign up to have these sent to your email, here's a link for that too ! Have a wonderful week!

With utmost respect and gratitude,

Jon