This article was originally published in the Winter 2023 issue of ICON/REFINED.

In today’s society, we’ve become masters of going through the motions. Our attentions are pulled in several hundred directions at any given time, and there’s no shortage of competitors vying for our time. Saying we’re scattered would be an understatement. 

Which is no bueno if you’re attempting to run a business that demands careful consideration and planning. If you’re constantly multitasking, worrying about future plans, and finding yourself otherwise physically present but mentally checked out, there’s little time to cultivate the skills you need as a leader, such as focus and a flare for innovation, decision-making and creative thinking, and stress management. These qualities don’t just ensure the health of your business, but your health as an individual, too. 

Mindfulness, or the practice of being in the present moment, can boost your entrepreneurial skills and help you stand out as a leader in your industry. Entrepreneurship is a demanding journey, but it doesn’t have to be one that sacrifices well-being for success—in fact, the two work cohesively once mindfulness is involved. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that entrepreneurs can leverage to enhance their leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and overall quality of life. By integrating these practices into their daily routines, entrepreneurs can not only thrive in their business endeavors but also lead balanced, fulfilling lives. 

Enhance Leadership Skills & Motivation

Leadership is a cornerstone of entrepreneurship. Successful leaders possess qualities such as empathy, resilience, and adaptability. We’ve all had bosses or managers who decidedly do not possess these qualities: They appear to be only out for themselves, make decisions that don’t take the team’s health into account, and fly off the handle when things don’t go their way. On the other hand, we’d bet you view exceptional leaders in your career as mentors or something to aspire to. These leaders take the time to get to know you as an individual, understand exactly what motivates or demotivates you, and consider how they can manage your workload to inspire your best output. 

Successful leaders understand that there are many ways to get to an end goal—this is where innovation comes in. Whatever the desired outcome, admired leaders know that winning in business means that their teams win too—after all, what good is it to reach a goal if you’ve alienated, overworked, and completely burnt out your team? In order to sustain success, leaders must be adaptable, flexible, and open to fresh ideas on how to win—and keep winning. Innovation asks you to think outside the box and cultivate a creative, trusting approach. 

Mindful leaders are in tune with their emotions and those around them. Mindfulness helps entrepreneurs develop these attributes by promoting self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

This allows them to make informed, empathetic decisions and build strong, collaborative teams. By practicing mindfulness, entrepreneurs can learn to manage their emotions, reduce stress, and improve their ability to relate to others, while embracing the leaps of faith and quick pivots that innovation often calls for. 

The Power of Breaks

Regular breaks, even short ones, can boost productivity and creativity. Entrepreneurs who schedule breaks to relax, meditate, or engage in hobbies are better equipped to handle the demands of their business.

Boost Decision-Making & Focus

In the entrepreneurial landscape, decisions are made at the drop of a hat, and the ability to remain calm and focused amid chaos is invaluable. Often faced with high-stakes decisions that can impact the future of their business, having the ability to summon clear-headed thinking in times of stress is a non-negotiable skill. Think of any time you’ve been pressured to make a call: Maybe it was a hiring decision, an opportunity to expand, or a situation that called for a clear boundary to be made. None of these decisions are taken lightly for an entrepreneur who’s invested in the success of their business—the right decision can skyrocket productivity and revenue, while the wrong one can ruin relationships or future plans. Staying rational, focused, and informed, and being able to deploy those qualities even when the pressure is on or emotions are at play, is integral for any entrepreneur. 

Mindfulness offers a path to summoning a clear head when needed. Mindfulness enhances decision-making by fostering clarity of thought and reducing cognitive biases. Mindfulness equips entrepreneurs with the tools to filter out the noise and focus on the essentials. By embracing meditation practices that train the mind to let go of unnecessary clutter, entrepreneurs can approach decision-making with greater clarity and discernment. This shift allows them to make choices based on rational analysis rather than impulsive reactions.

Manage Stress & Self-Care

The life of an entrepreneur can be a relentless rollercoaster ride, and chronic stress and burnout are common. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a challenge many entrepreneurs face. The constant demands of a business often overshadow personal time and relationships. And let’s be real: Sometimes it’s necessary to schedule client calls during off-hours or work for way too long without taking a break—entrepreneurs shouldn’t be shamed for that. After all, building an empire requires sacrifices to be made. But it’s when the sacrifices are constantly at the expense of your overall well-being that things get tricky. At the end of the day, you likely went into business for yourself because you craved freedom and financial independence. The scales might tip when you realize that you’re holding those things in the palm of your hands—but you’re too stressed out, burnt out, and disassociated from joy in your personal life to actually enjoy them.  

In the whirlwind of entrepreneurship, the concept of self-care often takes a backseat. Entrepreneurs may consider it a luxury they can’t afford, but it’s a necessity that can lead to greater productivity and creativity. Entrepreneurs who prioritize self-care activities, such as spending quality time with loved ones or engaging in hobbies, discover that it rejuvenates their spirits and bolsters their decision-making abilities. 

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive either—forget the spa days or treating yourself to lavish gifts. Instead, think of self-care as simply prioritizing personal time and nurturing relationships outside of work. Self-care practices such as setting boundaries, taking breaks, and seeking support are crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health. These moments of respite are not counterproductive; in fact, they’re a secret weapon that recharges an entrepreneur’s energy and creativity.

The Entrepreneur’s Dilemma

While dedication to one’s business is admirable, neglecting personal life can lead to isolation and decreased happiness. Entrepreneurs who make time for family, friends, and leisure activities often find that it rejuvenates their spirit and enhances their decision-making abilities.

Become More Mindful

Mindfulness, often associated with meditation and present-moment awareness, is a mental practice that cultivates a heightened sense of self-awareness and clarity. For entrepreneurs who are frequently juggling multiple tasks, navigating complex challenges, and dealing with uncertainty, mindfulness can be a game-changer. By cultivating present-moment awareness, entrepreneurs can gain a profound understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and reactions. This self-awareness provides them with the invaluable ability to detach from the frenzy of daily operations, assess situations objectively, and make informed decisions. 

Mindfulness doesn’t have to take up your whole day, but it does require some practice—especially if you’re new to it. We’ve rounded up some ways to integrate mindful moments into your daily schedule (see sidebar “Your Day, Mindfully”), but in short, being mindful involves exactly that: Being in the present moment and recognizing distractions for what they are—without letting them derail you. Some ways to practice this seemingly easy (yet daunting) task is to eat a meal without the TV on or your phone near you—simply enjoy the tastes and silence; having a conversation with your partner and listening to their words rather than thinking of what you’ll say next; or watching your kid’s soccer game without mentally organizing your schedule for the following day. 

Yoga is another powerful way to practice mindfulness. Yoga emphasizes deep breathing and relaxation techniques, serving as potent antidotes to stress. The control over one’s breath, or pranayama, found in yoga, helps reduce cortisol levels and induces a sense of calm. Breath control is a central component of yoga. Entrepreneurs who engage in pranayama techniques experience reduced stress, increased oxygen flow to the brain, and improved concentration—essential qualities for effective leadership and decision-making.

However you choose to practice being in the present moment, keep in mind that it’ll likely be a challenging task at first. You’ve probably become accustomed to picking apart any distraction or thought that enters your brain. Give yourself time and space to practice focusing on the present moment, whether that’s through short, dedicated activities in your day, or by scheduling yourself into a weekly yoga class. Mindfulness doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing practice—in time, it’ll become easier, and any level you master will net you noticeable benefits in both your personal and professional life. 

Get a Boost

The sedentary nature of office work and the stress associated with entrepreneurship can manifest physically, leading to discomfort and chronic health issues. Sitting at a desk or in meetings for extended periods can lead to physical discomfort and health issues. Yoga promotes physical strength, flexibility, and posture, all of which contribute to an entrepreneur’s overall well-being.

Your Day, Mindfully

Ready to level up your skills in the boardroom? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how entrepreneurs can incorporate more mindfulness into their daily routines.

Morning Mindfulness

Start the day with a mindfulness meditation session. This can be as short as 10 minutes, focusing on deep breathing and setting positive intentions for the day.

Mid-Day Yoga Break

Take a break during the workday to engage in a brief yoga session. Simple stretches and relaxation exercises can rejuvenate both the body and mind.

Mindful Decision-Making

Before making significant decisions, practice a brief mindfulness exercise to clear your mind and focus on the present moment. Examples can be deep breathing exercises or writing in a gratitude journal. This can help prevent impulsive choices and promote thoughtful deliberation.

Evening Self-Care 

Dedicate time in the evening to self-care. Whether it’s a warm bath, reading a book, or spending quality time with loved ones, prioritize activities that rejuvenate your spirit.

Weekly Yoga Class

Attend a weekly yoga class to deepen your practice and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. This can provide emotional support and foster a sense of belonging.

Monthly Retreats

Consider participating in mindfulness or yoga retreats to immerse yourself in these practices and gain fresh insights. Retreats offer a break from the daily grind and allow for deeper self-reflection.