No More StoriesI was interviewed last week about how to generate more money in your business. A call-in guest asked, “What was your ‘a-ha’ moment that helped you triple your income in one year?” I responded in a way I never had before, “It was when I learned how important it was to live in the present moment.”

I do always talk about being present but it’s usually in reference to getting out of overwhelm and feeling more peace. But the truth is, when you are at peace you become a magnet to all of your desires. Therefore, being present in the moment is an overall good strategy for business.

This seemed to be the hot topic of the week because another client told me how he was having a challenge staying present. It was something Tom was actively focused on but still wasn’t sure how to do.

First of all, it’s not an easy practice if you’re not used to living this way. I have an infamous story about working with a coach for several months solid on being present. I thought it was torture and let her know that. I was not very coachable on the subject. Now I’m very grateful she didn’t fire me as the client. <grin>

What I’ve learned about making the practice of present moment awareness is to stop telling your stories. If you’re like most people, you have hundreds of stories you tell yourself all day long. They come in the form of beliefs and reactions to what you witness and experience.

For instance, my client Sarah was talking about one of her new clients that missed his first scheduled appointment with her. She made up several possible reasons why he was a no-show. None of them were positive and she got emotionally “hooked” by his behavior. She was very much in her head and not present in the moment.

A way to practice being in the moment in this scenario could’ve looked like this:

Client doesn’t call in at scheduled time. Sarah notices that she begins to make up stories about her client. She notices her emotional reaction and that her blood pressure is beginning to rise. Sarah takes a deep breath and observes her feelings. Rather than getting worked up about the situation she simply sits with her thoughts. She is not mad at the client or herself for potentially losing the client.

She surrenders to what is. The client didn’t show up. No more, no less. Now she can move on with her day rather than running all sorts of different stories and scenarios in her head about what this means about her client, her business and her as a business owner.

If you are whining or complaining in your head, you are telling a story. If you’re making an assumption about something or someone, you are making up a story.

All stories take you out of the moment because you will normally be ‘future forward thinking’ or digging into your history for prior experiences with this topic.

Fewer stories equal more peace. Like all new behaviors, it’s a practice. It’s been over a decade since I was in my “Being in the Moment Boot Camp” and I’m still practicing. Thankfully, the practice pays huge dividends.

What creative ways can you come up with to live more in the present?

Jeanna Gabellini, is a Master Business Coach who assists high achieving entrepreneurs, corporate leaders & their teams to leverage fun, systems and intentionality for high-octane results. An entrepreneur for 20 years she has a treasure trove of kick-butt tools to give you peace & profits.   A Gift For You! Get your complimentary Business Building Audio CD “Transforming from Chaotic Entrepreneur to Conscious Leader” for the entrepreneur who wants to be a SUPERpreneur: https://www.masterpeacecoaching.com/freecd

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Jeanna Gabellini
Yep, if nothing is a big deal then your energy will be neutral and you will allow all the "good" stuff in your life manifest much quicker! Cheers to the good stuff! Jeanna
Jill
Awesome Point. I catch myself making up stories in my head all the time. At least now, I am aware of what I am doing most of the time. So I just say to myself, STOP with the story and get back to reality. We all seem to make assumptions about our situation based on our perception of reality instead of just standing in that moment and realizing we have no idea why such and such just happened, it just did. So now is the time to accept it and keep moving forward with the stories you want to happen. It is what it is...