Let's Talk About Mindfulness and Personal Development

Here at the Rules of Thumb blog from MoneyThumb.com our focus is normally on accounting, small business and personal finance issues and advice. Today we are going to veer from the norm and discuss mindfulness, success and personal development. In this modern age of enlightenment, so many successful business people have discovered the truth: our success begins with us and what is going on in our minds and bodies.

Let's Talk About Mindfulness and Personal Development

Even though we have evolved as a species, there are still those whose minds instantly picture a guru in an ashram when they think of mindfulness. They may even believe that the practice of meditating and being mindful are silly things done by people with their heads in the clouds.

Today we are going to debunk that myth with words and advice on mindfulness and personal development from a couple of well-known people who have found success by concentrating not on the endgame but on the journey, on mindfulness and living in the moment, and are enjoying their lives and their successes-even their failures-in a way they have never before experienced.

Let's start with an article that discusses exactly what was expressed above; Even though we have evolved as a species, there are still those whose minds instantly picture a guru in an ashram when they think of personal development. They may even believe that meditating and being mindful is a silly thing done by people with their heads in the clouds. 

Mindfulness, Myths and More has this to say, "Mindfulness has become perceived as this “practice” this “thing” that we “do,” and schedule time to “do,” where we sit cross-legged on some fluffy cushion in silence for hours, even a full day, and then go brag about it to the rest of the world.  The sitting on the cushion practice especially irritates me."

The website counters this myth by adding the evidence of what research shows mindfulness does for our lives.

• Increases awareness and attention
• Reduces stress and coping habits
• Increases happiness and well-being
• Increases morale and collaboration

Side note: On a personal level, I have been following what they today call "Gurus" for over 30 years, who back years ago were simply considered teachers helping people to live a better life. Life coaches like Wayne Dyer, for instance, and Tony Robbins, even Dr. Phil. These professional lifestyle coaches helped me through many trying times and also motivated me to strive for personal development and thus, success. That is one of the reasons I feel so strongly about this subject. I know that mindfulness works. 

Now, onward with our journey to discover advice from a few other successful people and the tactics they have used to improve their personal lives and business success through mindfulness:

Since I brought up Tony Robbins, if you are curious and/or new to the practice of mindfulness as it relates to success and personal development, here is an article from the Master himself, THE NEW BRAND OF MINDFULNESS: 6 WAYS TO BE MINDFUL IN THE MODERN WORLD.

One of my favorite passages from the article is this one,  "Throughout the day, be mindful of where your thoughts, feelings, words and actions are coming from. Ask yourself, is this coming from my ego? That is, my need to be special, better and unique? Or is it coming from a place of love? If it is coming from a place of love, then this is your authentic self.

Is it love, or is it ego? This question can be applied for everything from why you want to pursue a certain goal, to how you react when your partner does something you don’t agree with. Either way, it will help you shed the layers that mask your authentic self, and help you understand who you truly are on a more intimate level."

As I write this, I realize that this article from Huffington Post covers many experiences and opinions from those who have used mindfulness to improve their lives. The article is titled The Daily Habit Of These Outrageously Successful People, and the very first sentence proves the point of this blog post I am writing, “Meditation more than anything in my life was the biggest ingredient of whatever success I’ve had.” That’s what Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates — the world’s largest hedge fund firm, had to say about personal development and success.

If you have any questions or comments concerning this blog post, please don't hesitate to let us know below. Also, would you share this on your social media channels? Your peers who are on the journey to a better way of living would appreciate and so would we!