As a graduate of San Diego State University (Go Aztecs!), I knew that I wanted to speak and write about communication and leadership in the future. As an undergrad studying Speech Communication I was able to live in glorious San Diego, California for a few years. Today, as I visit San Diego to work with a client who wants to enhance their employee engagement through better communication, I am sitting on a balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I am listening to the waves crash on the shore and watching the surfers and the sunset.
It is glorious. And, it also makes me think. Why didn’t I do more of the wonderful things San Diego has to offer when I lived here in college? The most obvious answer, I was broke! But, I don’t think I took advantage of all the marvelous and free things. Why didn’t I walk on the beach more? Why didn’t I learn (or attempt) to surf? Why didn’t I spend more time listening to the ocean when I lived only 15 minutes away? The short answer is, I was too busy being a good student. I was too busy focusing on getting good grades. I was too busy. And, I missed it. I missed all the opportunities to enjoy the ocean. I graduated and headed to graduate school in the midwest, far away from the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean. And, I missed it.
What are you missing out on in life? What are you currently “too busy” to do and what might you miss when the opportunity is gone? As leaders we are often so focused on goal achievement that we forget to pause and savor the moment. Instead of always focusing on the next career step, let’s focus on enjoying where we are. Let’s savor the opportunities in the here and now. That way, when you get that promotion or take the next career step and things change, you won’t be looking back thinking “I missed it.”
If you don’t want to “miss out” on the holidays this year, learn to be more present by de-stressing with the practical tools described in this webinar.
Pamela Jett is a communication skills and leadership expert who knows that words matter! In her keynote presentations, workshops, books and online learning programs, she moves beyond communication theory into practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to create the kind of leadership, teamwork, and employee engagement results her clients want.