Are you there?

Are you there yet? "Yes?" Be there!

Good day, everyone.

I hope this newsletter meets you well. Sending you the best wishes this new month. How was January?

It’s another episode of our bi-weekly newsletter.

Having gone through thinking big and evading procrastination, by Allah's grace, I'd be sharing with you, the habit of practising mindfulness.

Read on…

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be conscious of one's thoughts, feelings and surroundings. It's widely acknowledged that distractions are the major oppositions to being mindful.

Distraction is one of the cheapest commodities that anyone can afford to buy. Distractions are of different forms, and the pressing issue is, they are everywhere around us. We're usually tempted to multitask in every one of our daily activities. Getting yourself back after being distracted takes a lot of time.

Some tips proven to practice mindfulness skills comes next:

1. When you are somewhere, be there.

My geography tutor back in secondary school has a favourite saying. It is, "You are either for this course or you are not. No room for hanging." This applies to our routine. Doing multiple things at a time can lead to low productivity.

Do a thing at a time and do it well.

Multitasking has proven to be useful in some cases, but for how long?

Being mindful begins with concentration and focus —to yield the desired output.

2. Work on your self-discipline.

Be principled and ensure you do not go beyond the scope of your principles. Mark Manson in one of his books, said: People with strong boundaries are not afraid of a temper tantrum, an argument, or getting hurt. People with weak boundaries are terrified of those things and will constantly mould their behaviour to get the highs and lows of their emotional roller coaster.

Respectfully request to be left alone. A polite statement like, "let's have this discussion later, as I've to study now.", " I can't tag along, I have to take a nap before the next lecture."

When you are principled, you won't have problems with being mindful(except on an otherwise case, though). Being principled would help a lot. Do not mind wagging tongues as people would always talk. You are doing what matters to you, and that's it.

3. Be goal oriented and intentional.

Even if you are so anxious about your goals and aspirations, know you can't be everywhere at a time. You can't do everything at a time. Know what you are supposed to do and when. Know where you are supposed to be and when.

Organise your schedule properly and you'd be surprised at how speedy it is to crush them all, rather than doing it all at a time.

• In addition to the point made above, an unprincipled person finds it hard to be mindful, as they do not have strong boundaries protecting them.

The greater control you exercise over your time, the greater freedom you'll experience. With Allah's aid, when gaining control of your time, you will gain control of your life.

Continuous practice, consistency and dedication would help adapt to this skill. Yes, we can.

Summary.

• Being mindful would help save a lot of time, as getting yourself after being distracted isn’t as easy as just beginning.

• Do not be afraid to tell people you need to be focused.

• And yes, be mindful. Be focused.

Have a productive day, week, and month.

Do not forget the need to stay safe.

With Love,

- Roqeebat Bolarinwa.