Present Moment Advantage: Keep Your Head Where Your Feet Are
At the recent NZ Qualified Bookkeepers Association Conference, I had the opportunity to hear from some absolutely incredible speakers. On the mental health and wellness panel, they shared a powerful message about the importance of "keeping your head where your feet are" a simple but deep concept about staying fully present. It struck a chord with me because, as business owners, we’re constantly juggling responsibilities and future planning, often at the expense of the here and now. This idea of being mindful in each moment is not only essential for our mental wellness but also brings focus and clarity to our work.
Between work, family, and an endless list of things to get done, staying “in the moment” might seem impossible. Keeping your head where your feet are by focusing on the job or the person right in front of you is actually one of the most effective things you can do to feel grounded, especially in this busy world.
So let’s break down why being present matters and why learning to live in the moment is something worth working at. But remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about giving your best to what’s in front of you and seeing the difference that makes.
What Does It Actually Mean to "Keep Your Head Where Your Feet Are"?
At its core, it’s about being fully engaged in what you’re doing right now. Whether that’s a client call, filling an order, or planning your next move for your business, staying present helps you get the most out of what you’re doing. When we’re fully in the moment, we’re not just more productive, we’re happier. Our work has more quality, our relationships feel deeper, and we feel less pulled in a hundred directions.
Why Does It Matter?
Better Focus = Better Results
When you’re all in on one thing, it shows in the quality of your work. Single-tasking, or focusing on one thing at a time, means fewer mistakes and more thoughtfulness. Since we all know the time-sink that multitasking can be, focusing on the task at hand can save you a lot of time in the long run.
Stronger Connections
Whether it’s family, friends, clients, or colleagues, people will know when you’re really listening. The time we spend fully engaged with others builds trust and shows people they’re valued. Being present is something people feel, and it can be the difference between a good connection and a great one.
Less Stress
A huge chunk of stress comes from worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Keeping your attention in the present can help quiet the noise in your head and make space for calm, clear thinking. Mindfulness, even if it’s just five minutes of paying attention to your breathing, can be surprisingly effective to assist with this.
How to Actually Stay in the Moment
Tech Boundaries
Put your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb during the time you are wanting to focus at work. You can also do this for family meals, or your own downtime. Having a break from the notifications gives you a better chance to stay focused. Social media & Email can always wait; you being present in that moment is what’s important.
Breathe
Before you jump to the next thing, take a quick breath or two. This pause acts as a mental reset, which is especially helpful on those super busy days. You can even take a moment to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, providing a moment for you to build yourself up.
Single-Tasking
Commit to doing one thing at a time. If you’re working on something, give it your full focus until it’s time for a break. This is a hard one, but once you get into the habit of single-tasking, you’ll find yourself feeling less scattered and probably much more productive.
Mindfulness Moments
Being present doesn’t mean meditating for hours a day. Little moments, like noticing the sounds around you, focusing on your breathing, or tuning into what’s happening right in front of you, are all tiny ways to practice mindfulness. Over time, these small moments can help train your mind to stay grounded.
Ditch Perfection
As I said, none of this is about doing things perfectly. Life happens, and we all get distracted. Don’t be hard on yourself if your mind wanders. Just bring it back when you can. Even just a few moments of total presence each day can make a real difference to your mental health and your business.
Making it a Habit
Keeping your head where your feet are isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a habit that gets easier with practice. The more you work at it, the more natural it feels to stay in the now. Being fully present has a ripple effect and it changes how you show up, how you feel, and how you connect with others.
Next time you catch your mind racing to “what’s next, where to next, OMG I have so much to do this week” take a deep breath, and bring yourself back to where your feet are.
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, remember that I specialise in helping small business owners gain financial clarity, giving you the freedom to have those moments of presence and mindfulness.
