Today in the park, I captured a moment that just felt like the heart of being truly present. The scene was simple but meaningful: little birds, carefree and happy, dabbling by in a puddle, thoroughly enjoying themselves. This simple act of nature holds a mirror to the often overlooked power of being present in the moment, which I find deeply relevant not only to our personal lives but also to leadership and entrepreneurship.

Watching these birds, it struck me how effortless being in the moment and enjoyment contrasts sharply with the fast-paced, future-oriented mindset that dominates the business world. Leaders and entrepreneurs are frequently caught in the loop of planning, strategizing, and anticipating the next move. While these are essential aspects of leadership, the constant forward-looking can lead to a disconnection from the present moment, impacting decision-making, creativity, and wellbeing.

Mindful presence, the practice of being fully aware and engaged in the current moment, can offer a counterbalance. It encourages a state of openness and attentiveness to the here and now, which clears the head, lets us be more awake and focused, being able to be more productive and efficient.

Here are a few ways you as a leader can draw inspiration from our feathered friends:

1. Embrace the Pause:
   Just as birds pause to enjoy the puddle, you can benefit from intentionally creating small pauses in your day. Use these moments to simply be, without an agenda, allowing yourself to reconnect with your surroundings, your breathing and inner thoughts.

2. Engage Fully:
   When in a meeting or conversation, give it your undivided attention. This means setting aside distractions, including the endless to-do list in your mind. This creates not only better relationships but also leads to more productive and creative outcomes.

3. Practice Gratitude:
   Just as birds seem to find joy in the simplest act of playing in water, you can cultivate a habit of recognizing and appreciating the small wins and joys in your daily work life. This practice can shift the focus from what's lacking to what's abundant. Consider a gratitude journal where you jot down notes of positive experiences throughout your day.

4. Connect with Nature:
   The natural world operates on principles of presence and rhythm. Regularly spending time in nature, even if short, can help recalibrate our sense of time and presence, reducing stress and enhancing clarity and focus.

5. Lead with Understanding:
   Being present allows you to better perceive the emotions and thoughts of your team members. Empathy promotes a supportive environment where individuals feel seen and valued, leading to higher engagement and productivity.

When I work with creative executives to integrate mindful presence into their leadership style, they learn to lead with joy, heart, confidence, empathy, and purpose. The result is not only a more fulfilling and balanced leadership experience but also a more cohesive, motivated, and productive team. Just like the little birds in the puddle, we can learn to appreciate the richness of the present moment, leading to a more  joyful, and effective way of living and leading.

Let's allow ourselves to be inspired by the bird’s effortless joy and bring the essence of mindful presence into our lives and leadership.

Lilian Neunhoeffer is a top Executive Coach in NYC, transforming executives into conscious leaders radiating empathy, confidence, and heart. Learn more about working with her.