9 Mindfulness Books for Project Managers: Becoming Hyper Focused & Effective.

9 Mindfulness Books for Project Managers: Becoming Hyper Focused & Effective.

Mindfulness, it’s a word that’s been cropping up more and more lately. You see it on bumper stickers, in self-help books, and even in the business section of your local bookstore.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. It’s about living in the present instead of being caught up in the past or worrying about the future.

So, what does mindfulness have to do with project management? Well, as it turns out, a lot.

Mindfulness can help you:

• Focus: As a project manager, you’re constantly being pulled in a million different directions. There are deadlines to meet, emails to answer, and meetings to attend. It can be difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. Mindfulness can help you stay present and focused on the task at hand. When you’re mindful, you’re not thinking about the million other things you have to do. You’re not worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. You’re simply focused on the present moment. This focus can help you stay calm and collected under pressure, which is a valuable skill for any project manager.
• Reduce stress: Mindfulness can help you reduce stress by teaching you how to focus on the present moment. When you’re focused on the present, you’re not worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. This focus can help you stay calm and collected under pressure, which is a valuable skill for any project manager.I
• Make better decisions: One of the most important aspects of project management is making decisions. You have to be able to weigh the pros and cons of each option and make a decision that’s in the best interest of the project. This can be difficult to do when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Mindfulness can help you clear your mind and focus on the task at hand. This clarity can help you make better, more informed decisions.
• Promote creativity: If you want to be a successful project manager, you need to be able to think outside the box. Mindfulness can help you tap into your creative side and come up with new and innovative solutions to problems.

If you’re looking to add mindfulness to your project management toolbox, here are 9 books that can help you get started.

1. “Mindsight”

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Dr. Dan Siegel, a UCLA faculty member and renowned neuropsychologist, coined the term “mindsight” to describe our human capacity to perceive the mind of the self and others. It is a powerful lens through which we may more clearly comprehend our inner lives, integrate the brain, and improve our connections with others.

Mindsight is a type of concentrated attention that allows us to see the inner workings of our minds. It aids in the shedding of established behaviors and conditioned responses. It allows us to “name and tame” our emotions rather than being overcome by them.

2. “Awareness”

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In Awareness by Anthony De Mello, you learn how to live a more fulfilling life. You learn that you have been viewing reality through filters that were created from your earliest childhood experiences. These filters cause you to feel negative emotions without knowing why.

However, if you change your perspective by gaining insight into the illusions you have created, then you can detach yourself from the negative emotions that come from events, actions, words, and labels. This detachment allows you to live in a state of mind that is not affected by the negative things in life.

He says there are four steps to gaining this detachment:

1. Notice the negative emotions that you feel.
2. Understand that these emotions are coming from your own thoughts and beliefs, not from reality itself.
3. Don’t identify with the thoughts and beliefs that are causing the negative emotions.
4. Change comes by observing things as they are, not by trying to change them.

3. “Radical Acceptance”

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In “Radical Acceptance”, Tara Brach paints a picture where society is living in a state of “unworthiness”. We are constantly berating ourselves for not being good enough, and we feel that we need to do more to be accepted.

She argues that the root of our suffering is our unwillingness to accept ourselves as we are. We judge ourselves harshly, and we compare ourselves to others. We try to control our thoughts and emotions, but this only leads to more suffering.

Brach offers a different way of living—one where we accept ourselves completely, even our flaws and imperfections. This doesn’t mean that we become complacent; rather, it means that we are kinder to ourselves and we allow ourselves to be vulnerable.

When we radically accept ourselves, we can also radically accept others. We can see them as they are, without judgment or comparison. This leads to more compassionate and fulfilling relationships.

4. “The Power of Now”

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In “The Power of Now”, Eckhart Tolle teaches readers how to live in the present moment. He argues that our lives are consumed by past thoughts and future worries, and this prevents us from fully experiencing the present.

Tolle offers a different way of living—one where we are aware of the present moment and focus on the here and now. This doesn’t mean that we ignore our past or our future; rather, it means that we live in the present and we let go of our attachment to the past and future.

When we live in the present, we are more mindful of our thoughts and emotions, and we can make better decisions. We are also more connected to our surroundings, and we can enjoy life more fully.

5. “The Miracle of Mindfulness”

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In this clear practical guide, Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh shares his simple techniques for cultivating mindfulness. Through gentle anecdotes and practical exercises, you will learn how to be more present in each moment and awaken to the beauty of life around you. No matter how small or big the task at hand may seem, you can use these techniques to work toward greater self-understanding and peace.

This book is already considered a classic, praised for its warm and lightly amusing style. Through mindful speaking, acting, working, and participating in the world, it advocates for the extension of meditation into action.

It contains seven short chapters that introduce mindfulness meditation, as well as one long chapter with exercises to get you started and serve as a guide for future practice.

6. “Mindfulness for Beginners”

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In this book, you will learn how to use mindfulness to reduce stress, ease anxiety and depression, and cope with chronic pain. You will also learn how to be more present in your everyday life and find greater satisfaction in your work and relationships.

With easy-to-understand instructions and guidance, Jon Kabat-Zinn shows you how to use mindfulness to achieve a healthy mind and body. He also includes several exercises and meditations that you can do on your own or with a group.

“Mindfulness for Beginners” invites you to discover the joy of living in the present moment, and how you can use mindfulness to create a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

7. “Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living”

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In this book, Pema Chödrön shows you how to use mindfulness and compassion to transform your life. She provides simple yet powerful teachings that you can use to deal with difficult times, work with your emotions, and find true happiness.

Pema Chödrön also offers guidance on how to develop a compassionate attitude toward yourself and others. With her down-to-earth approach, she shows you how you can start where you are and make positive changes in your life.

“Start Where You Are” is an invaluable guide for anyone who wants to improve their life and relationships. It is also a perfect introduction to the teachings of Pema Chödrön.

8. “Altered Traits”

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In “Altered Traits,” Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson explore the science of mindfulness and how it can be used to improve your health, well-being, and performance. This book brings a lot of clarity to what the newer research is showing about mindfulness meditation.

Goleman and Davidson reveal their research findings on the benefits of mindfulness, including how it can help you reduce stress, increase focus, and boost your immune system. They also dispel some of the myths about mindfulness and show you how you can use it to live a happier and more productive life.

“Altered Traits” is an essential guide for opening up to anyone who wants to learn how to practice mindfulness based on the most up-to-date scientific research. This book carries the power of transformation and can surely help you live a more fulfilling life.

9. “10% Happier”

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“10% Happier” is about Dan Harris’ journey from being a skeptic to becoming a mindfulness meditation practitioner. He candidly shares his struggles with anxiety and how mindfulness has helped him overcome them.

This book was birthed out of an on-air panic attack that Harris had while reading the news. It led him on a quest to find out what was wrong with him and how he could fix it. This eventually led him to mindfulness meditation.

In “10% Happier”, Harris explores the science of happiness and how mindfulness can help you find it. He provides an accessible and down-to-earth introduction to mindfulness meditation. He also includes helpful tips on how you can start your practice.

This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about mindfulness and how it can help you lead a happier and more fulfilling life. It is also a great read for skeptics who need a little convincing that mindfulness is worth their time.

Putting it all together: Making mindfulness work for project managers

If you’re looking to incorporate mindfulness into your project management practice, here are some tips to get you started:

• Make time for daily mindfulness practice, even if it’s just 10 minutes. You can do this first thing in the morning or during your lunch break.
• Set aside time each week to reflect on your progress and challenges. This will help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and how they affect your work.
• Use a journal to track your thoughts and feelings. This will help you notice patterns and areas where you need to focus your attention.
• Be patient with yourself and don’t expect miracles overnight. Mindfulness takes time and practice to master.
• Start small and build up gradually. If you try to do too much at once, you’ll likely get overwhelmed and give up.