I am trying to participate in Oprah and Deepak’s free 21 days of meditation. This is prompted by my desire to know for sure does meditation make entrepreneurs more successful. I am finding however that if I do not meditate FIRST thing in the morning, it does not happen. Wayne Dyer says “the daily practice of meditation is the single thing in [his] life that gives [him] a greater sense of well-being, increased energy,higher productivity at a more conscious level, more satisfying relationships, and a closer connection to God.” Like a lot of entrepreneurs, I want some of that in my life Then to my surprise, Russell Simmons made an appearance on a morning show to promote his new book, Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple.
One of his key messages is that you have to take the stillness from the mat into your life and into the work that you do. In a recent Entrepreneur post, Simmons said, “It’s also the most effective tool to help you achieve your goals.” The reasons he gives is that it makes you more focused and creative and will help you get over obstacles.
More profoundly Simmons quoted a Hindu scripture that says, “You have control over your work alone, never the fruit.”For him, “that means stop worrying about how much success you have (the fruit) and instead just stay focused on your work itself. Because when you embrace the process of your work, instead of focusing on the results, you’ll be much happier and do a much better job.”
I have plenty of instances as an entrepreneurial boomer when my ego suggested I was a failure. But in Wisdom of the Ages, Dyer says, that this is the best time to remind ourselves of our successes as leaders and to let our ego know that this is just something that happens on the path of successful leadership.
So here is what I propose to do over the course of the remaining 15 days of the Oprah and Deepak 21 days of Meditation in an effort to answer my own question of does meditation make entrepreneurs more successful:
1. Focus on my objectives for the day before I get up
2. Meditate within the first hour of rising
3. Be specific in my expressions of gratitude thorough-out
At the end of the day I want to feel this flexible both mentally and physically. What are your strategies for ensuring success?
Arelis Cintron says
I used to start my day writing down the things I was grateful for. I shifted it to include the things I was thankful for coming down the line. I wasn’t necessary listening to the quiet, but that is something I would like to try. 21 days makes a habit and it sounds like you might be making a great one! Let us know how it goes!
Patricia A Patton says
I will be sure to share.
Martina says
Meditation does work. I don’t practice now but this blog reminds me I need to start again. During orientation to medical school the dean, L. Thompson Bowles, M.D., I’ll never forget his name… told the us ( 1st year students) to sit back and relax..the competition to get there was over. he also told us to learn how to meditate. I was so excited about being there I tried to learn eveything they told me to learn…I learned to medititate…it got me thru a very difficult time in my 1st marriage. I can recall feeling as if I were floating, a warm breeze blew over my face and I could hear birds in the distance…OMG!! It was so peaceful. During this past week people are posting quotes by Dr. Maya Angelou all over the net…quite often and even in her last tweet reminds us to find that quietness and solitude.
Joyce@MommyTalkShow says
I have such a hard time meditating. My voice and thoughts are usually going a million miles an hour, especially first thing in the morning.
I had a bit of success though when I used a guided meditation app.
Brandi says
I really need something to give me legs to stand on. Going to see if meditation is the thing!
Patricia A Patton says
Gotta try everything Brandi
Sylvia Lewis says
I am loving Oprah & Deepaks meditations. But at Day 5, I stopped. Then, I re-started again and I am glad I did. For me, I start early in the morning. It helps me to focus and work. On the days that I meditated, I stopped worrying about things that I could not control. I replayed some of the sessions too!
Patricia A Patton says
I try not to worry but sometimes I get impatient, which for me is a form of worry. You have got to do day 10. Today on personal power was so awe inspiring. I really did have an AHA
Frances says
Nice post once again Patricia!
I’m sure meditation is awesome and I want to try it. I’ve just not taken the time to learn more about the techniques of meditating. I think the biggest thing I lack is the patience and commitment to sticking to it. I’d love to hear about your experience after the 21 days.
Frances
Patricia A Patton says
Thank you Frances. Do try it. It helps my patience. And when I really get into the quiet space my day is much improved. I will report back in 21 days.