Let me pose another scenario to illustrate the importance of intentionality and mindfulness.

A surgeon is educated to perform a precise task. When you learn that you require surgery, you naturally want a surgeon who instills confidence, has the skills, and who has plans to proceed. Most of us would quickly point out our unwillingness to go forward into surgery with an ill-prepared surgeon.

Yet we often speak before we think. Then it is too late for us to put the sharp scalpel we refer to as our tongue back into our mouths that wagged too soon. We wish we could have a second chance. You may hear the familiar ring of the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” – Oscar Wild or Will Rogers.

Once a surgeon has cut off the wrong limb or removed the body part that was not infected, the damage is done. Likewise, when we blurt out words or reactions without considering their consequences, we may cause irreparable damage. Thoughtless words spoken in the heat of the moment are easier said and challenging to undo.

We have much influence over what and how we say what’s on our minds. We do this by mastering the art of mindfulness. We use it as performing artists to sing and dance. It steadies the hand of a sculptor and sharpens the eye of the designer to capture the just right drape, colors, and fabrics in a collection of garments.

For those unaware of my background, my formative years were spent as a figure skater, then a coach. Mindfulness is paramount for a figure skater executing multi-revolution jumps with the goal of landing gracefully on less than a quarter inch of steel. It equally supports executives who are consistently on the go, leading teams of people through complex projects that require an eye on the budget, another on the client, and still another on the company and its competing priorities.

Mindfulness ultimately boils down to how effectively you execute your responsibilities as a leader and communicate in such a way that engages and inspires people to take pride in their work and put in the time necessary. It’s about being deliberate and mindful of what we say and do to accomplish the set goal.