Do you ever find you have a good intention, and you then get either distracted or worried, and you don’t do the thing?

You’re going to eat healthily, then get distracted (and tempted) by the crisps in the cupboard.
You’re going to ask for more responsibility or a pay rise, then worry you won’t be able to do it or you’re being ungrateful.

You get the idea.

So why don’t we follow through on our good intentions?

I can think of a few reasons - the challenge I’m focusing on this week is that we’re getting distracted by the past or the future.

It is very rare that we are fully present. We’re generally thinking about the past (I can’t believe I said X to Y person, I’m an idiot) or thinking about the future (how should I say X to Y person so I don’t sound like an idiot) and applying judgement.

Pause for a moment and notice what you’re thinking right now, here are some examples:

- Where’s Kat going with this (future)

- Is this linked to what she said in her last blog (past)
- What shall I eat when I get to the office (future)
- How many emails have I got in my inbox (future)
etc

The easiest way to have a ‘present’ thought is to use one of your 5 senses. Notice how your phone or keyboard feels in your hand, or what sounds you can hear around you.

Keep focusing on that feeling or those sounds.

In that moment of presence, you are exactly on track.

It’s the past and future thinking that can create inaction or indecision. In the present moment these melt away.

The more often we connect with that present moment the more mindful, calm and centred we feel. Important in a busy life.

Give this mindfulness practice (focusing on one of your senses) a go this week and notice how it interrupts your mind chatter and creates some space.

Because that centered feeling will keep you on track.

P.S. We get tied up in knots obsessing about what we said yesterday and what we're going to do tomorrow. Learning to focus on the present moment creates space and sharpens clarity.