On today's show, we discuss how mindfulness can affect our organization's ability to be successful.

 
Dr. Eric J. Holsapple is a successful developer and entrepreneur who has used mindfulness to transform his life and business, and helps others to do the same. 

Eric has a PhD in Economics, has been a real estate CEO and developer for nearly 40 years, lectured real estate at Colorado State University for 20 years, and practiced yoga and meditation for 30 years. Eric was awarded The Colorado State University Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010; and Bizwest Bravo Entrepreneur of the year award for Loveland, CO in 2015. Holsapple has a unique perspective on how merging business and mindfulness can be a catalyst in changing lives. Eric is the Founder of Living In The Gap. His popular workshops teach CEOs and professionals a different way to operate mindfully while improving the bottom line. 

Eric has written numerous published articles in real estate and economics, and a book entitled Profit with Presence that will be published in early 2023. He is a regular speaker at public and private events, and a popular guest on business podcasts. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Essentially, mindfulness is focus. 

• To change negative thought patterns, develop awareness of how much focus is given to negativity. Focus on building relationship instead or determining if a change should be made.

• Mindfulness helps to see other people as people and not just a means to getting the job done. End results are important, and should be looked at on a regular basis, but being present in the moment when speaking to people helps employees feel valued.

• Impact to ROI - Aetna did a study showing a $2000 annual savings in healthcare cost and a $3000 annual increase in productivity per employee after implementing a mindfulness program.

• A mindfulness exercise before a meeting helps the meeting to be more productive.

• Mindfulness helps to filter random thoughts and only focus on the ones that are part of the desired vision of the individual or the organization.

• Accepting our current reality reduces stress. Stress is resisting the reality. We can still desire and strive to make changes toward improvement, but accepting the current reality calms the mind.

• The world doesn't change. Your perception of the world changes.

• The goal is to be able to focus on what you want to focus on to the exclusion of everything else. The exercises help to train yourself to do that.

• Consistency is more important in the beginning than the length of the session.

• One easy way to start is to just stop and take time to focus on your breathing.

Pitfalls to mindfulness:

• Time - We are all busy. Start small and focus on consistency.
• Culture - People will criticize. Keep it private until you are confident.

Top Takeaways:

• Start with 3 "gratitudes" each day. What are you grateful for and why?
• Start to be aware of your breath. You can do this wherever you are.
• Do service work. Getting into the community to serve others changes your mindset.

Connect with Eric Holsapple: 

 Paid programs and free resources available at:  https://livinginthegap.org/

 Eric's book launches Mar 7 on Amazon - 

Profit With Presence - The 12 Pillars of Mindful Leadership