Mindfulness: The Unseen Edge in the Arena and the Boardroom

As a former semi-professional basketball player and a proud member of the All Air Force Team, I’ve had my share of highs and lows on the court. The thrill of the game, the roar of the crowd, and the rush of competition are experiences that shaped not only my athletic career but my leadership journey as a military Senior Enlisted Leader over three decades. In both arenas, I learned that success is not just about physical prowess or tactical maneuvers; it’s deeply rooted in a mindset of mindfulness.

When I stepped onto the court, the world outside faded away. Each dribble, each shot, and each defensive stance required complete focus. This state of mindfulness allowed me to be fully present, turning pressure into a powerful ally and distractions into mere background noise. The same principles that guided me as an athlete have been invaluable in the boardroom, where the stakes are high and decisions can impact lives and careers.

The Athlete's Mindset

In sports, we talk about being “in the zone,” or in the "flow state of mind" a magical place where everything clicks. It’s a space of clarity and confidence, where you’re in sync with your body and your team. This is mindfulness in action—an ability to concentrate on the task at hand while letting go of self-doubt and external pressures. As I practiced mindfulness techniques—whether through meditation or simply taking a moment to breathe—I found that my performance improved. I was not just playing; I was thriving in the moment.

The Warrior's Advantage

Transitioning to the boardroom, I discovered that this same mindset is essential for effective leadership. As a military leader, I’ve faced intense challenges that required not just strategic thinking but emotional resilience. Mindfulness became a powerful tool in my arsenal. It allowed me to approach complex situations with a clear mind, fostering better decision-making and stronger relationships with my team.

 Leaders who embrace mindfulness can create an environment where creativity flourishes and collaboration thrives. In a military context, this means building a culture of trust and open communication—much like a team working together to achieve a common mission.

Bridging the Gap

So how do we connect the worlds of athletes and leaders? Here are some personal strategies that have worked for me, both on the court and in the boardroom:

• Practice Daily Mindfulness: Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation or a quiet moment of reflection, integrating mindfulness into your daily routine can set a positive tone for your day. Taking the time to write a positive self talk word on the mirror was a great reminder in the morning to help me start off my day. 

• Embrace Failure as Growth: Just as I learned from missed shots and tough losses, leaders should view setbacks as opportunities for growth. This mindset fosters resilience and innovation. Mistakes are just that, a mistake. My wife Donna uses the term "incomplete successes" with her fitness clients. I love that term because how we name the "thing", is what it will be in our life. 

• Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a culture where team members feel safe to express themselves and share ideas. When I led teams, I made it a priority to encourage open dialogue, reminiscent of the camaraderie I experienced on the court. I love my circle, even though it's small when we get together we primarily talk about family, business moves and just getting better.
  

• Set Intentions: Before meetings or training sessions, take a moment to set clear intentions. This practice aligns everyone’s focus and energy toward a shared goal. I've learned that making a pact with yourself has been the greatest accountability partner. Be your own coach first!

• Reflect and Adapt: After a project or game, I always took time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. This practice of reflection fuels continuous improvement and a growth mindset.
  

Resources

• Mindful.org: A great source for mindfulness and breathing techniques 
  
• Wellness.huhs.harvard.edu: Free mindfulness and Meditation's 

Conclusion

Mindfulness has the power to transform not only our performance but also our relationships with others. Whether you’re a former athlete, a military leader, or anyone striving for excellence, embracing mindfulness can unlock your full potential.

By embodying the spirit of the warrior in the boardroom and the athlete on the court, we can turn challenges into opportunities and competition into collaboration. As I continue my journey, I invite you to join me in this practice of mindfulness—cultivating presence, purpose, and performance in all that we do. Together, let’s be warriors of mindfulness, shaping a future that values resilience, connection, and excellence.

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mindfulness-unseen-edge-arena-boardroom-flanagain-icf-acc--mig8c/?trackingId=nAPmZ40sS0CnMvaLRrthqA%3D%3D