Mindfulness

Mindfulness is achieved in all activities by setting and understanding priorities, this can be characterized by the sequence of ready, aim, fire. The primary error of all business and self management is not setting and understanding priorities. By not setting priorities we open ourselves to an aimless jouney through our day alternating between procrastination and denial. Denial happens when you don't understand the task. Denial causes procrastination when you become paralyzed by analysis for fear of making another error after the denial experience. Your energy becomes diluted and so what you may accomplish will be of low quality and not important.

First Task

Set the priorities for the day, no exceptions.

Ready, Aim, Fire

Every task should be carefully and systematically planned and executed.

Ready

We begin by coming into the now; focusing our attention on the task at hand.

Aim

This is the method by which we come to understand the circumstances of the now and how to hit our target when we fire. We begin by looking back at past experience for any lessons or applications that might work in this situation. Then we look forward to future plans to make sure this task aligns with the desired outcome. We might also look to others to see if anyone else has useful experiences regarding the task. We must also be on guard against over-analysis.

Fire

We execute the plan trying to hit the target we aimed for, remaining mindful and aware throughout the entire process.

Ready, Fire, Aim

This method is very common, where we begin a project, setting our intention to complete the project (ready) and then jump right in a do it (fire) without understanding the task at hand (aim). This is generally done because we are in a rush and so we assume we understand the problem.

Application: Lunch

As I was writing this article it was 11:30AM and time to start to think about the task of lunch.

The first thing I did was open the refrigerator door and go for the crackers and cheese, I caught myself in the middle of ready, fire, aim. So I stopped and began writing the article enough so I could apply it, I was getting hungry.

Ready

I focused my attention on the task at hand and closed the refrigerator and sat down at my desk with a piece of paper.

Aim

I looked a the past, which is manifested in my present body. I weigh 187, my ideal weight would be 170 to 175. So I need to eat less than normal and make it comfortable so I will be successful. I started with a protein juice drink, no nitrite turkey dogs, salad, cream cheese and crackers, vitamins in my plans. Now I assessed my body, overweight and my mind energy feeling tired. I negotiated to a lunch of salad (first), hot dogs, and protein drink and vitamins. I was hungry so I didn't spend too much time aiming (procrastination). Procrastination doesn't usually happen for me with eating.

Fire

As I went to execute the plan my mindfulness grew within I could feel and join with the sense and rational of eating less. I felt more mindful and motivated to make this conscious eating plan work. The motivation seemed to come out of the planning stage. I was no longer eating blindly denying any problem with overeating, fats and sweets.