Before the Next Goal: The Power of Being Present
By Sophie Makonnen
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. It’s a time to slow down, gather with family or friends, and appreciate the good things in our lives, from the food we share to the milestones and moments that have shaped our year. Unlike in the United States, where Thanksgiving is tied to the story of the Pilgrims, Canada’s tradition grew out of early celebrations of gratitude for the abundance and safety that the seasons brought.
But it’s easy to miss those small moments of gratitude, especially when we’re caught up in planning for what’s ahead.
Have you ever noticed how much energy is invested in thinking about tomorrow? The next deadline, the next project, the next goal. And then one day, you realize you’ve been so focused on the future that you’ve missed what’s happening right now.
Many of us fall into this habit. We’re told that leadership means learning from the past and planning for the future. Those are important, but the present is where we build relationships, grow our confidence, and really become leaders.
The Past: Learning Without Dwelling
The past teaches us a lot. Our experiences shape the way we think and act. Mistakes, challenges, and failures all help us grow. When we reflect on the past, we find meaning and avoid making the same mistakes again.
However, learning from the past is not the same as getting stuck there. Sometimes, we replay old conversations or think about past conflicts as if they are still happening. Effective leadership means taking the lesson and moving forward instead of staying focused on yesterday’s problems.
The Future: Planning Without Losing Perspective
Planning is essential, especially in complex or unpredictable environments. It helps us anticipate risks, prepare for change, and create stability when circumstances are uncertain. Looking ahead gives direction and confidence.
However, it can also come with a cost. Without realizing it, you can end up living entirely in tomorrow. Leadership becomes a chase for the next milestone, the next crisis, the next success. Flexibility matters too, because life has a way of derailing even the best-laid plans.
The Present :The Missing Link
The present moment is often overlooked in leadership. Yet it is where confidence is reinforced by seeing progress, and where trust grows through genuine presence with others.
If we measure ourselves only by the past, we carry baggage. Living only in the future makes us overlook what is already taking shape. The present is the pause in between. It is a moment to breathe, to notice, and to take in what is happening now.
My thoughts this holiday weekend focus on being thankful and enjoying the moment. Leadership is not separate from life. Life is richer when we stop to be thankful. Gratitude for what has been accomplished, appreciation for the people we share the work with, and contentment in a day well spent all keep us grounded. This enjoyment is not a distraction from ambition. It makes the journey worthwhile.
Practice simple habits. Acknowledge what went well each week
Pause in meetings. Recognize your colleagues' contributions.
Allow silence before answering. Don’t rush your response.
Give yourself permission to enjoy progress. Don’t move on immediately.
These are essentials, not luxuries. Small acts give leadership balance and humanity. Without them, momentum turns into exhaustion and success never satisfies.
Practical Applications: Leading in the Present
Reframe setbacks as they happen. Instead of considering all possible outcomes, focus on what can be learned or done now. This keeps your attention on action, not speculation, and helps you respond with clarity instead of reacting from stress.
Use silence in decision-making. A pause allows clearer thinking and a better tone. Resisting the urge to fill every gap with words invites reflection and leads to better understanding and more thoughtful dialogue.
Make recognition immediate and specific. Instead of just saying “good job,” say, “what you brought today changed how we approached the issue.” Timely, specific recognition reinforces presence and builds trust.
Model balance. Show that ambition and presence can co-exist. Leaders who appreciate progress without rushing toward the next challenge show teams that success includes balance and perspective.
Leading in the present takes intention and practice. Each of these actions may seem small, but together they help create conditions where leadership is thoughtful and sustained.
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