Those who truly innovate possess the ability to see the broader landscape and make connections across seemingly unrelated challenges. They identify gaps that others overlook and know how to address them, crafting solutions to issues we were previously unaware of. But what steps can you take to shift your perspective and view the world differently?
According to Murray Hidary, a tech entrepreneur, composer, concert pianist, and visual artist rooted in Eastern practices, creativity is a byproduct of mindfulness. In the mid-1990s, he and his brother Jack launched EarthWeb, an internet consulting firm that evolved into a web portal, eventually going public. Since then, Hidary has ventured into multiple internet-based startups, with his latest being MindTravel, which focuses on cultivating a flow state through visual experiences and improvised meditative music.
Music has been a constant element in Hidary’s journey and serves as a significant driver of his creative ventures. “Music allows us to expand our internal experiences,” he articulates. “It’s a language that opens our hearts and teaches us how to listen. Passive listening draws in our focus and aids in developing our deep listening skills”—and by listening mindfully, we unleash our creativity.
While Hidary occasionally incorporates piano into his mindfulness routines, having a baby grand in the workplace, as he once did, isn’t a necessity. There are simpler ways to unlock creativity that can seamlessly integrate into an office environment and everyday life.
Advantages of Mindfulness
What is the significance of dedicating time to simply enjoy music during a hectic workday? On a personal level, engaging with meditative music and other mindfulness practices can soothe the nervous system and enhance focus.
Bringing those advantages into the workplace can foster more innovative concepts and improve the ability to build upon others’ ideas, as well as think more holistically, as highlighted by the Harvard Business Review.
“Our internal state profoundly influences our external experience. In the corporate realm, it’s common to feel as though events are happening to you and that the market is dictating your circumstances,” shares Hidary.
To thrive as a groundbreaking entrepreneur, you must become an active participant rather than someone who simply reacts; this means being fully engaged in the moment.
By clearing your thoughts, releasing tension, and achieving a state of tranquility, you enhance your capacity for listening and concentration, thereby amplifying your brain’s talent for making meaningful creative links and envisioning solutions, particularly in high-pressure environments, according to Hidary.
So, how can you hone this ability? Begin with a mindfulness practice. All it requires is the right intention, regularity, and a forgiving mindset when you find it hard to focus. Like any skill, it requires consistent effort.
Mindfulness Activities
Your practice should be tailored to suit you. Here are some diverse exercises to help you start experiencing the benefits of mindfulness:
- Focus on your breathing. Count your inhalations and then exhale for a longer count; for instance, inhale for four counts and exhale for six. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which governs relaxation. “From a practical perspective, I’ve found that something as simple as a single breath can shift my state—and it only takes 10 seconds,” Hidary advises.
- Go for a walk. Not a brisk walk, but a leisurely one—preferably in a natural setting. Take note of the beauty surrounding you. While Hidary offers guided nature walks with meditative music, you can also practice this independently, especially as your routine develops.
- Listen to meditative music. While your favorite tunes might uplift you or make you want to dance, meditative music serves a different purpose. Hidary’s compositions are informed by science, utilizing tones, repetition, and rhythm to enhance mindfulness.
- Concentrate on an object. The specific item doesn’t matter, as long as it can draw your focus and center you. When starting your practice, you might find it easier to focus on a flower or a photo of someone dear rather than a stress-inducing object like your computer mouse.
- Combine various methods. Walk while listening to music. Breathe deeply as you admire a piece of art. Allow music to play softly in the background while you work.
Initiating Your Mindfulness Journey
While these exercises may not seem particularly challenging, the most difficult aspect of practicing mindfulness will be committing to the practice itself—and recognizing its importance for your success in business. Here are some strategies to make this transition smoother:
- Manage your schedule. Reserve specific times each day for mindfulness practice and creative thought.
- Emphasize quality over quantity. If you’re finding it tough to maintain your practice or can’t envision allocating time to “do nothing,” remember that even brief sessions can be effective—and give yourself permission to go at your own pace. A five-minute mindful stroll is far more beneficial than a 25-minute walk done in stress.
- Avoid binary thinking. Mindfulness practice doesn’t need to consume an hour of your day. Small, repeated actions throughout the day are equally beneficial.
- Practice anytime, anywhere. You don’t need a special location. Are you waiting at a red light? Take a few deep breaths. Have a moment before an appointment? Enjoy a brief walk.
- Relate it to workplace challenges. If you’re heading into a significant meeting or negotiation, utilize a mindfulness technique to prepare for active listening. Invite your meeting companions to join you, especially when high stakes are involved or the issue is complex. “If I’m tuned into a more significant message, I can elevate the entire meeting, increasing the likelihood of finding a solution,” Hidary notes. This deep listening becomes even more crucial during video conferencing or remote interactions, where attention is essential. Experiencing the positive outcomes of mindfulness will encourage you to prioritize finding time for it.
Exploring mindfulness through any or all of these techniques will enhance your business acumen. “We need to step out of our own way,” Hidary states. “That is the essence of entrepreneurship. You must grasp the larger perspective.”
