In the fast-paced world of today, being present is an art, and the consequences of not being present can sometimes be as unexpected as they are humorous. Picture this: a typical morning rush, a million thoughts swirling in my head as I prepare for the day.

I’m moving through the motions of my morning routine, reach for the bottle of saline solution to pop in my contact lenses, and confidently squirt the solution into my eyes. A moment of confusion follows as I realize I just used disinfecting solution instead of the gentle saline solution. Cue the immediate stinging and burning sensation, the struggle to open my eye, and the sudden realization that I veered off the well-trodden path of my morning routine.

The painful moment serves as a reminder of the pitfalls of not being fully present. The lesson here is clear: to navigate the complexities of business (and life), one must remain present in each moment.

Anticipating shifts in the market, much like anticipating the contents of the solution bottle, requires a keen awareness. As a leader, you’ll be called to navigate the unexpected, adjust strategies on the fly, and prepare for the metaphorical eye-stinging moments.

As I later laughed at the morning mishap, let’s also chuckle at our humanness. The ability to find humor in our lapses in presence is a valuable trait, one that can help us maintain resilience in the face of business challenges.

So, next time you feel the sting of a market surprise or a poor decision, remember the eye-watering experience of the mistaken contact lens solution. I invite you to consider the following:

-Embrace lessons learned with an introspective view on what you could do differently;

-Navigate the twists and turns of the market with a clear-eyed perspective of how they are and not how you wished they could be; and

-Stay present in your business endeavors taking inspired action consistent with your Contribution not the circumstances.