Be Present

Someone wise said this to me recently. Life rarely shouts. It whispers.

We think not knowing is what holds us back. But often, it’s not looking or not noticing that does the real damage.

Presence matters. Slow down. Pay attention.

In my previous job, I had a colleague who was off-color for some time. I was so focused on my own priorities that I completely missed the cues. A few weeks later, he went on extended leave, citing a reason of burnout. That is when it hit me- I was right there, but I wasn’t there.

And if you’re not looking, you miss the signal in the noise—and sometimes, it can prove very costly.