Being present is a challenge, whether in sports, high-performance environments, or the everyday hustle of life. It’s not a one-time achievement but an ongoing skill that demands continual attentiveness and focus.
In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the constant cycle of multitasking, milestones, and future planning. Yet, in the chaos, it’s important to emphasize that being present is a powerful skill that can be used to slow down the pace and bring us back to center. Often, practicing being present is a skill to support stress management. It’s not only useful in chaotic moments, it’s also a valuable tool for calming nerves and regaining composure when needed.
For me, this lesson was learned on the golf course – and as with many lessons, first comes “failure.” (Although in Bridging the Gap we approach failures as a Dedication to Perpetual Learning) I can recall countless times when I’d be on hole 2 thinking about my approach to hole 16. I’d be strategizing the challenges ahead, how I'd need to adjust my approach, or what it would take to finish strong. But as soon as I let my mind wander, my game would start to unravel. Simply put, I would lose control of the moment. I’d miss the details of the shot right in front of me—the distance needed to clear the water, whether I’m better positioned on the right side of the green, or even the simple focus needed to take a deep breath. The second I started mentally jumping ahead, my performance in that moment was compromised. That’s what presence is—being fully engaged with the moment.
Golf, much like our careers, provides thousands of opportunities to "exercise the muscles" of soft skills, and Presence is one of the most critical. I’ve learned that being present is also a gift and respect to those around you. One phrase my coach often repeated was, "Be where your feet are." It served as a constant reminder to stay focused on the task at hand knowing we had the next 12 hours of our day planned out. I often find myself repeating those same words when I find myself overwhelmed or facing an overscheduled day.
The same scenario can be found in a corporate setting. I’ve been in meetings where my mind was racing ahead to the next meeting or tomorrow’s deadline. As a result, I missed out on important details of the current discussion. Or, when juggling multiple projects, I’ve sometimes let my concern for future tasks overshadow what needed immediate attention. It’s a lesson I’ve learned through experience—when you focus on too many things at once, you risk becoming less effective in the moment.
Presence isn’t just about staying focused—it’s about attentiveness. On the course, that might mean noticing change in wind direction, the slope of the green, or the tension in your grip. It’s about observing the subtle details that allow you to perform your best in that moment. It’s the ability to fully engage in a meeting, actively listen to your colleagues, or immerse yourself in a task without distraction. It’s is truly “showing up” and offering your full attention.
One of the ways I’ve learned to strengthen my presence both in sport and career, is through intentional focus. On the golf course, that might look like taking a deep breath before each shot. In a work setting, that might be reserving the first hour of my day for uninterrupted time. I also make an effort (and remind myself) to actively listen during meetings. And yet, being present isn’t as easy as it sounds. It requires effort and practice, especially in environments that demand so much.
Incorporating presence into your daily routine doesn’t mean you ignore planning or foresight. It simply means not letting your future thoughts control your current actions. The more we practice presence—whether on or off the golf course—the more we strengthen our ability to navigate challenges with clarity and control.
Tiffany Roth
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