This week I went to a Yin Yoga class where poses are held for longer periods of time, allowing you to slow down and restore your energy level.

Before each pose, the yoga instructor Meghan spoke for a minute. She told us that our minds often have trouble settling down. We go through our "executive check-list" of did we walk the dog again, buy that birthday gift, pick up groceries, return that call, resolve that issue, etc. It's not likely we will eliminate all those thoughts and that's not the point. The idea is to allow something to come up, so you can let it go.

It reminded me just how this shows up in the workplace.We prepare for a Board meeting and remember how Person X questioned our recommendations during the last one. We think about how to celebrate a team success and what pops up? The reactions surrounding a previous celebration or when we missed an opportunity to recognize someone.

I invite you to think about it this way-- let these things come out, so you can let them go. These thoughts may be helpful but more likely they are distractions to the task at hand. Clear your mind, trust your instincts and focus your energy on what matters most.