In Part 1 of this series, we explored the importance of present-minded leadership for IT executives and three essential mindset shifts: adopting a "Now-First" approach, seeing stress as a leadership signal, and committing to long-term thinking. 

Now, let's dive into practical daily habits that can help you stay centered and fully engaged as an IT leader…

Practices to Stay Centered Every Day

Mindset is crucial. Yet without daily habits to reinforce presence, even the most disciplined leaders can slip into distraction and stress. Here are some key ways to stay grounded and engaged throughout the day:

1. Start Your Day with Clarity

A sound mind goes a long way in helping you lead with excellence. Focus on getting your head clear early in the morning to set yourself up for success throughout the day. 

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Try these simple and reliable tips…

Review your top three priorities: 

Before diving into emails or meetings, define your must-accomplish tasks for the day to maintain focus. This helps prevent your day from being dictated by distractions or low-priority requests. 

Keep your priorities visible throughout the day to guarantee you're aligning your energy with what matters most.

Take a few minutes of stillness:

Whether it's prayer, deep breathing, or simply sitting with your coffee in silence, a moment of presence in the morning can set the tone for the entire day. Even brief moments of mindfulness practices can improve focus and emotional regulation, making you a more resilient leader.

Feed your mind and spirit: 

Read spiritual devotional literature, listen to a short podcast, or engage with leadership content that fuels your strategic thinking before the day's demands take over. What you consume in the morning can shape your mindset for the rest of the day, so choose content that inspires confidence and clarity.

2. Set Clear Boundaries for Focused Work

Be sure to ruthlessly guard your wellbeing if you want to show up as the best version of yourself at work. This entails:

Time-block deep work sessions: 

Reserve protected periods for strategy and problem-solving to avoid getting stuck in reactive mode. The ability to focus deeply is a competitive advantage in leadership, allowing you to solve complex problems with better insight. Schedule these blocks when your energy is highest.

Creating "do not disturb" windows: 

Use status settings on communication platforms to signal when you need uninterrupted time. If you establish a culture where your team respects focus time, you'll create an environment that values deep work for everyone—not just you.

Mastering the art of saying no: 

Every yes to an unnecessary meeting is a no to deep, focused work. Be intentional about where you invest your time. If a meeting doesn't require your direct input, delegate attendance or ask for a summary instead. Time is your most valuable asset. Protect it.

3. Prioritize Holistic Wellness

Don’t just focus on changing your philosophy about leadership. Maximize your whole life to allow you to stay in a more present, grounded state of mind.

Physical Health Matters

The best leaders treat their body as an asset, not an afterthought. Regular exercise improves cognitive function, reduces stress, and increases energy levels. This makes you more effective in high-pressure situations. 

Nutrition plays a critical role as well; foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and lean proteins fuel brain performance. 

And sleep? It's non-negotiable. Leaders who operate on minimal sleep make poorer decisions and struggle with emotional regulation. Prioritize at least seven hours per night.

Maintain Mental Wellness

Leadership is demanding, and unchecked stress can lead to burnout, decreased creativity, and poor decision-making. Implement stress management techniques that work for you. This may include therapy, journaling, or even stepping away for a walk in nature. 

Don't undervalue the resources available to you! CIOs often deal with high-pressure situations, so having strategies to reset your mind and process what is on your heart is essential.

Develop Emotional Resilience

The higher you rise in leadership, the more isolating it can become. Strong personal relationships serve as a grounding force, offering perspective and emotional support. Regularly connect with friends, family, or trusted peers. 

Professional advisory groups, like those offered by CIO Mastermind, can also be invaluable for gaining insight, support, and new ideas from fellow IT leaders who understand your challenges.

4. Pause Before Major Decisions

Keep yourself on track by considering the following:

Am I reacting to pressure or responding with clarity? 

Decisions made in a reactive state are often short-sighted and emotionally driven. If you feel the pressure mounting, take a step back—even if it's just a minute of deep breathing. This brief pause allows your rational brain to regain control, ensuring your decision aligns with strategy rather than stress.

Is this decision aligned with our long-term IT strategy? 

In the fast-paced world of IT leadership, it's easy to be tempted by quick fixes. Before making a major decision, ask whether it supports your company's broader goals. If it doesn't, consider whether you're solving for the short term at the expense of long-term progress.

How will this affect my team in the long run? 

Leadership decisions don't exist in a vacuum. Every choice you make affects your team's morale, workload, and overall engagement. Consider how your decision will impact their ability to perform and thrive. A thoughtful leader doesn't just optimize for efficiency; they optimize for sustainable team success.

These daily habits strengthen your leadership over time, helping you stay clear-headed, resilient, and effective. There's no better way to show up to your work each day!

Lead with Presence, Lead with Power

Great leadership always comes from being fully present where it matters. When combining the mindset shifts we discussed in our last article with these practical daily habits, you'll develop a leadership presence that is both powerful and sustainable.

Remember, presence isn't about perfection. It has everything to do with practice. Even implementing one or two of these strategies can make a significant difference in your leadership effectiveness and personal wellbeing. Start small, be consistent, and watch how your leadership impact begins to develop!

Want to sharpen your own presence in professional settings? Check out CIO Mastermind's Executive Coaching Services to take your leadership to the next level.