The Self-Development Foundation — Mindful Self-Awareness in Life & Work
In this powerful debut episode of The Present Professional, hosts John Marshall and Tony Holmes lay the groundwork for a transformative journey—starting with the foundation of all personal and professional development: self-awareness.
Through an open, insightful, and heartfelt conversation, John and Tony explore what self-awareness really means and how it differs from mindfulness. You’ll hear why building awareness is a lifelong practice, not a destination, and how tools like meditation, reflection, and curiosity help develop this essential life skill.
They break down everyday mindfulness practices—from tracking personal patterns and keeping a morning routine to mindful eating and noticing your breath in the shower—and reflect on the real-life impact of emotional intelligence in relationships and the workplace.
This episode is packed with actionable advice, relatable stories, and soul-stirring reflections. Whether you’re a seasoned self-inquirer or just starting your journey, this conversation will meet you where you are.
What we discussed:
1:12 Understanding the Present Moment
1:26 Tony’s Current State
1:58 Doing the Work
2:53 Self-Awareness as a Practice
3:06 The Importance of Practice
3:39 Practices for Self-Awareness
4:01 Recognizing Mindlessness
4:34 Fighting for Your Best Life
5:05 Tracking Personal Stats
6:04 Patterns and Behaviors
6:41 Daily Practice and Grace
8:26 Curiosity and Self-Awareness
9:32. Mindfulness vs. Self-Awareness
11:29 Mindfulness in Interactions
13:24 Responsibility of Mindfulness
15:00 Practical Tips for Self-Awareness
19:00 Meditation as a Tool
22:52 Creating Distance Between Stimulus and Response
24:07 Watching Yourself Like a Hawk
25:43 Starting a Meditation Practice
30:07 Consistency Over Intensity
32:10 Real-Life Tips for Meditation
34:55 Why Self-Awareness is Important
Other ways to connect:
- The Present Professional | Instagram
- Coach John Marshall | Instagram | LinkedIn
- Coach Tony Holmes | Instagram | LinkedIn
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