Highlights from Chapter 1 – “How Long Can You Keep This Up?”

“This book was motivated by the problem of absence and the pain it causes to us and those around us.” Montgomery, Daniel. How to Be Present in an Absent World (p. 15). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

“So what is this book about? In a nutshell, it’s about showing up to your own life.” Montgomery, Daniel. How to Be Present in an Absent World (p. 18). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

“…the pain we experience as leaders is a function of one thing—absence.” Montgomery, Daniel. How to Be Present in an Absent World (p. 18). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

“The remedy we’re after—the cure we believe will not only rid us of our pain but help us find a new level of fulfillment and success—lies in rediscovering what it means to be fully present as leaders. For now, we’ll define that sense of presence as being where you are in time and space, fully attuned to your bodily and social presence with a clear sense of where you’ve been (past), where you’re going (future), and how that story impacts the present.” Montgomery, Daniel. How to Be Present in an Absent World (p. 19). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Personal Reflection: There’s an old saying, “Be where your feet are.” In this world of overstimulation and short attention spans, that’s no easy thing. I personally struggle with the whole concept of being fully present. It is a weakness in me as a human being and as a leader. I’m looking forward to giving this concept some much needed attention in the days to come.

(Note: Reflecting on this book does not communicate full endorsement of its content. As the old saying goes, “Chew the meat and spit out the bones.”)