How floating can give you an edge in business

Business, in many ways, is a lot like sport. It’s a competitive world, where you need to keep a level head, assess your environment at all times, and – like tackles or scoring opportunities – gauge relationships and conversations on-the-fly.

To get ahead, you need a strong mind. In America, especially, companies and corporations are seeing the benefits of encouraging their workers to live a mindful lifestyle; while at the same time, many others are seeing the marketing opportunities that mindfulness can bring. Just look at the sheer volume of meditation apps that have cropped up in the last year or so. As ugly as it might sound, there’s money to be made in mindfulness!

Silicon Valley wants to turn meditation and mindfulness into a business bigger than yoga with apps such as Headspace https://t.co/uiwrwEoeI1

— Justin Mahler (@JustinBMahler) 27 December 2016

Closer to home, we recently spoke to one woman who’s making her own waves in the business world. Mel Larsen is – among other things – a small business coach and facilitator operating under the name The Dream Project. She also happens to be a fierce and vocal ambassador for floating.

In Mel’s own words, she’s “looking for people who are changers, people who want to make a positive change in the world.”

“I coach small businesses and entrepreneurs to make their ideas happen,” Mel tells us. “Often, people will have a great idea for a business, then when they reach their first hurdle they’ll stop, or they’ll shrink their vision. I help them overcome those obstacles and see it’s achievable.”

Aside from all that though, she’s a hugely successful member of the theatre and arts community, having worked across the sector for over 20 years.

Through all of that, she’s learned a thing or two about what you need to get ahead. The main take away? Don’t get discouraged when an obstacle knocks you off your path.

“The classic example is a toddler learning to walk,” Mel explains. “They fall down many, many times, but they never give up. As we get older, the falling down is replaced by other people saying, ‘Oh you’re not good enough’, or, ‘You didn’t do that so well’, and we internalise that. I train people to recognise that it’s just a setback.”

Mel’s journey with floating began through sheer fascination at the age of 15. Later in life, upon moving to London, she began floating regularly, and after a spell away, initially returned to the tank to overcome a foot injury. It was only then she recognised benefits that floating can bring to a business mind.

“Apart from the very deep relaxation, I get ideas. In that point where you’re half asleep – sometimes a thought will come into my mind. Sometimes it’s really bizarre, but other times it’s not. And towards the end of my session I will consciously problem solve, and start brainstorming around various problems. If I’m upset about something I’ll get perspective, to get even that in an hour is amazing and it’s just so easy.”

As we always say, routine is key to getting the most from your float, and for Mel, hers are always on a Sunday – not to end the week, but to press reset before starting the next one.

“I go in on a Sunday to consciously set myself to zero, ready for the week ahead. And I have a much better week when I do that. I’m much clearer. Recently, I went to a seminar and I remembered everyone’s names. I know it sounds silly, but usually I’m terrible at that, it just came so easily as my mind was so clear.

“I’m much more productive, too,” Mel continues, “whether it’s a challenging phone call or writing a long report. Because I’ve been floating, my ability to overcome that is so much stronger. A measurable result is that I looked at my email inbox yesterday – I’m down to eight. Normally that’s unheard of!”

“The ability to be clear and present is not only valuable in life, it’s so important in business. If you’re negotiating, if you’re selling, it’s essential. And floating is perfect for that.”

Are you a budding entrepreneur? Or in a high-pressure job? Check out our latest floating offers to find out firsthand how floating will give you an edge in the business world…