In this episode, we explore the wisdom of Thích Nhất Hạnh—“The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion”—through the lens of the Apollo 13 mission. Discover how focused action and resilience in the present can lead to remarkable outcomes, and learn practical steps to apply this lesson to your leadership journey.
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What’s one decision that you can make right now to move closer to your goals? It’s a deceptively simple question, but his power lies in its immediacy. Thich Nhat Hanh said it best. The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion. Today, we’ll explore the power of focused action in the present using one of the most remarkable stories of resilience and ingenuity, the Apollo 13 Moon Mission.
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Through this lens, we’ll unpack how leaders can use the present moment to solve problems, make progress, and inspire action. In 1970, Apollo 13’s lunar mission turned into a desperate fight for survival. When an oxygen tank exploded, the crew faced dwindling resources and a life threatening carbon dioxide buildup. Panic wasn’t an option. Regret wouldn’t save them.
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The only path forward was to focus on the present moment. One of the mission’s pivotal achievements came when the NASA engineers designed a makeshift carbon dioxide filter using only the materials aboard the spacecraft. That single act of focused ingenuity turned the tide and brought the crew home. The Apollo 13 mission teaches us that progress happens in the present. Worrying about the past or fearing the future only serves to drain our energy.
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As leaders, we must ask ourselves, what’s the next step? And take it with clarity and with focus. Here are 3 practical steps that you can take right now, today, to move forward. Number 1, identify a single step. Pinpoint one small action that you can take right now that aligns with your goals.
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2, fully focus on it. Eliminate distractions. Pour your energy into that action step. 3, learn and move forward. Reflect on what you accomplished and decide what comes next.
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Progress isn’t about sweeping changes or perfect plans. It’s about consistent, purposeful action in the present moment. So here’s my challenge. Choose one step you can take today. Take it with focus, reflect, keep moving forward.
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What will you do at this moment? Thanks for joining today. We’ll see you tomorrow.
