Busting Myths and Mistakes: Meditation and Mindfulness for Busy Minds
- Martin Foster
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Let’s talk about one of the biggest myths out there—meditation and mindfulness are only for the spiritual types. You know the stereotype: airy-fairy, incense-burning, yoga-loving individuals who sit in silence for hours. That’s what my “Rat Racer” friend thought too, and honestly, I used to be right there with him.
I was focused on building success, wealth, and chasing my goals, and I thought meditation was a distraction. But because I believe in giving things a try, even if they’re totally outside my comfort zone, I gave it a shot.
Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

Meditation Is for Everyone (Yes, Even You)
Here’s the deal: meditation and mindfulness aren’t just for yogis sitting cross-legged on a mountain top. These techniques are practical tools that can supercharge your mental and physical health, boost your concentration, and make your day-to-day life easier. In fact, I’d argue they’re just as essential as mastering time management or emotional intelligence when it comes to being successful.
Think about it: In business, it’s not about how fast we can run or how much we can bench press. The real game is what’s going on between our ears—our mindset. And if you’re not actively working on that, you’re missing a huge opportunity. For me, mindfulness and meditation have become key practices for maintaining the right mindset for success.
“I Don’t Have Time for Meditation!”
Another common myth? You need loads of time to meditate. That’s the excuse I hear the most, but trust me, you don’t need to be sitting in a lotus position for hours. Even just five minutes of mindful breathing can shift your entire day.
No time for five minutes? Let me tell you about one of my go-to mindfulness moments. I jump into the shower as soon as I turn it on—yes, even before the water has warmed up—and imagine I’m diving into a cold river in Holland (where my wife is from, and where we have a holiday cabin). It’s cold, it’s refreshing, and for that brief moment, I’m completely in the present.
It’s a quick, mindful reset. Then the water warms up, and boom—the moment’s over. But in those few seconds, I’ve tapped into a sense of calm and clarity. You can do it anywhere, anytime.
Mindfulness for Everyone (Including Kids)
I’m even teaching my kids to tune into their emotions and practice mindfulness. The other day, my oldest daughter asked for a water feature in her bedroom so she could listen to the gentle sound of trickling water as she relaxed.
Yes, even my kids are catching on! We all need those little moments of peace, and they don’t have to be grand or time-consuming. It’s about finding mindfulness in the everyday.
Meditation Isn’t a Chore, It’s a Necessity
Arianna Huffington said it best: meditation and mindfulness aren’t just another item on your to-do list—they’re essential. The old Zen proverb goes, “You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you’re too busy, then you should sit for an hour.” The busier you are, the more you need it!
In today’s fast-paced, hustle-heavy world, mindfulness isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s the tool that can help you find clarity, stay calm under pressure, and ultimately, perform better. So, next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, don’t write off mindfulness as hippy nonsense. Instead, give it a try. You might just find it’s exactly what you need to power through your day with focus and ease.




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