Here's what a "wild elephant" can teach you about focus, calm, and happiness…
| From the desk of Miles Everson: Happy Friday! It’s almost the weekend. I’m sure a lot of you are already excited. However, before we get into the weekend mode, let’s talk about a particular book. My hope is that by discussing the insights contained in this written work, you’ll be able to live life meaningfully and purposefully. Are you ready? Read on below for more. |
Have you ever felt like your mind is a runaway train, speeding through thoughts, worries, and endless to-dos, leaving you exhausted by the time the day ends? … or like there’s a wild animal inside you—powerful, unpredictable, and impossible to control? Well, most of us do. In today’s fast-paced world, our attention, energy, and focus are constantly under siege, and the result is often stress, distraction, and burnout. Enter “How to Train a Wild Elephant” by Jan Chozen Bays, a guide that doesn’t promise to tame your life overnight or transform you into a meditation guru. Instead, it offers something far more attainable: A roadmap for befriending your own mind, cultivating presence, and navigating life with more clarity, calm, and purpose .
The Wild Elephant: A Metaphor for the Mind Bays uses the image of a wild elephant to represent our human mind—strong, intelligent, and full of energy, but easily distracted and sometimes overwhelming. The book isn’t about forcing this “elephant” to obey; it’s about learning patience, respect, and gentle guidance. Just as a trainer earns an elephant’s trust over time, we learn to work with our minds without judgment or self-criticism. The brilliance of this metaphor lies in its simplicity: Mindfulness isn’t about perfection or control—it’s about awareness, patience, and practice . Your mind will wander, emotions will surge, and that’s okay. The key is noticing, pausing, and returning to the present. One of the most refreshing aspects of Bays’ approach is that she doesn’t confine mindfulness to meditation cushions or retreat centers. Instead, she shows readers how to practice mindfulness in ordinary moments—eating breakfast, walking to the office, washing dishes, or waiting in line. These small practices accumulate, reshaping the way we interact with our work, relationships, and even ourselves. For busy professionals, this approach is transformative. By training your attention, you become better at managing stress, making decisions, and responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. Besides, simple awareness can increase productivity, enhance creativity, and improve communication—all without adding another “task” to your to-do list. What’s more? Bays offers short, practical exercises that feel approachable for anyone, whether you have five minutes or an hour. These exercises focus on:
Over time, these tiny shifts build a stronger relationship with your mind. Instead of being pulled in a hundred directions, you develop focus, emotional resilience, and clarity. Now, why does this matter for your life and career? The lessons in “How to Train a Wild Elephant” aren’t just about inner peace—they’re deeply practical for modern life:
In short, Bays doesn’t just teach mindfulness; she also equips you with tools to live a more intentional, balanced, and productive life, both personally and professionally. Transforming Everyday Moments Perhaps the greatest takeaway from this book is that mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need hours of meditation or perfect circumstances to benefit. Every meal, every step, and every breath is an opportunity to practice… and as you practice, the “wild elephant” inside you gradually becomes a trusted companion rather than a chaotic force. The bottom line? In a world full of distractions, endless obligations, and constant mental noise, “How to Train a Wild Elephant” is a reminder that calm, clarity, and focus aren’t luxuries but are habits we can cultivate daily. By investing in these small, intentional moments, you don’t just improve your own well-being; you also elevate your work, relationships, and quality of your life. So… If life sometimes feels overwhelming, your mind is constantly racing, or you simply want to navigate each day with more ease and clarity, this book is a gentle but powerful guide! It’s not about taming the mind with force; it’s about training it with care, patience, and awareness, one small step at a time. … and in that practice, you may find not just peace, but also a newfound mastery of yourself and your life. I wish you all a good and meaningful weekend! Happy Friday, everyone! For a daily version of this newsletter, please subscribe here . |
Miles Everson
CEO of MBO Partners and former Global Advisory and Consulting CEO at PwC, Everson has worked with many of the world's largest and most prominent organizations, specializing in executive management. He helps companies balance growth, reduce risk, maximize return, and excel in strategic business priorities.
He is a sought-after public speaker and contributor and has been a case study for success from Harvard Business School.
Everson is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Accounting.
