The Everyday Millionaire: Episode Summary

Title: Mindset Matters – Episode #189 – Attention Is Currency: Why Living in the Moment Boosts Success
Host: Patrick Francey
Guest: Stephanie Hanlon, Olympic Mental Performance Coach
Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode #189 of The Everyday Millionaire podcast titled "Attention Is Currency: Why Living in the Moment Boosts Success," host Patrick Francey engages in an insightful conversation with his wife, Stephanie Hanlon, an Olympic mental performance coach. Together, they explore the profound impact of mindfulness and being present on personal growth and success.

The Essence of Being Present

Patrick begins by emphasizing the timeless wisdom of living in the present moment. He articulates that while the concepts of past and future are intellectually understood, the only actionable space is the "now."

Patrick (01:33): "The past isn't here, the future or the past is gone, the future isn't here, and all we have is the moment where we're present."

Stephanie echoes this sentiment, sharing her personal journey towards embracing the present and distancing herself from dwelling on past memories or anxieties about the future.

Stephanie (08:45): "The past is a memory, and as human beings, our memories are designed for self-preservation. We're either the hero or the victim in our memories."

Challenges to Staying Present

The duo delves into the common struggles individuals face in maintaining mindfulness amidst life's chaos. They discuss how distractions, whether stemming from technology or internal thoughts, often hinder one's ability to remain present.

Patrick introduces the metaphor of a broken clock to illustrate how people are constantly chasing the future or reminiscing the past, thereby missing out on the present.

Patrick (06:36): "What if now isn't just a passing moment? What it is, is the only thing that's real."

Stephanie shares anecdotes highlighting how societal pressures and fear can pull individuals away from the present, leading to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.

Stephanie (11:13): "If we're not being present, we're missing it... we can't plant the seeds of tomorrow because we're just trying to justify the past."

Practical Strategies to Enhance Presence

To combat the challenges of staying present, Patrick and Stephanie offer practical advice grounded in daily routines and mental exercises. Patrick discusses his morning rituals, which include journaling, gratitude practices, and setting clear intentions for the day.

Patrick (18:11): "Part of my new discipline is just sitting for a few minutes, watching what I'm thinking about, noticing my thoughts, and setting clearer intentions."

Stephanie emphasizes the importance of minimizing distractions, such as limiting phone usage during personal interactions, to foster deeper connections and genuine engagement.

Stephanie (21:50): "The most important currency we have is to pay attention."

The Impact of Presence on Relationships and Business

The conversation transitions to how being present influences both personal relationships and professional environments. Patrick shares insights from his interactions with guests on his podcast, highlighting how active listening enhances the quality of conversations and builds stronger connections.

Patrick (37:58): "One of the most revealing things is that guests often say, 'You are a great listener. That was one of the best interviews I've had.'"

Stephanie adds that being present fosters respect and understanding in relationships, whether with family, friends, or clients, leading to more meaningful and productive interactions.

Stephanie (36:48): "Listening in a way that you hear what they're really saying is something that's missing in a lot of conversations."

Personal Stories and Examples

Patrick shares a heartfelt story about his 97-year-old mother, illustrating the power of presence even in the face of loss. He recounts how being fully present with his mother in her final days provided a sense of completeness and peace.

Patrick (30:39): "When she did pass, I wasn't able to get to town in fast... but I wasn't sad. I was complete because I was present."

Stephanie relates her experiences coaching athletes, emphasizing how teaching them to stay present can reduce anxiety and improve performance.

Stephanie (15:02): "Being present with athletes, like smelling the Zamboni fumes or hearing your music, decreases anxiety and improves performance."

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

As the episode wraps up, Patrick and Stephanie reinforce the central theme that attention is a valuable currency. They urge listeners to cultivate mindfulness, set clear intentions, and make conscious choices to stay present amidst life's distractions.

Patrick (40:19): "We can set an intention that actually creates the future. We can't create the future in the future. We can only create it right now."

Stephanie concludes by highlighting the natural lesson animals, like dogs, teach us about living in the moment, underscoring the simplicity and purity of being present.

Stephanie (40:29): "Dogs teach me... I have to be present with them. And such a gift."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a compelling reminder of the transformative power of mindfulness. Through personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and profound insights, Patrick and Stephanie Hanlon inspire listeners to prioritize the present moment, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Patrick (01:33): "The past isn't here, the future or the past is gone, the future isn't here, and all we have is the moment where we're present."
• Stephanie (08:45): "The past is a memory, and as human beings, our memories are designed for self-preservation."
• Patrick (06:36): "What if now isn't just a passing moment? What it is, is the only thing that's real."
• Patrick (18:11): "Part of my new discipline is just sitting for a few minutes, watching what I'm thinking about, noticing my thoughts, and setting clearer intentions."
• Stephanie (21:50): "The most important currency we have is to pay attention."
• Patrick (37:58): "One of the most revealing things is that guests often say, 'You are a great listener. That was one of the best interviews I've had.'"
• Patrick (30:39): "When she did pass, I wasn't able to get to town in fast... but I wasn't sad. I was complete because I was present."
• Stephanie (15:02): "Being present with athletes... decreases anxiety and improves performance."
• Patrick (40:19): "We can set an intention that actually creates the future. We can't create the future in the future. We can only create it right now."
• Stephanie (40:29): "Dogs teach me... I have to be present with them. And such a gift."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Patrick Francey and Stephanie Hanlon, emphasizing the critical role of mindfulness in achieving personal and professional success. By integrating their insights and experiences, listeners are encouraged to value their attention and cultivate a present-focused mindset.