February 03 2026 at 03:54AM
Mindfulness & Presence: The Foundation of Project Leadership
February offers a gentle invitation to pause and reflect on our mental wellbeing, especially in the fast-paced world of project management. This month, we honor Dr. Gabor Maté, whose work reminds us that stress is more than a professional byproduct, it is a signal from our mind and body that deserves attention. In When the Body Says No, Maté shows how unprocessed tension can quietly shape our clarity, focus, and decision-making, highlighting the deep connection between how we feel and how we lead.
Project management can be relentless, with shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and high-stakes decisions. Feeling stretched thin is natural, but research in AEC** project organizations confirms that simply being aware of stress is not enough. Leaders need practical ways to navigate pressure while maintaining resilience. Noticing early signs of strain can make a real difference in staying effective and present for the teams and projects that rely on us.
One small but powerful practice inspired by Maté is a three-minute self-check. Pause, breathe, scan your body for tension, and quietly name what you are feeling. Even a brief moment of awareness can help shift you from reacting automatically to responding intentionally, keeping your mind clear and decisions steady.
Mental health is not a milestone to reach, but rather a daily practice. Every intentional pause is an investment in your project’s most valuable resource: You.
**Developing a framework for mental health management of project management practitioners in architecture, engineering and construction project organizations. Tijani, B. (Author). 2022. URL: https://researchers.westernsydney.edu.au/en/studentTheses/developing-a-framework-for-mental-health-management-of-project-ma/
Author’s bio:
Sara is a project management professional with experience in institutional and digital transformation projects. She is particularly interested in the intersection of mental health, and leadership in complex project environments.
Newsletter Editor’s Note: At PMI Netherlands, we believe that strong project outcomes start with healthy people and mental health is an essential part of sustainable project management. We invite you to contribute with your insights, habits and personal experiences on maintaining balance in high-pressure environments. Reach out to us at editor@pmi-nl.nl.
