Roger: Ever find yourself physically present in a meeting but mentally drafting tomorrow's presentation? Or at dinner with family, but checking emails under the table? This constant divided attention costs you more than you realize – in performance, relationships, and happiness. Roger: Scott O’Neil’s book, "Be Where Your Feet Are," argues this chase for mythical 'balance' is flawed. The one thing you need to know, the core thesis, is the transformative power of presence. True fulfillment comes not from juggling everything, but from being fully present wherever you are, in each moment. Think of your attention like a spotlight. Are you scattering its beam weakly across a dozen things, or focusing its full power? When you scatter that light, nothing flourishes. When you focus it intentionally, everything within its beam thrives. That focused presence is where effectiveness and meaning truly lie. Roger: O'Neil acknowledges the challenge: our modern world bombards us with notifications and demands constant accessibility, pulling us away from deep focus and genuine connection. We skim surfaces instead of diving deep. A foundational piece is gaining perspective. O'Neil shares Dave Sholler's story – growing up facing hardship, Dave witnessed others with even less, shifting his view from personal struggle to gratitude. How we perceive our circumstances dramatically impacts our reality and our ability to be present. Another key practice involves seeking authentic feedback. O’Neil needed his wife Lisa’s blunt honesty – pointing out he was obsessing over lost games while his daughters needed their dad – to pull him back to the present moment. Honest communication is crucial for staying grounded. Cultivating reflective strength is also vital. O'Neil learned, partly through exploring meditation, to create mental space amid chaos. Even just taking a deep breath before walking in the door helps intentionally carve out stillness, enhancing emotional regulation and connection. This presence needs direction. O'Neil introduces 'WMI' – What's Most Important – inspired by a chance encounter with a man named Marty who advised sprinting passionately towards work and sprinting home with equal passion. Clearly defining your priorities – work, family, health – helps you show up fully where it counts. And this extends to teamwork. O'Neil uses the 'purple water buffalo' analogy, inspired by a video where buffaloes unite to save a calf. Being the water buffalo means showing up, supporting colleagues, and taking collective accountability – being fully present for the team. Roger: Why is "Be Where Your Feet Are" a must-read right now? Because in a world demanding our fragmented attention, presence is the ultimate competitive advantage. When you're fully engaged – in strategy meetings, client calls, or family dinners – you bring your full intelligence and humanity. The quality of your presence determines the quality of your decisions, relationships, and impact. Here’s one action you can take today: Create a transition ritual. Before you walk through your front door after work, or join that next video call, take 30 seconds. Breathe deeply, mentally shift focus, and ask: 'What matters most right now?' Roger: This is Roger for MBA in 5. Go make it happen.