American culture tends to emphasize acquisition. If there are things we want, we should be able to acquire them in some more-or- less permanent form. Presence doesn’t work like that, says Amy Cuddy. It’s not a zen-like state you can achieve once and for all, nor is it an inborn talent. It’s a matter of committing over and over again, especially in stressful situations, to be emotionally and physically present, no matter what you’re feeling.Accept imperfectionUnderstand that presence is not a permanent state of zen, but an ongoing daily effort. No one can be present all the time.Focus on being present in the next stressful moment you have coming up, not in the grand scheme of your life.Let yourself off the hook; it’s OK if your presence isn’t perfect. Try to improve with each challenge over time.Affirm your core valuesSelf-affirmationList your core values—what you care about most—in rank order.Pick the first one or two and write about why they matter to you.Write about a time...