The Art of Productivity

In this day and age we are busier than ever. The problem is that we, though busier, are less productive, less focused. We do a lot of things designed to make us more focused and more productive. We make lists designed to balance the many “important” projects that we have on our plate, only to find, ultimately, our plate is too small to hold what we have decided to take on. Before you know it you are burnt out, stressed, unhappy and can barely remember the last time you spent solid, quality time with your family.

What would happen if we chucked it all out the door? What would happen if we simply reworked our definition of important, and anything that didn’t fit into the new, streamlined definition could, well…… simply put…… go to hell? What would happen if we decided to create a law of simplicity, focus, and joy to live by? Start now to make life beautiful and useful, and love doing it.

Contentment

Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.
~Lao Tzu

Without contentment in our lives, we become embroiled in life’s day to day dramas, and lose sight of our goals. We waste energy placing our focus on those things that cannot be resolved, those things that are not the point. We get worn out, fast. Keep aligned with what is truly the important goals, and let the rest alone. If we are content in our action, all that we do is done because we want to, because we love doing it, and it becomes effortless.

Relinquish the Need For Success and Approval

The Master does his job
and then stops.
He understands that the universe
is forever out of control,
and that trying to dominate events
goes against the current of the Tao.
Because he believes in himself,
he doesn’t try to convince others.
Because he is content with himself,
he doesn’t need others’ approval.
Because he accepts himself,
the whole world accepts him.

~Tao Te Ching

What else really needs said?

Master Non-Action

The Tao abides in non-action,
Yet nothing is left undone.
If kings and lords observed this,
The ten thousand things would develop naturally.
If they still desired to act,
They would return to the simplicity of formless substance.
Without form there is no desire.
Without desire there is tranquillity.
In this way all things would be at peace.

~Lao Tzu

Life happens naturally. Everything gets done in the forest because of the nature of things. Can you rethink your life to allow for it to unfold naturally, instead of forcing your life into the preconceived shape you have in mind?

Work and Be Done

Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner.

Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.

~Tao Te Ching

Do what you enjoy and then step away from it. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and above all, relax and spend that extra time with your family, or other pursuits that you want to do.