Licking the Razor's Edge (2015)

Productivity -- A Way OUT
“The question is not whether are being busy … Anyone can be merely busy — even ants
are busy. Rather, for those of us who are searching for a life that is full of purpose, the
question becomes: What are we being busy about?” ~ inspired by Henry David Thoreau
In our society, “doing a million things at once” is judged to be impressive, while
“appreciating the moment” is seen as lazy.
In our society, being “efficient” is admired, while “paying attention to the task at hand” is
seen as unproductive.
In our society, “defeating a competitor” is seen to be powerful, while “donating to the
downtrodden” is often seen to be waste of resources.
We have been raised in a culture that cherishes the work over the result of the work; that
respects the effort that goes into making a product over the usefulness of the product
itself; that encourages us to produce more than it inspires us to Care.
“When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one
another – and ourselves” ~ Jack Kornfield
Well, you do not have to play by those rules anymore … You, my Friends, are free to
leave this particular cage at any time. And here are a few general tips to help you do so:
TIP #01: RELEASE YOUR DREAMS …
One of the major contributors to the high-stress levels of workaholics is their almost
suffocatingly intense desire to meet others’ expectations, fulfill personal goals &/or
satisfy long-term dreams.
There is nothing “wrong” with these intentions, of course. It can be Kind to bring others
more satisfaction by meeting their expectations, it can prove meaningful to persistently
work towards fulfilling a personal Purpose, and it can be invigorating to have an “End-
Vision” towards which we guide our lives.
The problem is not with desiring to make others happy or attain personal success or
achieve longed-for dreams. The problem is in stressing out over the same.
Others’ expectations are as fickle as they are mysterious, and we will almost never be
able to fully satisfy them. Our own personal goals rarely harmonize fully with the
circumstances of our lives, and we must be ready to accept this Truth and amend them
accordingly. And every long-term dream is hidden in the thick haze of the future. Striving
to manifest them with any degree of specificity will not only lead to disappointment, but
will keep you from attaining an even grander Vision that always waits nearby.
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