Don’t try to get as much out of life as you possibly can.
This kind of thinking fucks you up.
Like trying to be the best person you possibly can.
Don’t do that either.
Why?
Because both are impossible goals that you’ll never achieve.
Also think about this.
When you get up and attack the day with as much gusto as you possible can. When you run around at a million miles an hour trying to do do do.
Ask yourself, “How much of the day am I actually enjoying?”
I’m guessing not as much as the days in which you deliberately slow down and observe. The ones in which you look and appreciate – in which you laugh, play and let go a little (or a lot).
Here’s something else you haven’t thought of.
In your pursuit to be endlessly productive – to make up for your feelings of being unworthy, you haven’t allowed yourself any time to rest.
And no I’m talking about sleep (at least not exclusively). What I’m really talking about has to do with activities that make you feel recharged.
This can be many things – exercise or having a long bath. Meditating or going for a mindful walk in nature. Reading a book or having for a w***. It’s different for everyone! Even staring out the window for 5 minutes can do wonders.
So what’s today’s top tip you ask?
Simple.
Slow down and take lots of mini breaks throughout your day. I mean lots. Every time you feel stressed or scattered. Look up from your screens and take a break. Start with several slow deep breathes. Then go chat with a co-worker or grab a cuppa. And if you’re really struggling, move away from your office and go for a walk outside or hit the gym.
Really.
Not only will this bring you a greater sense of well being, it will give you much greater mental clarity. This in turn will actually make you more productive, not less. It will also mean you actually enjoy being productive.
If it helps, don’t think of rest as a reward to be had at the end of a busy day. Think of it as a tool you can use throughout the day to keep you focused, motivated and ready to rock the fucking world.
Clear Air Turbulence 
I would rather be efficient than productive, and use those freed up minutes in the day for more rest.
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Well put Ashley. That’s the word I was missing – efficient. Thanks for sharing 🙏
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I’ve been working on a similar idea. We get bogged down in reward that we forget that its not the point. We are.
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Well said Barb. The outcome is of much less importance than what the process or journey does for us (and others) along the way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙏
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Rest and best rhyme because resting makes us feel the best! Thanks for the reminder to pause and enjoy life. 🙂
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Thank you 🙏
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“Don’t think of rest as a reward” – that is definitely game changing! I don’t rest unless I have done something that adds value!
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Rest is so important. I actually start the day with meditation and exercise. I gain so much energy from it. Then o get to work. Thanks Shelly 🙏
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Fantastic article, AP2–as usual! Thank you! You’ve shared points that we need to “hear” on a deep level. In all of our “getting,” what are we acquiring that has any value? Be.
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Thanks Art. Glad you enjoyed it. Becoming versus being. It’s an important question. Of course we have to become. We have to aim. I believe we should look to improve our own circumstances and that of others (certainly not at the cost of others) but not while forgetting our Being. We must, I believe take the tome to be as-well. This is crucial for our well being – not to mention clarity. As always it’s a balance.
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You’re welcome, AP2. I agree, it is an important question. To “desire” is our very nature, but I agree that it’s important to have balance. All desire, desire, desire leads to perpetual “treadmill” effect. Also, it’s important to realize that we are not the “doer.” Never have been–much to my surprise a couple of years ago. With realization of reality as occurring in the Waking State, we realize that it is Mind that puts the body-mind in action. I know that sounds “out there.” I just finished reading Open Secret by Wei Wu Wei–think you might find it interesting!
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It doesn’t sound out there to me. I have a sense of what you mean after years of regular meditation although I wouldn’t say I’m fully awake yet! I’ll have to get a reading list off you some time. I’ll look into that one too! Thanks Art 🙏
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We are illusioned into thinking taking a few minutes from the day to rest is wasting time yet it benefits us more than pushing ourselves harder to continue working then our bodies gives out and we get disappointed in not being able to work harder… Even machines need service once in a while…
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Exactly – taking lots of little rests throughout the day – and then one big rest at the end of it is the key. You’ve got to keep rewarding yourself as you progress throughout the day. Thanks Francis – comments are always much appreciated 🙏
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I appreciate you too bro. Your posts really help me a lot.
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Thank you brother. It means a lot that they do 🙏
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Great post. At some point we have to realize that rest is not some splurge worthy event. Our bodies will eventually force us to rest if we don’t give it what it needs. And like you said, it could be moments where we just stop and breathe. Thank you!
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Spot on – it’s called burn out – and it’s far more difficult to be productive when you’re burnt out. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts again. 🙏
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That’s a wonderful perspective. Love it. Thanks for sharing…🙏👍🙏
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Thank you so much 🙏
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