8 immortal productivity tips from ancient philosophers

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Their witty remarks and clear thoughts are no less relevant today than they were centuries ago.

1. Start small

The path of a thousand li begins with the first step.

Lao Tzu Chinese philosopher of the 5th century BC NS.

To achieve any goal, it is important to take this very first step. In fact, it is not so easy: we are stopped by fears, doubts and self-doubt. But the only way to eat an elephant is by taking a bite.

If you have a huge task ahead of you, divide it into small ones, and then do it one by one. This will make it much easier to get started.

2. Don't always try to do as much as possible

Beware of the futility of a vain life.

Socrates the ancient Greek philosopher IV-V centuries BC. NS.

Being busy and being productive are not the same thing. Learn to distinguish between them, otherwise you will not only not achieve what you want, but also bring yourself to burnout.

Don't try to do as much as you can in a day. Instead, focus on the results that matter most to you - choose quality, not quantity. Don't settle for all the suggestions and try to avoid multitasking.

3. Live in the present

There is no better proof of an orderly mind than the ability to stop where you are and be alone with yourself.

Seneca Roman Stoic philosopher 1st century

We think a lot about the past and the future, but most of us find it difficult to be in the present. Because of this, we often do not notice what surrounds us, we do not appreciate what we have. And we feel more stress.

Try to return to the here and now more often. Meditation develops this skill well, but if you don't like meditating, that's okay. Go for a walk once a day without your phone and pay attention to the world around you.

Try to keep a journal. While you are waiting for someone, look out the window, not at the smartphone screen. Set up multiple notifications to remind yourself it's time to return to the present moment.

4. Focus on what's important and minimize the rest

Create little if you wish for well-being. Indeed, most of what we say and do is unnecessary, so if you cut it all off, you will become much freer and more equanimous.

Marcus Aurelius Roman emperor, philosopher of the 2nd century

Being productive doesn't mean working 24 hours a day. You will achieve more by working less, but by focusing your energies on priorities. For example, taking the next step towards your goal and spending time with your family.

Think about what is most important to you and try to reduce the number of other activities. Otherwise, it will turn out that you are doing little useful things all day, and you do not have enough time for your priorities.

5. Concentrate on what is in your power

Use what is in your power as efficiently as possible, and take the rest as it is.

Epictetus, ancient Greek philosopher-Stoic I-II century

Don't waste time resenting or lamenting when things don't go your way. Some things you simply cannot control.

For example, say your coworker is sick and you have to do his job for the next few days. Of course, this is annoying. But there is no point in wasting time and nerves thinking about the unfairness of the situation. Make a plan of what needs to be done, and if you see that you are not doing well, ask for help or to reschedule deadlines.

6. Remind yourself of your motivation

When you are inspired by a great purpose or unusual purpose, your thoughts break their bonds.

Patanjali Indian philosopher of the 2nd century BC NS.

Why do you get out of bed in the morning? If you find it difficult to answer this question, productivity is nowhere to be found. Think about what motivates and inspires you. Add this to your life if there is little incentive right now. This will make it easier for you to manage your time and work efficiently.

And remember, inspiration doesn't always come by itself. Sometimes you need to go in search of him: read books, listen to podcasts, watch performances of interesting people.

7. Have fun with what you do

The pleasure of work leads to excellence in results.

Aristotle is an ancient Greek philosopher of the 4th century BC. NS.

When you're on fire, it's easier to be more productive. Being passionate about work energizes and helps you avoid distractions. It also fosters self-confidence and motivates to move forward. If you are unhappy with your job right now, try to find at least something in it that gives you pleasure.

8. If you want to do well, take your time

Haste in any business leads to mistakes.

Herodotus is an ancient Greek historian of the 5th century BC. NS.

Of course, you shouldn't bump into perfectionism and try to bring everything to perfection, but excessive haste is also not the best option. There are situations when you need to complete a task in a very short time. But when you do something serious and meaningful, remember the proverb "Measure seven times, cut once." Otherwise, you risk making mistakes and then regretting.

Whenever possible, set aside a little more time than necessary for an important task. This will allow you to calmly check whether you have done everything correctly, and, if necessary, correct the shortcomings.