An Alternative Way

An Alternative Way

By Leo Babauta

Consider a different way of being:

Instead of optimizing your schedule(-jəl,ˈskejo͞ol), pick one thing to do and focus fully on it. Do it with all of your heart, out of love. When you’re done, give a bow(bou,bō) of gratitude. Take a moment to pause and not rush to the next thing. Repeat.

Instead of trying to find the perfect software, the perfect tool, the perfect travel clothes(klō(T͟H)z) … focus on being content with where you are, who you are, what you have, what is in front of you right now. Contentment is much more important than getting to perfect.

Instead of building a fragile(-ˌjīl,ˈfrajəl) optimized routine(ro͞oˈtēn), system or setup … give yourself less-than-optimal(ˈäptəməl) situations, randomness(ˈrandəm), things you need to adapt(əˈdapt) to. Develop flexibility(ˌfleksəˈbilətē), agility(əˈjilədē), adaptability, robustness, antifragility(ˈantē,ˈanˌtī frəˈjilitē).

Be present. Appreciate the fleeting(ˈflētiNG) moment, because there won’t be many more before you die. Be fully immersed(iˈmərs) in the moment, cherishing(ˈCHeriSH) the beauty of this life.

When you find yourself with the urge(ərj) to optimize and find the perfect setup, recognize that you’re letting yourself be distracted(disˈtraktəd) from what’s important. Then ask yourself, “What’s most important right now?” Focus on that, even if it gives you discomfort and makes you want to run. Get good at that, rather than good at optimizing.

Let your path be less controlled, more random. Let it be filled with messiness(ˈmesē), because that’s how you adapt to messiness. Let it be filled with chaos(ˈkāˌäs), because then you can find peace in the middle of chaos. Let it be filled with the joy of life exactly as it is, because that’s optimal. What is. Not what you wish it could be.

And do it with a smile and joy in your heart. What a life we have been gifted with!

https://zenhabits.net/unoptimizing/