8 Immortal Productivity Tips from Ancient Philosophers

1. Start small

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

Lao Tzu

is a Chinese philosopher of the 5th century BC.

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

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

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

Beware of the futility of a vain life.

Socrates

is an ancient Greek philosopher of the IV-V centuries BC.

Permanent employment and productivity are far from 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 possible in a day. Instead, focus on the results that are most important to you — choose not quantity, but quality. Don't agree to all the suggestions and try to avoid working in multitasking mode.

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

the Roman Stoic philosopher of the I century

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

Try to return to the "here and now" more often. Meditation develops this skill well, but if you don't like to meditate, it's okay. Once a day, go for a walk without a phone and pay attention to the world around you.

Try to keep a diary. While waiting for someone, look out the window, not at the smartphone screen. Set up multiple notifications to remind yourself that it's time to get back to the present moment.

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

Create little if you wish for peace. After all, there is no need for most of what we say and do, so if you cut it all off, you will become much freer and more unperturbed.

Marcus Aurelius

Roman Emperor, philosopher of the II century

Being productive doesn't mean working 24 hours a day. You will achieve more by working less, but directing your efforts to priority tasks. For example, to take the next step towards the goal and spend time with your family.

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

5. Concentrate on what is in your power

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

Epictetus

the ancient Greek Stoic philosopher of the I-II century

Don't waste your time resenting or lamenting when something doesn't go your way. Some things you just can't control.

For example, your colleague is ill and in the next few days you will have to do his work. Of course, it's 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 coping, ask for help or for rescheduling deadlines.

6. Remind yourself of your motivation

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

Patanjali

is an Indian philosopher of the second century BC .

Why do you get out of bed in the morning? If it is difficult for you to answer this question, there is nowhere to take productivity. Think about what motivates and inspires you. Add this to your life if there are few incentives in it right now. Then it will be 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 the perfection of results.

Aristotle

is an ancient Greek philosopher of the IV century BC .

When you're burning with your business, it's easier to be more productive. Passion for work energizes and helps not to be distracted. It also fuels self-belief and motivates you to move forward. If you are dissatisfied with your work 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 case leads to mistakes.

Herodotus

was an ancient Greek historian of the 5th century BC .

Of course, you should not go into perfectionism and try to bring everything to the ideal, 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 regret it.

If possible, allocate 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.