Effective

As I listen to and observe friends and peers talking about being too busy, it becomes clearer and clearer that being busy and being effective are not the same thing. Nor do I think being too busy is anything to brag about - and there are those who do wear it as a badge of honor. The following quote is one I've been revisiting often:

“Thoreau writes, ‘The really efficient laborer will be found not to crowd his day with work, but will saunter to his task surrounded by a wide halo of ease and leisure. There will be a wide margin for relaxation to his day. He is only earnest to secure the kernels of time, and does not exaggerate the value of the husk.’ Think of what a beautiful metaphor this is for not mistaking the husk — the outer accoutrements of productivity like busyness, or a full calendar, or a clever auto-responder — not mistaking those for the kernel, the core and substance of the actual work produced. And he then says, ‘Those who work much, do not work hard.’ I love that.”

- Maria Popova, from "Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers" by Timothy Ferriss

I love that too. The idea that one might, with ease, just focus in on and engage with the real task, and make it happen. It's the ol' quality over quantity idea, and it doesn’t have to be a struggle. I find the real struggle comes in truly folding a focused and effective mind-set into daily life, despite all of the distractions (and naysayers). All to better discern the wheat from the chaff.