From Presence to Productivity - What Eckhart Tolle Teaches Us About Time Management
10 Oct 2023
Many people associate productivity with 'getting things done'.
Yet, I believe the popular phrase from David Allen misses a crucial word - it should be 'getting the right things done'.
By adding 'right' to the tagline, the role of time - our most invaluable asset - becomes magnified as we can do anything but not everything.
Therefore, upgrading our mindset about time can improve our chances of shifting from 'getting things done' to 'getting the right things done'.
1. Psychological time vs. Clock Time
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.” - Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle, the renowned spiritual teacher, differentiates between two forms of time: psychological and clock time.
Psychological time: Revolves around our ego's ruminations on the past and projects into the future. It's a source of emotions like regret, anxiety, and anticipation, pulling us away from the present.
Clock time: A linear measurement of time for practical needs, such as setting appointments and coordination. One can use it as a tool without being consumed by it.
In essence, Tolle views time as an illusion, emphasizing that our only reality is the present.
This philosophy rhymes with the science of the flow state - wherein our sense of time fades, replaced by immersion and heightened focus, and where happiness and performance peaks.
I'm so intrigued by the flows state that I've made understanding and achieving it a personal quest. I also previously wrote about how to unlock the secrets of flow.
2. Our Finite 4000 Weeks
"We act as though we have all the time in the world, only to regret our lack of present-moment appreciation when faced with the end." - Oliver Burkeman
In my opinion, there's a compelling intersection between deep work, being present, flow state, and the finite nature of time.
Of all productivity books I've read, Oliver Burkeman's 4000 Weeks presents an interesting distinct perspective, approaching productivity from the holistic lens of our finitude presence on this planet.
He cautions against the siren calls of mainstream productivity and underscores acknowledging the limits of time in our pursuits.
Burkeman's message? Identify what truly matters to you and let that guide your priorities and how you manage your time, letting go of the urge to control everything else.
Fun fact: Historically, our ancestors surrounded themselves with reminders of death, using symbols like skulls and skeletons in their art.
3. Embracing Productivity in Finitude
Blending Burkeman's and Tolle's insights yields a unique time-management approach: one anchored in embracing the present while acknowledging life's finite nature.
So, what lessons can we draw from this?
Prioritization: The constraints of time emphasize the importance of figuring out what truly deserves our focus.
Now is the time to become an essentialist.
Being Present: Engage wholeheartedly with the task at hand, free from the burdens of past regrets or future anxieties. Choose monotasking over multitasking.
Productivity isn't about always doing more but rather about being more - in the present.
Acceptance: Not every day will be as productive as you want it to be, and that's okay. Sometimes, the most productive thing might be to simply rest, reflect, and recharge.
Let's remember: time is our most treasured gift. By understanding its essence, we can pave the way for a life that's not just productive, but also profoundly meaningful.
I'd love to hear your thoughts - tweet at me @Sandrerooo.
Fun Fact of the Week
We are all made out of carbons. In fact, all life is made out of carbons. That's why they call it organicchemistry.
Everything we eat was once alive - plants and animals.
That's essentially what carbs, proteins, and fats are - carbons structured in different ways (eg single or double bonds) and sometimes combined with other molecules.
Consume more carbons than you burn, and you will store them as fat.
Burn more carbons than you consume, and you will exhale most of it through your breath as Carbon Dioxide or CO2.
We are carbon-recycling machines.
Quote of the Week
When you spend years responding to problems, you can sometimes overlook the fact that you could be preventing them. From Upstream by Dan Heath
Have a great week!
Sandrero