We all have limited energy supplies and time availability, which is why effectiveness and efficiency are so important. Given the “choice in a vacuum”, I would much rather spend my time watching a movie, playing a round of golf, or surfing the web than working diligently for the next three hours, or mowing the lawn, or exercising vigorously. The latter activities are “effort driven” for me and are, therefore, difficult to “get to” sometimes. The former actvities sound like fun, or at least relaxing and are, in turn, much easier to “get to”.

The quality of these activities is defined by the outcomes of each. While lazing around and watching a movie sounds fun right now and will be enjoyable during, I know that if that is all I do today I will feel an energy drain and guilt shortly after it is done. This will then make it less likely that I will have the energy to work on those more important and “goal directed” activities.

If I instead spend the next three hours (or however long is needful) working diligently on important things, I will feel energized and excited about what I’ve accomplished shortly after I’m done. That doesn’t sound like fun right now, but once in “the flow” and working towards a recognized goal, even the work itself becomes fun and rewarding. I am then more likely to continue in healthy and productive activities, which under the right circumstances can include watching a movie, golfing or surfing the web.

So the secret is to look past “this moment” (I know this goes against so much of the “New Agey” “in the now” literature, but it works for me) into the future of likely outcomes and results. Is the activity I am about to engage in going to further increase my energy and help me reach my goals? Or will it likely reduce my energy and ability to accomplish those things I have acknowledged as important?

It strikes me that another important concept related to this is the idea of “unstringing the bow”. The need to welcome and seek times of rest and play is real and important. 24/7 focus on accomplishing goals and working without relent is clearly not a way to live or die. These rest periods offer perspective, growth, rebuilding of reserves and strength and much else in the way of benefit. It’s about the chronology of the day and the order of the tasks. When those important things have been attended to, the movie, golf, or other “fun” activity are a lot easier to swallow. Just do those important “effort driven”, “goal directed” things first, then move on to the rewards, both intrinsic and extrinsic.