As intense as it is to work this way, it’s much easier than working without devoting all your attentional resources. When the mind is fully engaged—nothing held back for daydreams or singalongs—there’s no tedium and little displeasure.
Pay attention. Almost everything else will fall into place if you do. Don’t think about revisions in the tax code. Or anything else. In Latin: Age quod agis—”Do what you are doing.”
I must have read this in the early 90 s. I used to get all my exercise cleaning the house. I called it aerobic house cleaning. It was just practical then doing two things at once. This makes me see it also can have meditative benefit. Looking for that little battered paperback!
Reminds me of a study that showed how people who are happier have minds that wander less.. they focus fully on the task at hand.
I used to blast music or podcasts while doing things like cooking or exercising. I recently transitioned to using no headphones while going on a run, and the runs are 100x better.
This article made me laugh but also pause and think. It holds a truism about paying attention that I like. I’m no longer one to want to do anything with speed but keeping engaged in the task at hand sounds wise.
As intense as it is to work this way, it’s much easier than working without devoting all your attentional resources. When the mind is fully engaged—nothing held back for daydreams or singalongs—there’s no tedium and little displeasure.
"Do what you are doing" .... so simple, I have to try .
+1
Love this. I’m reading Deep Work by Cal Newport right now and much of the same truths align with this. Also i must read this Speed Cleaning book!
I must have read this in the early 90 s. I used to get all my exercise cleaning the house. I called it aerobic house cleaning. It was just practical then doing two things at once. This makes me see it also can have meditative benefit. Looking for that little battered paperback!
Reminds me of a study that showed how people who are happier have minds that wander less.. they focus fully on the task at hand.
I used to blast music or podcasts while doing things like cooking or exercising. I recently transitioned to using no headphones while going on a run, and the runs are 100x better.
Yep. I’m with you one hundred percent.
Yup, loved this one!
Great reminder!
I’m glad we have a cleaning crew once every 4 weeks! It is hard work!
Very yogic .... the only place to find happiness is the present moment.
This article made me laugh but also pause and think. It holds a truism about paying attention that I like. I’m no longer one to want to do anything with speed but keeping engaged in the task at hand sounds wise.