The Value of Leaving Things Alone, Nonmaterial Needs, and Broadening Your Interests

 

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and options, it can be difficult to know where to focus our attention. We are told to hustle, to constantly improve, to optimize every aspect of our lives. But what if sometimes the best thing we can do is to simply leave things alone?

As Jesuit priest and writer Baltasar Gracian observed, “knowing how to leave things alone” is one of life’s great lessons. Sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is to say no to ourselves, to important people, and in business. There are non-essential activities that consume precious time, and it’s worse to take an interest in irrelevant things than to do nothing at all.

This is especially true when it comes to our non-material needs. As systems engineer and environmental scientist Donella Meadows pointed out, people don’t need enormous cars or a constant stream of new clothes. Rather, they need admiration and respect, a sense of identity and community, and something interesting to occupy their minds and emotions.

One way to satisfy these non-material needs is to broaden our interests. Developing at least one surprising hobby or passion can make us more interesting to others and help us find fulfillment in our own lives. It can also help us discover new talents and strengths that we might not have otherwise recognized.

Of course, talent is important, but it’s rarely enough to assure victory. And bad luck is rarely enough to guarantee defeat. What matters most is our response to these factors. By focusing on what we can control and adapting to changing circumstances, we can sway the final tally in our favor.

So perhaps the key to finding the most wisdom per word of any newsletter on the web is to focus on the essentials, to leave non-essential activities alone, and to satisfy our nonmaterial needs through broadening our interests. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth the effort.

And some humble Quotes: (from my experience.

1. “Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, but true fulfillment comes from finding comfort within yourself.”

2. “The greatest risk in life is not taking one. It’s settling for a life that doesn’t inspire you.”

3. “The beauty of life is in the unexpected moments. Embrace the surprises and let them lead you to new opportunities.”

Limerick:

When life’s too busy, don’t forget

The value of leaving things unset

Some things aren’t worth the fuss

And in fact, they’re a plus

So relax, and let them forget

 

Haiku:

Leaves fall to the ground

Nature’s way of letting go

Wisdom in motion