There are many ways to live life. Some people aim to be serious about the work they do. At the same time, however, they do not take themselves too seriously.
Some people have even put a number to this approach. They may call it Rule 6 or Rule 66. The philosophy is the same, however, which is:
Do your best in life but also see things in perspective;
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Sages sometimes take this approach. They start by immersing themselves fully in their chosen route. They may do this when following a spiritual practice, pursuing a vocation or doing a piece of work.
Such people aim to do their best. They take their work seriously, for example, but they do this in a positive way. They are grateful for the abilities they have been given and aim to use these in their work.
Sages have a sense of perspective, however, and see the big picture. They see the work they do as important but do not see themselves as important. They recognise that they are small in the great sweep of history.
Some people go another route. They believe in their own importance and take themselves extremely seriously. They focus on what they call their personal brand and want to promote themselves.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a specific activity where you want to do serious work but in a positive way? How can you do such work? What will be the benefits?
Bearing this in mind, however, how can you see things in perspective? When appropriate, how can you not take yourself too seriously? What may be the benefits of taking this approach?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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