Finding Balance Within Ourselves
Passage 9 - Tao Te Ching - Translated by Stephen Mitchell
When we try too hard to achieve results, we may overextend ourselves.
Having ambition helps motivate us to push forward and find solutions,
but it is important to find balance within this.
As this Tao teaching shows us, filling our bowls to the brim, constantly sharpening our knives
and chasing money, though originally done with the intention to foster success,
can begin to become detrimental if done without care to manage what we have including our energy.
In order to possess volume with a quality of care that maintains the volume as it comes,
we have to step back and consider the responsibility that comes with more.
So what does this responsibility look like with business?
Well, if you want more sales, you will have to make sure your business has the capacity
to manage more data and relationships before and after the sale.
If you want more leads, you will need systems that can engage at scale and develop deep relationships.
If you want more money, you will have to have a financial plan to make budgets and spend wisely for continued progress.
Above all, if you want more of anything, remember to ask yourself why?
If at the end of the day your desire for more is to feel a certain way or to have nicer things
(which ultimately leads to feeling a certain way), this is a sign of greed.
If your desire for more comes from a place of purpose - meaning you have a proven plan
to put what you acquire to work for the greater good - this is generosity.
The truth is no amount of money or impact will ever fill a greedy motive.
It is when you are as productive and content with little (and nothing)
that you are in a position to manage what you are given well,
hopefully so others can be given more, too.
We also should remember that to make sure people are treated well under our care,
we must find this balance of management and volume within ourselves first.
By Arabella Davis
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