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“My formula for success was very simple: Do whatever is put in front of you with all your heart and soul without regard for personal results. Do the work as though it were given to you by the universe itself–because it was.”

-Michael Singer, The Surrender Experiment

The quote above is a beautiful concept in theory, much more difficult to put into practice. After all, each of have our own desire for personal achievement, recognition, glory, etc. The objective as it relates to this sentiment, as far as I see it, is not to entirely suppress these desires. It is not to “play small,” giving up on goals and dreams because “well, it’s out of my control, anyway.” Instead, it is to recognize our smallness in the world as a tool to live more peaceful and happier lives. It is to put “all your heart and soul” into your relationships, the current project at work, your workout of the day— simply “whatever is put in front of you” in that moment, without emotional attachment to the immediate result.

How much of what has happened in your life was ultimately out of your control? Events or results that you either identified as “good” or “bad,” that required unexpected circumstances to unfold in order to come to fruition? 

The answer, for me, is “most of it.” Perceived successes and failures, blessings and struggles, often had nothing to do with what I could actually control. Still, I find myself stressing over whether or not that deal will close, or how a loved one will respond to a certain conversation, which does me no good. Instead of being present with my wife, I’m mentally worried about whether or not I will hit this quarter’s quota. Instead of being present in my sales meeting, I’m worrying about whether or not I spent enough time with the baby this morning. Did I give my wife enough time to sleep today? Am I prioritizing work over family, the one thing I’d never want to do? 

To sum it up, when I’m operating this way, I’m living in my head. The more I can “let go,” while still putting my heart and soul into whatever is in front of me, the happier I feel. 

This book (The Surrender Experiment) has been extremely valuable for me in my life and career over the past couple of months. Singer shares profound wisdom through his incredible life story, which is largely defined by his “surrender to life.” I shared in a recent blog that my newest “personal growth commitment” was to the practice of meditation. The quote I shared at the beginning is one that I often meditate on, striving to be more present in my life every day. The key here is in the striving to be better each day. There is no destination. There is no definitive way to “win.” There will never be a moment that I can say “yep, I’ve fully evolved and now I’m stress free!” That’s not real life. God will always present us with new challenges and hurdles to overcome, and when I’m in the right place mentally, I can see the beauty in that. 

What are some strategies or tools that you use to reduce stress and enjoy life more fully?

I’d love to hear, learn, and continue the conversation—> info@mitchjstevens.com