"Keep it Wu Wei." This phrase came to me on one of those hectic days when there was simply too much on the to-do list. Time was ticking, the UPS guy was minutes away, and we still had over 15 orders to pack and label.
Ahh, those were the days!
Ahh, those were the days!
I know some of you, who was there back then, whether in the front office or back in the trenches of packaging with me, will read this and laugh with me.
But “Keeping it Wu Wei” is more than just a catchphrase. It’s about staying focused, keeping calm under pressure, and allowing the flow of events to work in your favor, rather than forcing it.
Instead of letting stress take over, channel that chaotic energy to your advantage. Sure, there were days when not all the orders were ready when Mr. UPS arrived for pickup. Yet, somehow, we always got through it, and accomplished more in the process.
Instead of letting stress take over, channel that chaotic energy to your advantage. Sure, there were days when not all the orders were ready when Mr. UPS arrived for pickup. Yet, somehow, we always got through it, and accomplished more in the process.
In leadership and life, there will always be those moments when it feels like everything is happening at once. The trick is to embrace the madness without letting it control you. Keep it Wu Wei, and let the flow guide you through.
This approach is inspired by the Taoist concept of “Wu Wei,” which means “effortless action” or “non-doing.” In a leadership context, it’s about knowing when to act and when to let things unfold naturally.
This philosophy can be incredibly powerful for anyone managing a team, business, or even just their daily tasks.
This philosophy can be incredibly powerful for anyone managing a team, business, or even just their daily tasks.
By embracing Wu Wei, you remain present, grounded, and agile. You move with the current rather than against it, which often leads to surprising results and unexpected productivity.
So, next time things get hectic, remember to “Keep it Wu Wei.” You’ll find that not only will you survive the chaos, you’ll thrive in it.