What does it mean to give 111%? The phrase may sound like a call to action or a motivational platitude, but it speaks to a deeper truth about the nature of effort and dedication. In the words of the great philosopher Alan Watts, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” Giving 111% means embracing the dance of life and committing to living it to the fullest. In this blog post, we will explore the power of hard work, high standards, and overcoming challenges through the lens of Alan Watts’ teachings.
Alan Watts believed that life is a journey, and the purpose of the journey is the journey itself. Hard work is not just a means to an end; it is a vital part of the journey. By embracing hard work, we learn the value of effort, the joy of accomplishment, and the satisfaction of knowing that we have done our best. As Watts once said, “What we have to discover is that there is no safety, that seeking is painful, and that when we imagine that we have found it, we don’t like it.”
For Alan Watts, setting high standards meant living life to the fullest. It was not about achieving perfection or measuring up to external expectations; it was about embracing the challenge of being fully alive. By setting high standards for ourselves, we push ourselves to grow and evolve, to discover our true potential, and to become the best version of ourselves. As Watts once said, “This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”
Alan Watts believed that life is not meant to be easy, and that overcoming challenges is an essential part of the journey. By embracing the challenges that come our way, we develop the strength and resilience needed to face life’s ups and downs. As Watts once said, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” By joining the dance of life, we learn to move with the changes, to embrace the challenges, and to find joy in the journey.
For Alan Watts, success was not about achieving external goals or accumulating wealth and status. It was about living a life of meaning and purpose, and embracing the journey with all its ups and downs. By giving 111% to everything we do, we can achieve a sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends external measures of success. As Watts once said, “The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.”
Alan Watts believed that life is not meant to be a struggle, but a joyous dance. To maintain this dance, we must learn to balance our work and our personal lives, to find joy in both our achievements and our downtime. As Watts once said, “Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.” By taking time to rest, recharge, and reflect, we can find clarity and balance in our lives.
Alan Watts believed that burnout was the result of trying too hard, of pushing ourselves beyond our limits. To avoid burnout, we must learn to embrace the flow of life, to move with the changes, and to find joy in the journey. As Watts once said, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” By joining the dance of life, we can avoidburnout and find a sense of balance and fulfillment.
In conclusion, giving 111% is not about working harder or striving for external success. It is about embracing the journey of life with all its ups and downs, and committing to living it to the fullest. As Alan Watts once said, “This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now.” By embracing hard work, setting high standards, overcoming challenges, and finding balance in our lives, we can join the dance of life and discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from living with purpose and passion. So let us all commit to giving 111% to everything we do, and join the dance of life with open hearts and minds.
TheSpiritualExplorer 