As I had planned to start the writing of my latest book this morning, my mind was initially feverish with plots and impressive beginnings for the first chapter. It was like hundreds of little characters jumping into my head stamping their feet, waving their hands and vying for attention, and believe you me, there was enough scope for me to think I would grow mad before the first chapter was finished.

But, then came a thought, “Be still Bob!”

I did, and in that stillness has come the beginnings of a book, and I’m enjoying the writing!

It’s a simple example but in the famous book Moby Dick, portraying the whaling industry of his time, the author teaches us something about the power of being calm and cool just before getting something done:
There is a turbulent scene in which a whaleboat sails across a frothing ocean in pursuit of the great white whale. The sailors are laboring to keep the vessel on course in a raging sea. They labor furiously as they concentrate on the task at hand.

But there is one man however, who does nothing. He doesn’t hold an oar; he doesn’t perspire; he doesn’t shout. He is languid – utterly relaxed, quiet and poised. This man is the harpooner, and his job is to patiently wait for the moment.

Then the author gives us this sentence: “To ensure the greatest efficiency in the dart, the harpooners of this world must jump to their feet out of idleness, and not out of toil!”
What a marvelous picture for effective living!

It’s like saying, ‘You want to earn more, be idle!’

Those who would live each day to the fullest must prepare for them from a state of idleness rather than toil. For many people this means a daily period of quiet and meditation to focus, plan or pray. Self- help expert Brian Tracy calls it an indispensable daily time of planning and preparation. He suggests that we devote a full hour to being alone every morning. That is when we set our daily priorities so that we, and not events, are in charge of our lives.
“I don’t have time for that!” some people complain. “My life is simply too busy to add one more thing to it.”
But you will find that a regular period of idleness to chart the day’s course, still the mind, listen and prepare, actually creates more time than it takes. For we are most effective when we jump to our feet out of idleness and not out of panic.

I guess it works because the harpooner always got his whale and the keys on my laptop have started grumbling from overwork.

So if you’re planning to do something big and exciting, try being still before the kill..!

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