Albert Einstein’s Three Rules of Work

“So many worlds, so much to do, / So little done, such things to be.” – Lord Tennyson (In Memoriam A.H.H., 1850)

1. Out of clutter, find simplicity.

2. From discord, find harmony.

3. In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.

1. What to Do About the Clutter

Start with the clutter on your desk. Spend an extra hour to get it sorted and filed, forwarded and discarded, noted and taken care of.

Next, get rid of the clutter in your schedule. Get rid of all the Urgent but Unimportant work you are doing with one long, get-it-done session — and then resolve to delegate or refuse tasks like this in the future. Before taking on any extra work, ask yourself: “Will this get me closer to one of my Life Goals?” If not, don’t do it.

Finally, clear out the clutter in your mind. Banish negative thoughts, doubts, and worries. Use ETR secrets to put your mental life in perspective, to focus on what matters, to simplify your thinking by teaching yourself not to think about problems you can’t solve or troubles that exist only in your head.

2. What to Do About the Discord

Understand that almost any type of discord is counterproductive. Find ways to get along. Practice mental tricks to keep yourself positive. When disputes arise, be the problem solver — not the fanner of flames. Recognize that you are working hard to achieve harmony in your life. Don’t spend any time working on anything that promotes the opposite.

3. What to Do About the Difficulty

Almost every big break I’ve had has begun with a problem. Count up your own problems. Look them in the eye. Start working — if only for 15 minutes a day — to solve them. Before you know it, your biggest hassles will transform themselves into great opportunities.