30 Things We Need — and 30 We Don't

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Mindfulness Transformation
on March 8, 2011 by Tony Schwartz | 11 comments

Do you have the feeling, as I do, that in the tsunami of everyday life, we're getting too much of stuff we don't need, and not enough of what we do? Herewith my first set of suggestions about how to redress the imbalance:

WE NEED LESS: WE NEED MORE:
Information Wisdom
Shallow billionaires Passionate teachers
Self-promotion Self-awareness
Multitasking Control of our attention
Inequality Fairness
Sugar Lean protein
Action Reflection
Super sizes Smaller portions
Private jets High-speed trains
Calculation Passion
Experts Learners
Blaming Taking responsibility
Judgment Discernment
Texting Reading
Anger Empathy
Output Depth
Constructive criticism Thank-you notes
Possessions Meaning
Righteousness Doing the right thing
Answers Curiosity
Long hours Longer sleep
Complaining Gratitude
Sitting Moving
Selling Authenticity
Cynicism Realistic optimism
Self-indulgence Self-control
Speed Renewal
Emails Conversations
Winning Win-win
Immediate gratification Sacrifice

This blog was originally posted on HBR.org.

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All Comments
Tony, when you say 'action', what would you mean? I am assuming you may be talking about 'doing without thinking'?
by Sudarshan
@ 2011/09/13 01:04:20 PM
Prior to attending a function or event that I have been ivited to attend, I lay out an addressed thank you note. When I return, I write a note of thanks. If I need to write the note in the morning, it's one of the first things I do. Saying thanks for the smallest things has taught me to be more mindful of others.
by LIN RAHE
@ 2011/05/27 05:32:41 PM
Great way to shift perspective! I think the most powerful part of your message is implicit...that we have a choice on what we put in our lives. I will be sharing your energizing, centering post, Tony...your creativity has a ripple effect. Thank you!
by Janet Hulet
@ 2011/03/14 10:07:12 PM
Tony From this blog one can already read that you've already been practicing a few of those things. Walk the talk, right?! Congratulations on the work. Regards Thiago de Assis Silva DOM Strategy Partners Brazil
by Thiago de Assis Silva
@ 2011/03/14 11:55:10 AM
I agree 100% (smiles for U) something else we all need :D
by Irene O'Brien
@ 2011/03/09 05:13:18 PM
I agree 100% (smiles for U) something else we all need :D
by Guest
@ 2011/03/09 05:12:58 PM
I agree 100% (smiles for U) something else we all need :D
by Guest
@ 2011/03/09 05:12:52 PM
It is going on my wall ... in front of my eye to glance at everyday. I kind of like "speed," but I think I also get where you are coming from. Thanks for the list.
by Guest
@ 2011/03/08 08:04:07 PM
Delightful, Tony. I would add prescription drugs and Glenn Beck. Fond regards, Betty
by Betty Edwards
@ 2011/03/08 07:03:56 PM
100% applicable to projects... and to the life. Great list.
by Pablo Zarbo
@ 2011/03/08 05:53:40 PM
You are right on. Thank for making this clear and simple.
by Cindy Mascheroni
@ 2011/03/08 05:38:05 PM