Working in the 'Zone'

The other day, I was reading a column by an otherwise well-meaning writer, berating the lack of accountability in the corporate world in  general and amongst research analysts (of the equity markets variety), in particular. He said that such analysts did not bother if their  models failed and predictions were proved wrong; in what was purported to be a humorously oblique reference,  he wondered if such  analysts lived by the mantra of "doing what they had to, without caring about the results" as espoused in the Gita.

I was left ruing the inadvertent consequences of popular columnists invoking their "heard" knowledge of ancient texts, and wishing that  someone would come up with a accessible interpretation: one that would be closer to the truth.

And I decided to give it a go myself.

This is a fairly well-known verse:

Karmanyeva adhikaraste maa phaleshu kadachana  l

Ma karmaphala heturbhu: ma te sangostvakarmani ll *

My handy pocket BG's translation goes like this:

To work alone is your privilege, never to the 'fruits' thereof. May you not be a mere producer of the 'fruits' of action- nor be you tied to  inaction.

In the currency of modern spiritual parlance, one can call this practising 'mindfulness' in every action. Mindfulness needn't mean forcing  yourself of 10 minutes of meditation every morning. Every action, from savouring a meal to making an Excel model can be turned into an  exercise in mindfulness by 'living in the present'.

This doesn't mean that one should not create goals to work towards. Once the planning phase is complete, when it's work that one must  delve into, one should set anxieties over results aside, and approach work in a poised, efficient manner.

If we think of ourselves as merely producers of results, so lost are we in anticipation of the results, that we end up being unable to enjoy  the process of creating or working on something. The rush to get to the last page strips the joy of reading the book. So nervous as to  whether the boss would approve of your presentation that your nerves hamper you from giving it your all right now. So anxious to top  the exams that the burden of anxiety takes it toll on your preparation.

And it's not just for those prone to getting the jitters.  In daydreaming about your gold medal, you make a slip-up that's going to cost you dearly.  And finally, in a fit of anger over frustration of your efforts, or aiming to avoid disappointment,  should you just stay put, frozen?  Emphatically, No!

This, in short, is a call for inspired zeal in work: work that means giving yourself completely to the present and 'getting in the zone'. Truly,  there's no gift like the Present; make the most of it, without hankering for the results or letting worry sap you of your energy. And don't  throw in the towel, either… because you simply cannot wish your troubles away or run away from giving the Present your best shot. The  'fruits' or Future will follow in due course. 

Chapter 2: Transcendental Knowledge Verse 47