Conserving Potential

A relentless search for efficiency has us using every scrap of energy and resources in the pursuit of more. But, unfortunately, it leaves us, our businesses, and our planet exhausted so that when unexpected opportunities turn up, we don't have the energy to pursue them.

The definition of efficiency is "The ratio of useful work done to energy expended", which takes us to ask ourselves, just what is useful? What are we pursuing that leaves us so drained that it is easier to let something that might transform our lives, or the lives of others, untouched because we cannot summon up the energy needed to grasp it?

The one thing we can be sure of right now is that those opportunities are going to arise. They will not give us notice, nor will they come with clear instructions. They will be as tricky as they are compelling. They will not be logical; we will feel them more than see them, and we will know if we let them pass by untouched.

It is very tempting to stretch ourselves to the limits to tr…