DON'T PUT OFF UNTIL TOMORROW WHAT IS AVAILABLE TODAY

In a quaint Balinese coastal village, a corporate executive found himself on a much-needed holiday. Strolling along the beach he stumbled upon a poor but happy fisherman named Wayan. Intrigued by the fisherman's relaxed demeanour, he struck up a conversation.

As Wayan shared his story, the businessman was surprised that the fisherman chose to only work a few hours a day. Instead of accumulating possessions, he spent most of his time pursuing the simple joys of life — savouring the warmth of the sun, swimming in the sea, and playing music with friends.

Intrigued yet confronted by the fisherman's lack of ambition, the businessman offered his unsolicited advice. "Wayan, my friend, imagine what you could achieve if you just worked harder! You could save money and expand your fleet of boats, hire more fishermen, and increase your catch. The profits would soar, and you could retire early, living a life of luxury!"

Wayan, with a calm smile on his face, pondered the businessman's words. He gently asked, "And what would I do then?"

The businessman explained, "Well, isn't that obvious. You could then retire and spend your days savouring the warmth of the sun, swimming in the sea, and playing music with friends."¹

AI Does Not Improve The Beach

This morning, I found myself on a stunning beach. I've been touring Australia, speaking at various conferences, and found a few hours to soak up sun before my next flight.

Because it's was a week-day, I also decided to do a bit of work on my phone. I scanned my email inbox. I responded to a few text messages. I caught up on Substack articles, in particular, a series of posts about how generative AI will reduce busyness and give us back our time.

Then reality hit me. I looked around and realised that I was at the beach. The sun was on my back (in the depth of winter) and here I was, reading articles about how AI will save me time (that I need to go the beach!)

I felt like the businessman in the parable, putting off what is available right now in the pursuit of a more complicated way of achieving the same aim.

So I turned off my phone and simply enjoyed the moment. I strolled aimlessly for an hour, with only my thoughts and the sounds of the sea. It was one of the highlights of my week.

As I walked, this thought came to mind. Managing our time is not as complicated as we make it. We don't need to master AI, or download that app, or get that promotion, or buy that new thing to make space for the beach. The beach is here, just waiting for us to turn up.

Let's not wait for some hypothetical moment in the future before we make space for what matters most. The most joyful experiences of life can be had today.

Call that friend. Pick up that guitar. Create that artwork. Ride that mountain. Book that massage. Read that book. Bake that cake. Schedule time in your calendar this week, even if you feel busy, and stroll along the beach.

None of us need a fleet of boats to enjoy life's simple pleasures. Stop waiting for a better future and enjoy the sea.

What is one thing you are putting off until tomorrow that is actually available today?

¹This story is adapted from a parable in"4000 Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman, page 134.