18 Ways to Excel at Your Work

　　A method is the approach, steps, or means employed to achieve a specific goal—it serves as the guiding light and roadmap for humanity as we strive to understand and transform the objective world. Comrade Mao Zedong once emphasized, "We must not only identify our tasks but also address how to accomplish them. Our task is to cross the river, yet without a bridge or boat, it’s impossible to do so. If we fail to tackle the issue of the bridge or boat, talk of crossing the river is merely empty rhetoric. Similarly, if we neglect the question of methodology, our task becomes nothing more than aimless babble." This clearly underscores the critical importance of methods: when applied correctly, they yield twice the results with half the effort; but when misapplied, they often lead to double the trouble for half the gain.

　　Once the direction is right, method becomes king. Only by mastering scientific work methods can you ensure efficiency, successfully complete all tasks, and elevate both the quality and sophistication of your work.

　　1. Don’t settle for "close enough"—aim for perfection.

　　Mr. Lu Xun once specifically criticized the phenomenon of "doing things carelessly," and Mr. Hu Shi even penned a fable titled "Mr. Almost," about a character who consistently confused similar-looking characters—often writing "ten thousand" as "thousand," and "thousand" as "ten thousand." Tragically, this very mistake led to his untimely death when he mistakenly chose the wrong doctor. While the story may seem amusing and even comical, its portrayal of how people approach tasks still resonates with many today. After all, the world demands utmost seriousness yet fears it most. That’s precisely why we must strengthen our commitment to excellence and precision, always embracing the mindset that "there is no best—only better." We should cultivate the habit of treating our work with rigor, discipline, and meticulous attention to detail. Never overlook even the smallest detail or dismiss any doubt. If we take on a task, let’s strive to master it completely, pushing ourselves to deliver nothing less than perfection. By embedding the principles of "rigor, precision, and practicality" into every aspect of our work—whether drafting documents, organizing meetings, or handling daily tasks—we can ensure that "nothing I touch goes wrong, and you can rest assured knowing I’m in charge." Ultimately, let’s consciously reject the notion of "good enough" and instead pursue the highest possible standard of excellence in everything we do.

　　2. Long-term planning, short-term scheduling, and immediate action

　　 A long-term plan means looking ahead—to tomorrow, to the future, and to the bigger picture over the long haul. As the saying goes, "Preparation ensures success; lack of preparation leads to failure." After all, someone who plans carefully for both life and work can keep a broad perspective, focusing on the bigger goals rather than getting bogged down by temporary setbacks or local challenges. As the old adage puts it: "Fools chase today's gains, while wise people plan for tomorrow." Some say that work often feels like a "short, flat, and fast" sprint day by day, yet year after year resembles a grueling marathon. Yet even in this context, it’s crucial to have a scientifically sound, well-structured long-term plan. We must avoid the temptation to rush for quick wins or seek fleeting fame—instead, we should stay grounded, think strategically, and approach each task with patience and foresight.

　　Of course, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"—so while having a long-term plan is essential, it’s not enough on its own. You must also master the art of breaking it down into concrete, manageable stages. In other words, you need short-term, actionable plans that are detailed and practical. Each day, set yourself a small, achievable goal, mapping out exactly what needs to be accomplished. This approach not only keeps you clear about both what you’re doing and what you’ve already completed each day, but also gives you precise control over your progress. As a result, every small goal and every well-executed short-term plan becomes a stepping stone—and a meaningful milestone—on your path to success.

　　Whether it’s a long-term plan or a short-term arrangement, we must act immediately and get things done right away—putting our work into concrete action. Otherwise, all our efforts will remain just empty words. But if we stick to this approach for a while, we’ll soon notice that planned tasks are completed on schedule, with noticeably improved results—and most importantly, the joy of work becomes much easier to experience. Only by combining long-term planning with short-term execution can we truly achieve order and effectiveness. And only when "act now" becomes our personal motto and eventually turns into a habit, can we continue growing and improving steadily.

　　3. Daily and monthly settlements, conducted in an orderly manner

　　The term "daily clearing and monthly closing" refers to the practice of settling cash-handling tasks daily and reconciling accounts monthly. Originally a financial term, when applied to everyday work, it essentially means "handle today's tasks today"—completing each job promptly as it arises. Regularly stepping back to review and assess your work ensures that nothing gets delayed or overlooked. However, if you keep putting off today’s tasks until tomorrow, you’ll inevitably find yourself caught in an endless cycle of procrastination: "Every day waiting for tomorrow, yet tomorrow always seems too far away." As a result, your work becomes disorganized, inefficient, and ultimately ineffective. Unfortunately, some people lack a strong sense of responsibility and fail to plan or set clear goals for their tasks. When faced with even slightly challenging work, they quickly develop feelings of overwhelm, resorting to excuses and delays—believing that if they can’t finish everything today, there’s still time to tackle it tomorrow. But here’s the truth: if you can’t get today’s work done, chances are tomorrow’s tasks won’t get finished either. In fact, "avoiding the first day only leads to facing the fifteenth," as the saying goes. And while procrastination might seem like a temporary escape, it actually breeds stress and anxiety over time, severely hampering productivity—and worse, eroding your confidence in the process.

　　The phrase "having things in order" means speaking and acting with clarity and logic, avoiding chaos—a habit that’s not only crucial but can significantly influence one’s success and growth. In the workplace, it’s often the case that there are fewer people handling more tasks. Without a sense of organization, teams can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to inefficiency and subpar results. To master daily and monthly task management, it’s essential to plan strategically, stay organized, and never underestimate or neglect the work right in front of you. By tackling today’s responsibilities thoroughly and proactively planning for tomorrow, you can ensure that nothing gets left behind—no task lingers overnight, no pending issue piles up. This approach allows you to handle complex challenges calmly and systematically, maintaining composure while keeping everything neatly aligned and under control.

　　4. Integrate learning into work, and make work a form of learning.

　　The concept of "learning through work and working through learning" emphasizes learning while doing and applying what you learn in your daily tasks—balancing both efforts seamlessly, ensuring neither suffers, and ultimately boosting progress in both areas. Experience repeatedly shows us that the ability to learn effectively is a key differentiator among individuals. As long as one remains committed to continuous, strategic, and rapid learning, success is virtually guaranteed. Of course, learning can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when combined with demanding job responsibilities. The secret to sustaining long-term motivation and enhancing productivity lies in integrating learning into your work—and conversely, drawing insights from your work back into your studies. This dynamic exchange naturally sparks a growing passion and enthusiasm, fueling your journey forward. Some say that up to 90% of lifelong learning actually happens within the context of one’s professional life, and there’s certainly truth to that observation.

　　General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Whether leading officials choose to learn or not is not merely their personal concern; nor is the extent of their capabilities solely a matter for themselves—it’s a critical issue that directly impacts the development of the Party and the nation's cause." Everyone should embrace learning as both a spiritual pursuit, a mindset at work, and an integral part of daily life. To truly master knowledge, one must put in diligent effort and strive for genuine understanding. It’s essential to cultivate the awareness that "without learning, one cannot establish oneself," and to consistently combine study with practice—learning by doing and applying what you learn along the way. By fostering this positive synergy between learning and work, we can steadily enhance our abilities, continually surpass ourselves, and avoid the trap of treating these two aspects as separate, unrelated entities.

　　5. Focus on accumulation and always work in a state of continuous research.

　　A tree that requires two arms to embrace once began as a tiny sprout; a towering hundred-foot-high platform starts with a single mound of earth. Indeed, any transformation—whether in nature or in human endeavors—depends on the gradual accumulation of quantity before qualitative change can occur. Yet, more isn’t always better. Without thoughtful analysis and reflection, mere accumulation simply results in piling up unrelated items—akin to building an empty "storage cabinet." This holds true for both work and learning: each individual has specific roles and responsibilities, and to excel in these areas, one must first immerse oneself fully, calm the mind, and actively engage with the tasks at hand. Only then can you gain a deep understanding of the expertise required for your role, ensuring you have a clear grasp of the facts and a thorough awareness of the situation—ultimately becoming a versatile professional in your field. Once you’ve built a solid foundation of knowledge, it’s crucial to emphasize rigorous investigation and research. This means using your mind not just to work hard, but to think critically and strategically. While perseverance and dedication are essential, they must be complemented by smart, innovative approaches. When confronted with new challenges, unfamiliar issues, or complex dilemmas, we must adopt a mindset of continuous inquiry. This involves generating creative solutions, refining effective strategies, and staying attuned to both the broader context and the details of the task at hand. By doing so, we align our actions with higher-level directives, deeply internalize theoretical frameworks, draw inspiration from others’ experiences, and seamlessly integrate all these elements into our daily practice. Ultimately, maintaining this disciplined, incremental approach—day by day, step by step—will enable you to steadily enhance your professional skills, refine your methods, and sharpen your capabilities. Over time, this commitment will transform you into an expert, someone who not only masters their craft but also becomes a trusted leader capable of making decisive, well-informed choices.

　 　6. Ensure information is symmetrical and foster effective communication. 　　

　　We live in the information age, where information symmetry and timely communication are crucial. Every leader must possess the ability to quickly access information, as well as the skill to analyze and synthesize it effectively. They should strive to become a reliable source of relevant insights and place great importance on fostering open communication and coordination. After all, communication is the exchange of thoughts and information between individuals—and it forms the very foundation of human collective action. In fact, virtually every aspect of the world requires effective communication, making it an essential, fundamental skill for everyone. Only through timely and efficient dialogue can we achieve consensus, align our efforts, and ultimately move forward in harmony.

　　Information symmetry is a crucial element for performing your job effectively and elevating your professional standards. To fully understand the requirements of your role, the dynamics at play both above and below you, and the progress being made at all levels, it’s essential to cultivate a proactive communication mindset. This ensures that directives from higher-ups are accurately conveyed downward, while feedback from the field is promptly relayed upward. By fostering a seamless operational system—where vertical alignment meets horizontal coordination, internal and external efforts converge, and cross-functional connections thrive—you can achieve frictionless collaboration across all areas. Ultimately, this approach helps create a cohesive, unified workflow, where everyone works together harmoniously as part of a well-orchestrated "big-picture" strategy.

　　Communicate upward in a timely manner—seek guidance when necessary, and report as required. Not only should you raise issues, but also offer constructive suggestions and recommendations. Once decisions are made by your superiors, ensure full commitment to their implementation. When communicating with peers, be genuine, show mutual respect, practice empathy, and collaborate actively—avoid creating unnecessary obstacles. And when interacting with subordinates, approach them with understanding and compassion, avoiding arrogance or authoritarian behavior. Instead, take the time to recognize their strengths and talents, tailor tasks accordingly, and demonstrate genuine care and support. This will help build trust, foster stronger relationships, and enhance team cohesion.

　　7. Work collaboratively without dividing responsibilities—take the initiative to support each other.

　　Unity turns stone into jade; collaboration transforms earth into gold. It was only through the seamless cooperation and mutual support of Liu Bang, Zhang Liang, Xiao He, and Han Xin that the Han Dynasty was able to rise to greatness. Similarly, it was the harmony and unity between Lian Po and Lin Xiangru that brought peace and stability to the state of Zhao. A team is a collective—working together in solidarity, proactively filling in gaps for one another isn’t just a professional approach; it’s also a reflection of character, integrity, and open-mindedness. When team members support each other, remarkable achievements follow one after another. But when they undermine each other, everyone ends up falling together. In the workplace, if someone steps up to help others, mistakes can often be avoided—or at least minimized. Yet if everyone focuses solely on their own tasks, ignoring the needs of their colleagues, they risk becoming like those standing atop a city wall, watching the scenery while oblivious to the fire raging below. After all, when the city gate catches fire, even the fish in the pond suffer—their fate is intertwined. Thus, true success depends on shared prosperity, while failure affects us all equally.

　　Many tasks cannot be accomplished by a single department alone, and even within the same department, no one person can handle everything—after all, no one can do it all on their own. To truly succeed, we must embrace the principle of "division of labor without division of unity," enhancing both individual capabilities and the team’s collective strength. By doing so, we can transcend the limitations of individual perspectives and strengths, unlocking the powerful synergy where 1 + 1 actually equals more than 2. Team members, departments, and colleagues alike should prioritize supporting—and even actively stepping in to fill gaps for—one another. Over time, when you consistently help others shine behind the scenes, people will come to recognize your integrity and reliability. Eventually, they’ll reciprocate by willingly lending you a hand when needed. Of course, “filling gaps” doesn’t mean blindly following others without critical thinking. Instead, it’s about identifying areas for improvement, openly addressing shortcomings, and courageously offering constructive feedback to refine decisions and drive continuous progress. At the same time, this approach isn’t about unprincipled compromise. When it comes to minor issues tied to personal interests, maintaining grace and tact is key. But when principles are at stake, it’s essential to have the courage to "take the stage"—or, more precisely, to "tear down" outdated or flawed approaches—in service of the bigger picture. After all, such decisive action often ends up being the very foundation for building something far greater and more effective.

　　8. Strong execution, timely feedback

　　"Actions speak louder than words—more than a dozen blueprints combined." General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, "If we fail to wholeheartedly focus on implementation, even the best goals and the most promising visions will remain mere illusions—flowers in a mirror or the moon reflected in water." For most people, execution ability is the most critical skill of all. To enhance your capacity for execution, you must cultivate a strong sense of responsibility and ambition, embrace a hands-on attitude that starts with small, incremental steps, and develop robust professional competencies. Equally important are well-defined systems and processes to provide solid support—and, perhaps most crucially, a proactive "report-back mindset" that ensures timely updates and the ability to "put a definitive end" to tasks. Failing to follow up after completing a task is like achieving 99% of the goal while leaving that final 1% unaddressed. Even though it may seem like a tiny gap, it’s precisely this unfinished piece that prevents the entire effort from being fully realized. In practice, we must avoid the pitfalls of acting first and reporting later, acting while reporting, or even acting without reporting altogether. Similarly, we should never wait until a task is entirely finished before providing feedback. Instead, regular, timely, and phased updates are essential—both to reassure leaders and colleagues and to equip decision-makers with accurate insights for making informed choices. Especially when encountering challenges or uncovering issues during execution, prompt feedback becomes even more vital. It allows us to recalibrate our strategies and solutions swiftly, enabling us to navigate obstacles effectively and ultimately resolve problems more efficiently. After all, whenever something falls within your job responsibilities, swift and thorough communication is key—ensuring that every task is clearly communicated, meticulously tracked, and reliably followed up on, so that every action leaves a tangible, positive impact.

　　9. Step back to view yourself objectively, and look at yourself from your own perspective.

　　Life is a continuous journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. It’s impossible for anyone to see themselves clearly through their own eyes—after all, how can you truly grasp the true face of Mount Lu when you’re standing right inside it? Some people often fall into the trap of overconfidence, mistakenly believing they’re superior simply because they’re immersed in their own limited perspective. Yet, unbeknownst to them, there’s always more out there—higher mountains and greater individuals waiting to be explored. The best way to truly understand yourself is to "step back and observe yourself from a broader vantage point." Learn to climb higher, broaden your horizons, and compare yourself against others. Only then can you clearly recognize your place in the grand scheme of things—your own smallness—and even spot aspects of yourself that others might miss entirely. Moreover, cultivate the ability to view yourself with an "objective third eye," free from self-centered biases. Adopt an outsider’s mindset, rising just one or two levels above your situation to gain fresh insight into who you are. And don’t forget to use others as mirrors: observe those who excel, strive to emulate their strengths, and honestly acknowledge your own gaps and shortcomings. This self-awareness will help you set clearer directions and goals for the future. At the same time, it’s crucial to firmly establish your own identity by grounding yourself in the present moment. Reflect on life’s challenges with practicality, leveraging your unique strengths while actively addressing your weaknesses. Don’t dwell on past mistakes or fret about an uncertain future—instead, focus wholeheartedly on what you can do right now. Embrace each day as an opportunity to live fully, stay true to yourself, and perform at your very best. By stepping back to gain clarity and staying rooted in your own reality, you’ll not only see yourself more clearly but also navigate your path with greater ease and confidence.

　　10. Handle matters one by one.

　　"Whatever your role, you must fulfill its corresponding responsibilities—after all, your position defines your duty, and your job title embodies that very responsibility. Whether it's within a company department or in your own family, everyone has specific roles and duties that serve as the foundation and guiding principle for how we approach our tasks. Without the right direction, even the most dedicated efforts will go to waste. Once you’ve clearly defined your roles and responsibilities, the next step is to stay committed to them: faithfully upholding your岗位责任 and adhering to professional ethics. Always remind yourself that work inherently carries accountability—a fundamental expectation of every career standard. First and foremost, everyone should thoroughly understand the functions and responsibilities tied to their specific role. For tasks within your scope of responsibility, take the initiative to act—approach them with dedication and care. Never wait passively for leaders to assign every task; that’s not the mark of a truly capable employee. In fact, when each person excels in their own role, becoming a diligent 'rule-abiding official,' they’re already making a significant contribution." Of course, there’s always room for growth. Strive to evolve into a "capable official," embracing the "professional spirit" and the "craftsman’s mindset." Approach your work with unwavering dedication, fueled by a profound sense of mission and responsibility. Cultivate qualities such as "having conviction, upholding integrity, maintaining discipline, demonstrating moral character, and actively contributing through action." When challenges arise—whether physical or emotional—focus on the positive outcomes. And throughout your daily work, consistently reflect on your own responsibilities rather than shifting blame elsewhere. Ultimately, stay fully engaged in your role, dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to your tasks. Only then can you truly excel, delivering outstanding results while continuously raising the bar—for yourself and for your organization.

　　Departmental tasks are complex and multifaceted—requiring not only the ability to maintain a broad overview, implement steps systematically, and drive initiatives forward in a coordinated manner, but also the determination to "drive nails home." If we take on a task, we must see it through to the end—and ensure ultimate success. We cannot afford to be indecisive or easily distracted, like a monkey grabbing a handful of corn cobs only to drop them one by one. Otherwise, we’ll accomplish nothing at all. Instead, we must stay firmly committed, tackling one task after another with persistence and dedication. Every project must be executed thoroughly, meticulously, and practically. Above all, we need to approach both work and life with unwavering patience and resilience—avoiding unnecessary distractions or repeated setbacks. Only then can we steadily accumulate small victories into significant achievements, moving forward with sustained effort and relentless focus.

　 　11. When thinking and acting, strive to be as logical and reasonable as possible. 　　

　　People have human emotions, and objects follow their inherent principles—but being both reasonable and emotionally sensible means balancing emotion with logic and staying true to core values. In real-life society, however, what feels right may not always be rational, and what’s rational doesn’t necessarily align with emotional considerations. China has historically been a "society of personal relationships," where traditions like "returning kindness for kindness received," "repaying even the smallest favor," and "giving a gift as humble as goose feathers, yet carrying deep affection across thousands of miles" are deeply ingrained in people’s minds. After all, no one can live in a vacuum devoid of feelings; everyone naturally values human connections. Yet, those who ignore reason entirely in favor of mere sentiment often lack emotional intelligence, charm, and the ability to inspire others. On the flip side, human relationships can also take on mundane, even vulgar, or even selfish and morally questionable forms. When someone prioritizes personal connections over sound principles—when they confuse emotion with ethics—they risk losing sight of their own moral compass and ultimately stumbling badly.

　　Of course, emotion and reason aren’t entirely opposed to each other. One shouldn’t be overly rigid or mechanical, but equally, one shouldn’t become overly slick or worldly—especially when dealing with significant interests or critical personnel matters. In such situations, it’s essential to consciously—and rigorously—build emotional safeguards, ensuring that you neither cross your own boundaries nor allow others to overstep them. While nurturing relationships is important, there’s no need to deliberately chase after them at all costs. Instead, learn to meet complexity with simplicity: embrace the intricacies of others while keeping your own approach straightforward and clear. Show compassion and kindness toward the vulnerable, striving to balance emotion and logic in your interactions. But when balancing these two becomes impossible, holding fast to your principles is the wisest—and often the only—path forward. Only by staying true to your values can you protect yourself, ensuring that "you’ll never let yourself be defeated, and as a result, no one else ever will."

　　12. Consciously act according to your duties and responsibilities, and always remain dedicated to your post.

　　"Whatever your role, you must fulfill its corresponding responsibilities—after all, your position defines your duty, and your job title embodies that very responsibility. Whether it's within a company department or in your own family, everyone has specific roles and duties that serve as the foundation and guiding principle for how we approach our tasks. Without the right direction, even the most dedicated efforts will go to waste. Once you’ve clearly defined your roles and responsibilities, the next step is to stay committed to them: faithfully upholding your岗位责任 and adhering to professional ethics. Always remind yourself that work inherently carries accountability—a fundamental expectation of every career standard. First and foremost, everyone should thoroughly understand the functions and responsibilities tied to their specific role. For tasks within your scope of responsibility, take the initiative to act—approach them with dedication and care. Never wait passively for leaders to assign every task; that’s not the mark of a truly capable employee. In fact, when each person excels in their own role, becoming a diligent "rule-abiding official," they’re already making a significant contribution. Of course, there’s always room for growth. Strive to evolve into a "capable official," embracing the "professional spirit" and the "craftsman’s mindset." Approach your work with unwavering dedication, driven by a deep sense of mission and responsibility. Cultivate qualities like "having conviction, upholding integrity, maintaining discipline, demonstrating moral character, and actively contributing through action." When challenges arise—whether physical or emotional—focus on the positive outcomes. And throughout your daily work, consistently reflect on your own responsibilities rather than shifting blame elsewhere. Ultimately, stay fully engaged in your role, dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to your tasks. Only then can you truly excel, delivering outstanding results while continuously raising the bar for yourself and your organization."

　 　13. Distinguish between priorities, focusing on the essential, the critical, and the key areas.

　　Prioritization—distinguishing between what’s urgent and important, versus what can wait—is essential when juggling multiple tasks. In the face of complex and overwhelming workloads, it’s crucial to apply dialectical thinking and master the art of "playing the piano," meaning you must tackle the most critical and pressing issues first, followed by less urgent but still important tasks, and so on, systematically sorting out priorities based on their urgency and significance. To excel in this approach, leaders should focus relentlessly on high-stakes, time-sensitive challenges, launching decisive battles against them; address immediate, high-stakes crises head-on with all available resources—a "decisive offensive"; and persistently strengthen weak links over the long term, ensuring steady progress without losing momentum. By doing so, they can maintain tight control over the rhythm, intensity, and quality of their efforts, honing in on the core issues, key areas, and pivotal moments that truly matter. Grasping the essence means looking beyond surface-level appearances to uncover the underlying truths—understanding not just *what* is happening, but also *why*. It requires a balanced, comprehensive, and deeply analytical perspective: one that’s both objective and holistic, rooted in historical context, and driven by relentless curiosity to dig deeper until the root cause is fully understood. Focusing on priorities means identifying and addressing the primary contradictions and their dominant aspects, enabling teams to allocate resources wisely, prioritize effectively, and drive overall progress by tackling the most critical tasks first. This approach avoids spreading effort too thinly across every issue at once; instead, it ensures that limited resources are directed precisely where they’ll make the greatest impact. Finally, locking onto the "key few"—those individuals or elements that hold the most leverage—and seizing control of critical junctures is vital for maintaining strategic advantage. As the saying goes, "To hit a man, first shoot his horse; to capture a thief, first seize the leader." Similarly, when dealing with complex problems, pinpoint the most influential points, strike decisively at the heart of the challenge, and sustain unwavering focus until the job is done right.

　　14. Master the characteristics, grasp the underlying principles

　　The defining characteristic is the unique quality inherent in each thing—every entity possesses its own distinct traits, or what we call individuality. Yet no matter how complex or dynamic a phenomenon may be, there’s always an underlying, inevitable internal connection and a discernible developmental trend governing it: this is known as a "law," or what might also be referred to as commonality. Laws are characterized by stability, repeatability, universality, and objectivity—they cannot be arbitrarily created or altered by humans. Instead, we can—and indeed must—study and harness them to transform nature, reshape society, and ultimately benefit humanity. Practice has proven that only by keenly grasping these laws can we truly understand the trajectory and direction of a phenomenon, enabling us to develop fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to tackling challenges. Without mastering these characteristics and understanding the underlying laws, progress risks becoming blind, misguided, and even counterproductive. The same principle applies to work: every department and role comes with its own unique features and patterns. To excel, adapt confidently, and demonstrate your true capabilities, you must first thoroughly understand these distinctive qualities and master the principles that govern them.

　　First and foremost, we must recognize the unique nature of each task, approaching them with a strong sense of responsibility and a meticulous work ethic. Approach every task carefully—analyzing it thoroughly, devising well-considered strategies, and addressing each issue systematically and effectively. At the same time, remember that our roles and responsibilities share common underlying principles. Avoid making impulsive decisions, as this will only lead to setbacks and unnecessary losses. Instead, strive to elevate your everyday, fragmented, superficial, and often emotional perceptions into a comprehensive, systematic, and deeply rational understanding. This way, your thoughts and actions will remain firmly aligned with objective reality—neither lagging behind nor exceeding it. By honing your ability to identify, understand, and apply these fundamental principles, you’ll enhance both your proactive approach and overall effectiveness in your daily work.

　　15. Always maintain a healthy sense of tension.

　　Life is something that must remain perpetually energized. Just as the heavens are adorned with the sun, moon, and stars, humans thrive when they possess vitality—both physical and mental. Work demands that we stay fully engaged and in the right mindset. For everyone, too much pressure can lead to burnout, while a complete absence of stress—or even complacency—can be equally detrimental. Without the right level of tension, we risk losing our edge, both physically and mentally, ultimately undermining our ability to perform effectively at work and in life. As Lu Xun famously remarked: "When life becomes too comfortable, work ends up being weighed down by it." Similarly, a frog left too long in lukewarm water may never leap out—just as people who become overly relaxed or idle are more likely to drift into trouble or even commit wrongdoing. In the same vein, a well cannot produce oil without some pressure; similarly, individuals often lose their sense of purpose and direction when they’re not challenged enough. Yet, while pressure isn’t inherently negative, maintaining an appropriate level of tension is crucial—not only for individual health but also for the success of teams, organizations, and entire institutions. This healthy tension keeps us grounded in our "original intention," preventing us from falling into professional fatigue. It fuels our passion for work, ensuring that our thinking and actions consistently remain above average—and sometimes even unlocking hidden potential far beyond what we’d imagined. Of course, balance is key. While staying focused and driven is essential, we must also know how to step back, recharge, and enjoy life’s lighter moments. By embracing a dynamic approach that seamlessly blends effort with rest, we can navigate the pressures of work, life, and relationships without tipping into imbalance or emotional exhaustion. Ultimately, managing stress wisely allows us to tackle even the most demanding tasks with clarity, creativity, and resilience—while keeping our spirits high and our minds sharp.

　　16. Don't create unnecessary trouble, don't delay important tasks, and don't ruin things.

　　It may seem simple—avoiding unnecessary trouble, preventing mistakes, and refraining from causing harm—but these principles actually carry profound meaning. "Avoiding unnecessary trouble" means fulfilling your duties diligently, staying true to your role, keeping a close eye on your own responsibilities, staying focused on your own path, and doing your job well. It also means knowing when to look away from things that don’t concern you, refraining from asking questions better left unanswered, avoiding words better left unsaid, and steering clear of actions best avoided altogether. In essence, it’s about staying within your boundaries, refusing to overstep or stir up conflict for no reason—and remember, honest people never suffer losses in the long run. When you understand what’s happening yet choose not to get caught up in it, peace and harmony naturally follow. "Preventing mistakes" goes hand-in-hand with taking ownership and embracing accountability. It means holding yourself to high standards, approaching every task with seriousness and precision, and viewing your position as an opportunity to grow and improve. By fully committing to your responsibilities, you not only demonstrate dedication but also honor the trust placed in you. This mindset reflects a deep sense of duty and respect for your role—a commitment that fuels perseverance and sustainability in both personal and professional life. Finally, "refraining from causing harm" means living with integrity, walking upright, and ensuring that your actions benefit—not damage—the people and communities around you. Unfortunately, in today’s workplace, some individuals are driven by selfish ambitions, misguided values, and unhealthy competition. They thrive on spreading rumors, sowing discord, and deliberately blurring the lines between right and wrong. Yet, they fail to realize that their harmful behavior ultimately boomerangs back to them. After all, heaven watches over us all; those who persistently act against morality will eventually face their own downfall. Above all, cultivate a positive, open-minded attitude: remain transparent, honorable, and genuinely kind toward others.

　　17. Handle urgent matters with a sense of calm, and tackle less pressing tasks with urgency. 　　

　　The so-called "urgent matters" are often sudden, critical incidents that have a far-reaching impact—catching people off guard, leaving them with no choice and no way to avoid them. Throughout life, encountering emergencies or crises is inevitable. Yet, the true wisdom lies in facing them calmly: handling urgent tasks with a measured approach, while tackling less pressing matters with urgency. Rushing into an urgent task may lead to mistakes made in the heat of the moment, and pushing even harder can result in countless errors that become nearly impossible to fix. Of course, moments of clarity and resourcefulness sometimes emerge under pressure—but these are rare, almost unpredictable gifts. More often than not, panic sets in when things get hectic, making it the norm rather than the exception. That’s precisely why many urgent situations actually require patience rather than haste. Taking a calm, deliberate approach to urgent matters reflects one’s composure, thoughtful judgment, courage, and ability to handle unexpected challenges. When faced with an emergency, it’s crucial to act decisively yet deliberately—taking time to think clearly, respond calmly, and avoid jumping to conclusions or offering hasty replies. Only after careful consideration should you proceed thoughtfully and effectively to resolve the situation.

　　The so-called "slow tasks" refer to routine, everyday activities—or tasks you know in advance will need attention. These are responsibilities you simply must handle, such as preparing statistical reports, drafting meeting minutes, or submitting bi-weekly or monthly updates. Yet, many people tend to think these tasks can wait—perhaps until next week or even next month—and put off dealing with them for now. Unfortunately, what starts as a "slow task" often ends up becoming an urgent one by the time it finally needs addressing. Before you know it, you’re caught off guard, scrambling at the last minute and ending up in complete disarray. Handling "slow tasks" efficiently, however, is a clear reflection of your work ethic, as well as your ability to plan and stay organized. The key is to proactively schedule these tasks, tackling them whenever you have a spare moment rather than letting them pile up. By managing your time wisely and prioritizing these responsibilities ahead of time, you can avoid the stress and chaos that come from procrastinating—or worse, trying to rush through them at the very last minute without proper preparation. After all, doing slow tasks promptly not only ensures smoother workflows but also leads to better outcomes overall.

　　18. Combining Visionary Thinking with Practical Action

　　Pragmatism means staying grounded, starting from reality, speaking truthfully, delivering tangible results, thinking creatively, and striving for effectiveness. In contrast, "wu-xu" (thinking strategically) involves careful analysis, thorough research, and clearly understanding *why* we’re doing something, *what* needs to be done, and *how* to approach it effectively. If pragmatism is about executing strategies that secure victory from afar, then "wu-xu" is the strategic planning that takes place behind the scenes—mapping out the best course of action before even setting foot on the battlefield. Typically, people are wary of the flaw of being overly focused on "wu-xu" at the expense of practical action, yet they often overlook the equally dangerous tendency of being so fixated on "practicality" that they fail to think critically or strategize effectively. Overemphasizing "burying your head in the work" while neglecting to "look up and assess the path ahead" can lead to getting bogged down in minutiae, leaving you perpetually overwhelmed and unable to break through or improve. Take Sun Wukong, for example: As he journeyed with Tang Sanzang to retrieve the sacred scriptures from the West, he faced 81 trials and tribulations. Each time a new challenge arose, he’d pause briefly to soar high into the sky, scanning the horizon for clues about his adversaries—assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and intentions. Only then would he devise a plan to tackle them head-on. This act of stepping back to analyze and strategize is precisely what "wu-xu" entails. But once he spotted the enemy, he’d dive straight into action—fighting fiercely and decisively. Without this thoughtful, strategic "wu-xu," his actions would have lacked direction, potentially leading to reckless or ineffective efforts. Conversely, without the decisive, hands-on "shi" (action), even the most well-thought-out plans would remain mere fantasies, never turning into real-world achievements. Ultimately, "wu-xu" serves as the foundation for effective "shi." To truly excel in practical execution, one must first master the art of strategic thinking. At the same time, genuine progress in "shi" requires a solid understanding of "wu-xu"—it’s not enough to simply focus on doing; you must also know how to think critically and adapt flexibly to changing circumstances. In both personal and professional life, survival depends on balancing these two approaches: staying rooted in practical action while continuously refining your strategic mindset. We must avoid dismissing the importance of "wu-xu" under the guise of prioritizing "shi," nor should we mistake "wu-xu" for empty theorizing or idle talk. Instead, let’s embrace both—combining thoughtful planning with relentless execution—to elevate our performance and achieve lasting success.