Is There a Secret to Getting Things Done? 💫
Newsletter from June 18, 2026
Hi dear student,
There is no secret to getting things done! The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu revealed already 2500 years ago what to keep in mind when approaching a challenging task.
My favorite of his “five secrets for getting things done”, as depicted in the Tao Te Ching, is: Be aware of those who promise quick and easy solutions.
The next one is equally powerful: Begin a difficult task in its easy stage, because large problems grow from small ones.
The third one is a little more challenging to grasp: Act without acting on, Work without working at. I interpret the deeper meaning of this advice as a joyful, authentic, meditative approach and more serene alternative to the struggling, coercive mindset predominant in our society.
The internet has been swamped with self-proclaimed Masters and AI, promising quick fixes to solve our problems and master any craft. I prefer the motto in our online school: One wood chip at a time. The journey itself is what matters most. We might as well enjoy every step of it.
The longing to master any craft can serve to encourage perpetual learning, joyful, humble growth, but Mastery remains an illusion. In my forty years as a professional Puppet builder and puppeteer, I have created some puppets and performances that I am truly proud of, yet over time, I have always realised that I could have “done things even better”.
But that is not the point of learning a craft! The mere act of dedicating ourselves to learning is what brings the true rewards. The discipline, the humbleness, the calming down, breathing deeply, the focus on “here and now” is what strengthens our human spirit, what offers a fundamental peace and inner strength. There simply is no shortcut or big secret to this rewarding process.
My gratitude to all our students who have brought so much joy and light into my life by embracing the act of learning in the sanctuary of our online community. My gratitude also for assisting us in making the transition into our new teaching platform as exciting and smooth as can be. In this way, we keep learning and growing together and welcoming more creative souls into our circle.
We will announce the opening of our brand-new subscription program in the next Newsletter.🤸♀️💥
Bernd
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