Life Lessons, ‘Kung Fu Panda’-Style

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I find that on the odd occasion — if I’m being honest, on quite a lot of the even ones, too – I behave in a contradictory manner. When I have things that I must do, I don’t want to do anything at all. The moment I finally have nothing to do, however, I start searching for anything to do. It is an arbitrary phenomenon, but not one unique to me.

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As humans, we have an incredible ability to be dissatisfied. We always want what we do not have, and, when we get it, we aren’t even satisfied.

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Why is that, and what do we do about it?

Well, it turns out the cliché of the grass being greener is quite true. The grass looks greener because we are looking at it from a distance, failing to notice the imperfections.

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Most kids are excited to become adults because they only think about freedom. On the flip side, adults are always telling their children that their teenage years are the best years of their life. Each longs for what the other has.

The same is often true of both minor mundane things and big career things. We want to just lie about with no responsibilities, but then we sit on the couch and feel empty because we aren’t doing anything.

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Lazing around all day every day is a great idea … until you realize how much worth you derive from creating and contributing to your company, your family, your nation — whatever it may be.

I, for one, find encouragement in the words of the great philosopher Master Oogway:

Yesterday is history.

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Tomorrow is a mystery.

But today is a gift —

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That’s why it is called the present.

Yes, he is the tortoise from “Kung Fu Panda,” but his words still ring true. The time that we have in each moment is invaluable. Taking time to reflect on that — to be grateful — will change your perspective.

Make the most of every moment!

That does not mean you need to be doing incredible things every waking hour. It simply means that, when you take a break, you breathe. When you need to work on a project, then you are grateful for the opportunity, seizing it with both hands. And, when things slow down, you don’t immediately look for the next project, billable hour opportunity, or side hustle.

In the words of a more recognized figure, Hippocrates: “To do nothing is sometimes a good remedy.” Take the time to enjoy hobbies, laugh with the family, or even practice a little mindfulness. Whatever it may be — even if it’s nothing at all — seize the moment.

Olga V. Mack is the CEO of Parley Pro, a next-generation contract management company that has pioneered online negotiation technology. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She founded the Women Serve on Boards movement that advocates for women to participate on corporate boards of Fortune 500 companies. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat and Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security. You can follow Olga on Twitter @olgavmack.

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In-House Counsel, Olga V. Mack