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About this quote

What does it mean?
Letting go allows things to be accomplished; striving constantly keeps success out of reach.
In plain terms
Release control to achieve results.
What can you take from it?
Practice surrender to let progress happen.

Where it applies

  • stress management
  • goal setting

Putting it to work

  • meditate on release
  • avoid over‑controlling

Questions to consider

  • When does letting go hinder progress?
  • What balance works for you?

Another view

Some tasks still require deliberate effort and persistence.

More from Lao Tzu

  1. Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.

    Permalink to quote #21
  2. Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking.

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. A true traveller has no fixed plan, and is not intent on arriving.

    Permalink to quote #20

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