Strict about showing up, lenient about the results

A client asked:

“George, how do you stay with such a regimented schedule… yet remain calm and joyful as you work?”

Every workday, I stick to a schedule, getting a lot done in an easeful manner. Even with a full day of tasks and appointments, I don’t feel like I’m in a hurry when I meet with clients. I can still access my creative self with them.

It has taken a lot of practice.

Here’s the key:

I’m strict about showing up, lenient about results… and gentle about refocusing… again and again.

This is the mode of operation I’ve been practicing for years. It results in a better business. More importantly, it’s created a deep sense of self-empowerment, showing me that, time after time, I can accomplish anything I intend to.

Beware the Self-Punishment Cycle

Unfortunately, many soulpreneurs find themselves doing the opposite…

They might be lenient about consistently showing up for their own purposeful work, yet incredibly strict with themselves about achieving great results.

This fuels a cycle of perfectionism, where every output is scrutinized, which increases self-doubt, which then manifests as the nagging voice of imposter syndrome.

The fear that their work isn’t “good enough” leads to self-criticism. Then, when they realize they’ve gotten distracted or a piece of work isn’t flawless, self-blame isn’t far behind…

If this resonates with you, it’s completely understandable why you might procrastinate on your most meaningful projects. You’re likely reluctant to even begin, because you’re subconsciously trying to avoid the weight of this self-imposed pressure and the inevitable self-punishment.

I don’t blame you. None of us were raised with a philosophy of joyful productivity. However, once we realize the power of this method, let us commit to it and find a way of working more lightly.

An Example

Here’s a case in point: https://youtu.be/HAlyE29ybzI

I didn’t feel like making that video. I was on a trip. I wasn’t in a place where I was comfortable making videos and wondered what people in the park would think. I wasn’t feeling inspired.

But I showed up anyway.

I just started recording and allowed myself to speak about the ideas I had in mind. (A few days earlier, I had been “strict” about showing up to outline a few ideas.)

I didn’t worry about the result of the video. It took me 15 minutes to make that 5-minute video. This is an example of being strict with my time but lenient as to what happens during that time… as long as I’m doing what I planned.

Just like in meditation, when your mind wanders, no need for self-blame. Simply channel your mind, gently, back to focus.

The key? No matter how I’m feeling, I show up anyway to do what I had planned.

I Never Feel Like It…

You might be surprised, since I’ve made so many videos, but I never feel like doing it.

Also, I never feel like writing my blog posts.

Why not? It’s due to creative discomfort: the potential anxiety or fear of not knowing what to say, or of saying the wrong things, or of being judged by others (and by myself).

But I’ve learned that if I show up anyway, I eventually find a flow after some initial discomfort. I just need to be strict about showing up, gently starting the work, being lenient (detached) about results, and simply seeing what happens with continued action.

The Path to Lasting Results

Your skills will grow — and your results will get better — when you consistently show up. Day after day.

It’s how you build that thriving, purpose-driven business you dream of. It’s how you move towards real financial independence. The kind that lets you truly live your calling.

So, let go of forcing “perfect results” today. Or in any single work session.

Instead, look at “results” from a long-term view. See your results as the natural outcome of gradual improvement.

Your main job? Simply show up for the work. Practice staying on task. When your mind wanders — and it will — gently return. Again and again. Like a meditation practice.

I’m lenient with my immediate results. I don’t care about the “quality” of what I create in any specific hour. As long as I’m doing whatever work I planned, I feel I’m on track.

Maybe the video I’m making feels a bit awkward. (Like the one I shared above). Or the article I’m writing feels clunky. Or maybe I spent an hour studying something complex, and still don’t quite get it.

All is well. I’m still in progress.

Throughout the day, I actively practice stepping away from self-judgment. It feels unnatural at first, if you’re used to being your own toughest critic. But with enough practice, the approach of self-compassion will grow to become more instinctive for you.

How to accomplish your big vision? How to truly make a lasting impact? It’s by frequently returning to this commitment: Keep working lightly… but persistently. Trust in this.

With dedicated, gentle practice, your skills will naturally grow. Your authentic message will resonate more clearly. The quality and reach of your work will grow. This is what builds a loyal following, the kind that will bring you a truly successful, heart-centered business.

Becoming Free of Self-Judgment

How do you become free of your own self-judgment?

You probably already have a tool or practice that has worked for you before. You simply need to use it regularly.

What works for me? It’s a practice I call The Energy Reboot.

At the start of each work session, I practice the Energy Reboot to remind myself of what I believe to be deeply true: that we are all eternally secure, that our path inevitably leads to complete goodness, that we are lovingly taken care of, in deeper and grander ways than we can imagine.

I believe it’s my highest work to tap into this inner resource daily.

Taking Breaks

There’s one more rule I’m strict about:

Take regular breaks, even when I don’t feel like it.

This is the opposite of how most of us were taught to work. We tend to take a break only after we’re exhausted.

Instead, try renewing yourself before you get tired. You’ll enjoy your work more. You’ll experience more creativity, with far less effort.

Every 25–50 minutes, get up! Move around. Stretch. Notice how new ideas can arrive with less mental strain.

(A tool that helps me practice both showing up and taking breaks is Focusmate. I usually have several sessions every workday.)

So, if you aren’t producing the work you’d like to… Or if you’re not working with a sense of joy… I invite you to give this philosophy a try:

• Be strict about showing up. It’s a key, ongoing practice: be on time for your own work.
  
  
• Be lenient about the results. Trust (know!) that your results will get better over time, with practice.
  
  
• Be gentle about refocusing. Keep bringing your attention back to your planned work, again and again, with kindness towards yourself.

Give it a try. I’d love to hear how it goes for you. 🙏🏼

Originally written in 2018, updated in 2025.