The best way to do something is to do nothing—that is the way of the Tao. There are many examples of shortcuts in life, some more noble than others. But when we think about our actions from an energetic angle, we see that everything we do uses Qi. Walking, talking, researching, running errands—all of it draws away from our energy source. Being able to reach the finish line without using up too much energy is a gift!

How many times have you been in the position where you had to make a difficult decision? You likely consulted with other people-friends, colleagues and possibly professionals, and then searched the internet, before settling on a decision. In other words, you cast your net wide and tried to catch as much as possible. Then you took the time to sift through everything you had gathered in order to keep what was essential.

But what if you viewed this information gathering from a smaller lens? Instead of gathering and sifting, why not go right to the source? Think about someone who may have lived through what you’re currently experiencing. How did they handle it? A person with life experiences has already done the busy work. They made the right turns and the wrong ones, and has made their way back onto the path. In a nutshell, they now know the shortcuts.

So the next time you are at a crossroads, find someone you respect and ask their advice. What tips might they provide? How might their wisdom help you gain new perspective?