karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana

mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi

-The Bhagwad Geeta

Chapter 2, Verse 47

(Translation:  

Keep working without worrying about the results.

If you do not follow this, you might become prey to inactivity.)

A monk asked his spiritual Guru, “O master, is it proper for a monk to use e-mail?” The Guru replied, “Sure. As long as there are no attachments.”

There are absolutely no rules you cannot break or things you cannot do. All you have to remember is not to define the value of your by the results.

A long time back I used to be disappointed whenever my paintings turned out just okay. It made me question my abilities. Eventually, I started calling it abstract art. I was naive, and it protected me from disappointment. But it changed my life. It made me invest all my energy in creating my art rather than worrying about what would become of it. I also started enjoying painting more than I ever did.

“The reason you want every single thing that you want is because you think you will feel really good when you get there. But if you don’t feel really good on your way there, you can’t get there. You have to be satisfied with what-is while you’re reaching for more.” – Abraham Hicks.

1. A negative result is still a result.

Life is like experimenting. If you get the desired result, your hypothesis is accepted, and if you don’t, you still know what doesn’t work. It is the value you create by the work you are doing rather than the anticipated result. Do you think millions of people would come out and march for social injustices if they knew that the result might not be what they expect? They still do because they believe in what they are doing. 

2. Take a step back and see the movie you have created.

Are you scared of the result? Are you afraid that if things don’t go as you plan, it will change your life? We fail to realize that such fearful thoughts make us unsure of the work we are doing and sometimes even paralysis us from doing anything. Know that all you can do for a future that has not yet happened is make the present your best.

But never hold back from firing the arrow if all that paralyzes you is the fear of making a mistake. If you have made the right movements, open your hand and release the string. Even if the arrow fails to hit the target, you will learn how to improve your aim next time. – Paulo Coelho

3. I am done for the day: your turn, Universe.

Why do we worry about the results after we have written our exams? Isn’t it the teacher’s headache to grade us sincerely? We would merely be a spectator of their work. We, humans, are so used to relying on ourselves that we fail to acknowledge the presence of a higher energy. Do your part in working relentlessly in the best possible way, then delegate the rest of the work to the Universe. And believe that whatever happens, there lies a plan that you may not be able to understand immediately. Give some credit to God for being the Creator of the Universe.

4. Spare yourself of the chaos.

None of the satellite missions would have taken birth had the scientist waited to ensure their results. You cannot escape the uncertainties of life. Trying to control or anticipate every result will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Remember how a doctor loses courage in operating his wife or son. It is because then he is expecting himself to save them. He is expecting a positive result, which paralyzes him. 

Imagine how playing only for the results can upturn the lives of sportsmen!

By knowing that the results are a cumulative effect of our efforts and the Universe, we can be at peace. Do not be a prisoner of the results because it is not a man-to-man game. You are just a member of the team. Whether you win or lose, it is not your fault. All you can do is play to your best of your ability. 

“Those who seek security in the exterior world chase it for a lifetime. By letting go of your attachment to the illusion of security, which is really an attachment to the known, you step into the field of all possibilities. This is where you will find true happiness, abundance, and fulfillment.”

-Deepak Chopra