Tao Te Ching 24

He who tries to shine dims his own light.
He who defines himself can’t know who his really is.
He who has power over others can’t empower himself.
He who clings to his work will create nothing that endures.

Just do your job, then let go.
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We divert our productive energy in our efforts to shine. We divert our productive energy in our efforts to control other people. We divert our productive energy clinging to what we produced yesterday, thereby depleting the energy needed to produce something that will last until tomorrow.

Most if not all of this diverted energy is redirected to our efforts to write a definition of who we are. Our ego demands a definition; it needs reference points to reaffirm its place and importance in the world. Sadly, that definition consists largely of imported reference points taken from an array of external models that we admire or aspire to emulate, or that we allow to influence us.

Once we decide to define ourselves this way, we step away from the opportunity to truly know who we are. That knowledge will only be found deep inside, in the natural grain of our wood, if you will, under all the layers of sealant, paint, varnish, grime and dust that have been applied or allowed to settle over the years.

Let go of trying to shine; let go of controlling others; let go of yesterday’s work and accomplishments; but above all, let go of defining – defining our self and others. Let go of all the covering layers applied over the years and allow the natural grain to be seen and enjoyed. The definition inherent in that grain will shine brighter than anything we think we can create.