Effective Wisdom from the Andes

Related to last week's topic of distractions, I shared this guide for Microsoft Outlook, which you might find useful. This week, I planned to discuss internal distractions, but something hit me while celebrating Peruvian Independence Day, including enjoying some chilcanos. We Peruvians adore our globally celebrated cuisine, with Lima having the most "World's Best 50" restaurants; yet, we seem less familiar with our equally renowned rich culture.

Similar to how I've explored concepts like Ikigai or Dolce far niente, today I'm sharing Peruvian concepts that I believe are equally impactful. Here's a visual summary to share if you find it useful, and please comment if you think I missed anything.

THE THEORY

The Incas were ahead of their time, mastering topics from architecture (e.g., Machu Picchu) to advanced agricultural techniques (like terrace farming). Their societal organization was equally impressive and can serve as inspiration for our personal and professional growth. I've highlighted four key concepts:

"Minka": Work for the greater good. Minka derives from the Quechua "minccacuni" meaning "asking for help by promising something." It emphasizes communal work for mutual benefit, demonstrating how solidarity and reciprocity were central to Inca society's effective functioning.

"Yachay": Always learning. Yachay (meaning wisdom and learning), promotes the continuous pursuit of knowledge and its thoughtful application, encouraging a culture of intellectual growth.

"Wiñay": Focus on long-term impact and growth. Wiñay (meaning everlasting growth), emphasizes sustainability and endurance in everything we build and our personal well-being. [Side Note: The "Wiñay Wayna" section of the Inca Trail, translates to "Forever Young" and features vegetation such as ever-blooming orchids.]

"Sumak Kawsay": Embracing a Holistic Life. Literally translated as "Good Living," this concept goes beyond work-life balance to advocate harmony with nature and community, encouraging a lifestyle that supports personal, environmental, and community well-being.

MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS

These concepts parallel many global philosophies. Minka’s focus on collective work parallels the African philosophy of Ubuntu. Yachay's lifelong learning mirrors ancient Greek philosophy. Wiñay’s long-term sustainability aligns with the Japanese principle of Kaizen's focus on continuous improvement. Sumak Kawsay’s holistic approach is similar to the Scandinavian concept of Lagom, emphasizing balance with a focus on communal and environmental harmony.

HOW TO PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE

1. Adopting Minka: We're often encouraged to "say no," but saying "yes" to collective needs is also really important. I recommend allocating about 15-25% of your workload to group-benefiting activities, but focusing on making your contributions visible.

2. Adopting Yachay: Dedicate regular time every week (or month) for continuous learning, treating it as a long-term investment. Set aside this time as an appointment with someone very important - your "future self."

3. Adopting Wiñay: When engaging in any project, adopt a long-term perspective. A bias for action combined with patience for results can create sustainable outcomes. Often, the (personal or work) projects that yield the best long-term results are the most challenging in the short term.

4. Adopting Sumak Kawsay: Set concrete goals for key areas that you consider part of your "Good Life" (e.g., health, well-being, relationships), and find accountability partners to help keep you on track.

I'm actually ashamed that I didn't know all this already. Once again, writing this newsletter has been a way to learn new concepts myself. I hope this offers you as much insight as it has given me. Thanks for exploring a bit more about my culture.

Tupananchiskama*,

Jorge Luis Pando

*In Quechua, there's no direct word for goodbye; this means "until we meet again."