I was reflecting on a thought-provoking quote from L.P. Jacks that has stayed with me:

“A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both.”

This idea struck me deeply, especially in a world where we often categorize everything—work, fun, rest, and learning—as separate parts of our lives. How many of us tend to compartmentalize, thinking of work as a necessary evil and leisure as a guilty pleasure? How often do we feel like we have to “turn off” the part of us that’s driven, passionate, or curious in order to rest, or to “turn on” our focus and ambition when we’re at work?

But what if we stopped drawing those lines altogether?

The Complexity of Being Human

L.P. Jacks once invited us to think differently about life. He suggests that the art of living is not about dividing our activities into neat categories. Instead, it’s about integrating them, allowing work and play, mind and body, education and recreation, to flow together. This speaks to the heart of our complexity as humans. We are multi-faceted beings—layered, dynamic, and ever-changing. We are not one-dimensional, and we don’t fit into neat little boxes.

When we compartmentalize our lives, we miss out on the richness of the experience. It’s in blending our passions, talents, and different roles that we truly thrive. Think about a time when you were in “the zone”—whether working, playing, or learning. That state of flow is where we feel most alive, when what we’re doing feels deeply meaningful, regardless of whether it’s considered “work” or “play.”

A person who has mastered the art of living understands this. They know that life is fluid, dynamic, and ever-changing. They move through it with purpose, whether they are working on a project, spending time with family, learning something new, or simply having fun. To them, it’s all part of the same journey.

Embrace the Fluidity of Life

If you want to live fully—truly and deeply—stop trying to separate work from play, or seriousness from fun. Let them flow together. Life is about embracing everything you do with intention and passion. Don’t label your work as just “labor” or your leisure as “escape.” Instead, approach everything with the mindset of finding meaning and purpose in the moment.

Think about poetry for a moment. Poetry doesn’t just express surface-level truths; it takes us beyond the words, lifting us to a deeper understanding of the world around us. The same can be said about how we live. When we engage with life wholeheartedly, we begin to see beyond the superficial layers. Every experience, every action, becomes an opportunity for growth and self-expression.

Finding the Bigger Picture

When you truly engage with life in this way, the boundaries between work, play, rest, and recreation start to dissolve. You begin to see the bigger picture: how every moment—no matter how small or seemingly insignificant—is a thread in the larger tapestry of your life. Every task, every conversation, every challenge, every joy is part of your growth and journey. Life becomes an ongoing experience of self-discovery and meaning.

So, let go of the need to separate, compartmentalize, or “check off” your life. Stop seeing things as work or play. Instead, approach each moment with intention, and find joy and purpose in everything you do. Become the master of your own art of living.

A Call to Action

To my friends, business associates, and fellow travelers on this journey, I challenge you: Live fully. Let your work be an expression of your creativity and purpose. Let your play be a source of inspiration and rest. Let your mind and body move together in harmony, as you pursue success and excellence in all that you do.

When you stop labeling and start living with intention, you’ll find that the lines between work and play fade, and what’s left is the singular journey of a life filled with meaning, balance, and joy. Take a step today towards embracing this fluidity, and watch as your life becomes more integrated, vibrant, and alive.

Now, get out there and live.