Marcus is encouraging us to recognize and complete the essential tasks in our lives without getting sidetracked by distractions or false urgencies.

How often do you find yourself procrastinating on what truly matters because something seemingly urgent takes your attention away? Whether it’s tending to your health, working on a meaningful project, or spending quality time with loved ones, doing what needs doing means prioritizing what truly enriches your life.

Try to look inward and truly understand the nature of things, including the impermanence of life itself.

We’re reminded that change is the only constant, and everything we know—every situation and every material thing—will eventually transform. Think about the last time you stressed over a problem; perhaps it felt all-consuming at the time.

In hindsight, hasn’t it either resolved itself or evolved into something different?

Recognizing life’s fluidity helps us live more in the present and approach our daily pursuits with calmness and adaptability, knowing that whatever arises will also pass, like smoke rising and then dissipating into the air.