Trade-offs.
When we begin to look at things from this perspective we are better able to make decisions that align with our higher selves.
Everything is a trade-off. The fact that I'm sitting here right now writing means that i'm not doing an infinite number of other things.
We need to constantly check-in with ourselves and ask whether what we're doing in this moment is getting us closer to, or further away from, becoming our highest selves.
We can take this a step further and ask ourselves whether or not this is the BEST use of our time. But, fuck it. As long as we're in the positive I'm willing to roll with it.
Of course, going to the extreme is the quickest way to burnout. So we also need to remind ourselves to let go once in a while and do whatever the fuck we feel like doing. (within reason)
But we should strive to maintain an 80/20 balance. The famous Pareto Principle.
Spend four-fifths of your time doing things that align with your highest self. Spend 20% unwinding or doing things that you like doing -- but know that it's not helping you reach your highest self. For me, PlayStation jumps out as an obvious example. I enjoy gaming.
I think it's the quick-feedback loop that gets me hooked. Instant gratification and the chance to hit the reset button. Again, from the perspective of trade-offs, playing PlayStation means that i'm not spending time reading, or studying, or prepping meals, or exercising, or or or...infinity.
But at the same time, if i enjoy it and i'm sticking to the 80/20 then i need to allow myself that luxury. It's good for ME in the long-run. You can't possibly be a marathoner all day. At some point you have to stop and take a fuckin' break.
Think of the "highest-good" activities as the marathon and everything else as the sprint.
The 80% is the grind, the 20% -- unwind.
80 -- grind. 20 -- unwind.
Balance, in this case, isn't 50/50. But 80/20.
Where is 80% of our effort being directed? Is it getting us closer or further away from self-actualization?
I'd argue that many people would be on my side. A far worse ratio than 80/20.
But it's only with the realization of trade-offs and constant self-reflection will we be able to change this ratio and start turning it more toward the positive.
