The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
- Steve Jobs

Recognizing the System You're In

Welcome to the world of complementary opposites! In this text, we will explore the idea that in order to truly thrive, we need to find balance between seemingly opposing forces. You will discover the importance of resting and working hard, and how they complement each other in order to create a sustainable and fulfilling life. By the end of this text, you will have a deeper understanding of how to find balance in your life and make better decisions based on your internal reflection.

You will discover:

1. The importance of rest and how it can be just as productive as hard work.

2. How to create personal sanctuaries for rest and reflection

3. How to recognize the system you are in and make better decisions based on your internal reflection..

Creating Sanctuaries for Reflection

Let’s make all of this more tangible with a few complementary opposites. You already encounter them each day, but let’s make you a bit more aware.

This is an easy one, that should feel familiar. Should I rest or should I work hard today? Or something in between? Working hard or resting is not wrong, but disbalance might feel wrong and is not sustainable in the long run. You are (probably) not here to sit idle, nor are you here to work hard till you die. They supplement each other, they add value to each other. This is how the spectrum of complementary opposites works, always ignoring one side of the spectrum is most likely not a sustainable long-term play.

Before we continue, a bit more about resting, as it is often seen with a bit of guilt when people take a rest (where working hard is seen as something to be proud of). First of all: you should now better now that you know this complementary opposite framework. This is your mind playing tricks, rest is NOT counterproductive, rest is extremely productive. When do muscles grow? When is your mind the most active and magical? When do you see and feel clarity? Exactly my point. Rest a lot, calm your mind and clarity will come to you. So be kind to yourself, don’t be stupid: rest.

To improve your rest and internal reflection: fully disconnect (from devices, people, and everything that costs energy). Make personal sanctuaries. Remember ground rule 1? Simplify. Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated (Confucius).

This flow, like the universe, consistently changes: sometimes you work your ass off, and sometimes you don't do anything and recharge. When you have found your passions, you sometimes feel like you will have to give it your all (I’m typing this at 5.12 AM). The universe is constantly changing, as change is the only constant factor in life. Join the change via your actions, but after internal reflection: if your Flow tells you to work hard, work hard! But be sure it is Flow (= are you focused in the now, do you feel connected?) and not your mind telling you to chase or to run away. I will later teach you how to recognize the system you are in, based on the words you use. For now, let’s dig into another complementary opposite that will also help you to decide your course of action.

What you should remember

• Resting is vital. Disconnect, avoid energy drains and create sanctuaries to rest

• Decide your level of rest or work after internal reflection. Follow flow. More about the how in later phases.

Conclusion

Finding balance between complementary opposites is crucial for a fulfilling and sustainable life. Remember to rest, reflect, and make decisions based on your internal flow. In the next chapter, we will delve deeper into the importance of laser-focus and open attention in order to truly thrive.

Quiz

1. What is the main idea behind the concept of complementary opposites?

   A) The idea that opposing forces are always in conflict

   B) The idea that balance is necessary to thrive

   C) The idea that rest is not productive

   D) The idea that hard work is the only path to success

   Explanation: The correct answer is B) The idea that balance is necessary to thrive. Complementary opposites refer to the balance between opposing forces, such as rest and work, in order to achieve a sustainable and fulfilling life.

2. What is the importance of rest in the context of complementary opposites?

   A) Rest is not important, only hard work matters

   B) Rest is necessary for physical growth

   C) Rest is necessary for mental and emotional well-being

   D) Rest is not productive

   Explanation: The correct answer is C) Rest is necessary for mental and emotional well-being. Rest allows for a time to recharge and reflect, leading to greater clarity and productivity in the long run.

3. How can you best utilize internal reflection in the context of complementary opposites?

   A) By ignoring it and solely relying on external factors

   B) By using it to make better decisions based on your internal flow

   C) By using it to always choose the path of least resistance

   D) By using it to always choose the path of greatest resistance

   Explanation: The correct answer is B) By using it to make better decisions based on your internal flow. Internal reflection allows for a deeper understanding of oneself and one's motivations, leading to more authentic and sustainable choices.

4. What is the purpose of creating personal sanctuaries for rest and reflection?

   A) To disconnect from the world and be alone

   B) To avoid energy drains

   C) To have a space for rest and clarity

   D) All of the above

   Explanation: The correct answer is D) All of the above. Personal sanctuaries provide a space for disconnecting from energy drains, allowing for rest and clarity to be achieved

5. What is the main benefit of following the flow in the context of complementary opposites?

   A) It always leads to the easiest path

   B) It allows for a more authentic and sustainable way of living

   C) It guarantees success in all areas of life

   D) It always leads to the most difficult path

   Explanation: The correct answer is B) It allows for a more authentic and sustainable way of living. Following the flow means listening to your internal reflection and making choices based on what feels right for you, rather than solely relying on external factors. This leads to a more fulfilling and sustainable way of living.

How can I apply this in my life today?

1. Take some time to reflect on your current balance of rest and work. Are there areas in your life where you feel like you're neglecting one or the other?

2. Create a personal sanctuary for yourself. This could be a physical space in your home, or a dedicated time each day where you disconnect from devices and energy drains. Use this space/time to rest and reflect on your internal flow.

3. Take note of the words you use when discussing your work and rest. Are you in a state of flow or are you chasing or running away? Reflect on this and make adjustments to your actions accordingly.

4. Make a plan to incorporate more rest into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a short break every hour or scheduling a dedicated rest day each week.

5. Test out your new plan for a week and reflect on how you feel. Are you more productive? Do you feel more fulfilled? Make adjustments as needed

Food for Thought

1. Do you believe that rest is as important as work? Why or why not?

2. How do you currently incorporate rest and reflection into your daily routine? Are there any changes you could make to improve this balance?

3. How does the idea of "flow" apply to your work and personal life? Are there areas where you feel like you're in a state of flow and others where you feel stuck?

4. How does the concept of complementary opposites apply to other areas of your life, such as relationships, health, or finances?

5. How can you apply the concept of complementary opposites to your personal and professional goals? Are there any areas where you need to find more balance in order to achieve your goals?

Expand Your Understanding

1. "The Importance of Rest" by James Clear https://jamesclear.com/rest

2. "The Power of Internal Reflection" by Tim Ferriss https://tim.blog/2015/09/02/the-power-of-internal-reflection/

3. "The Flow State: How to Access and Use It for Optimal Performance" by Steven Kotler https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/306053

4. "Why Rest is Just as Important as Exercise" by Arianna Huffington https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-rest-is-just-as-important-as-exercise_b_59b9c1c9e4b0658fc20f9f5d

5. "The Science of Flow: How to Create a State of Effortless Concentration" by Christine Carter https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_science_of_flow