vfr
September 2, 2006, 10:49 AM
Sometimes we can get stuck in a a place of constantly looking and never finding. In short, we can get stuck in a state of "analysis paralysis" with our life. We tell ourselves we need to assemble all the facts before we can start and as perfectionists we never seem to have *all* the facts that allow us to perfectly act. I had to let go of the notion at being a perfectionist. Other times we get so bombarded with facts and theories that we could never act on all of them anyway. Another issue is that of fear and pleasure. It is much more pleasurable sometimes being a student than having to go out in the world and apply what we have studied for so long.
I used to be stuck with analysis paralysis with books. I would get all the books I thought I needed to perfect an area of study, but would shove them aside to read at later date due to the massive quantities I would assemble. I really planned to read them all...when I had more time. The Greco-Roman philosopher Epictetus reminds us "It is not reasonings that are wanted now; for there are books stuffed full of reasonings."
It is good to remember...knowledge without application is useless.
Well, that perfect time to read them all never came and all it produced was massive amounts of clutter and low self worth. I would think the answer to my problems was in another area of study and start afresh with more books in that area and on and on. I now try to apply simplicity to my studies and look for minimums and not maximums. Once we have enough concepts in hand (the basics) we can start applying them to restructuring our new life - no need to wait - just start where your at.
V (Male) For free access to my earlier posts on voluntary simplicity, compulsive spending, debting, compulsive overeating and clutter write: vfr44@aol.com. Any opinion expressed here is that of my own and is not the opinion or belief of any group or organization.
I used to be stuck with analysis paralysis with books. I would get all the books I thought I needed to perfect an area of study, but would shove them aside to read at later date due to the massive quantities I would assemble. I really planned to read them all...when I had more time. The Greco-Roman philosopher Epictetus reminds us "It is not reasonings that are wanted now; for there are books stuffed full of reasonings."
It is good to remember...knowledge without application is useless.
Well, that perfect time to read them all never came and all it produced was massive amounts of clutter and low self worth. I would think the answer to my problems was in another area of study and start afresh with more books in that area and on and on. I now try to apply simplicity to my studies and look for minimums and not maximums. Once we have enough concepts in hand (the basics) we can start applying them to restructuring our new life - no need to wait - just start where your at.
V (Male) For free access to my earlier posts on voluntary simplicity, compulsive spending, debting, compulsive overeating and clutter write: vfr44@aol.com. Any opinion expressed here is that of my own and is not the opinion or belief of any group or organization.