Things in Excess Often Become Their Opposite

Have you ever been obsessed with doing something you believed to be beneficial to the point that it eventually became harmful?

---

I write a lot about self-improvement. It's one of my passions, something that I am drawn to for the fact that I've seen results from consciously making changes in my mindset and behaviors.

One of the essential parts of life is to constantly improve our circumstances in all of the areas that we have some degree of control over. Mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, financially, etc. All of these areas overlap in many ways, and it is incredibly important to not overlook one component.

But there are also times when an act of self-improvement can eventually lead to the opposite of the desired outcome. Too much of a good thing can indeed become harmful in some way or another.

Too much of anything is usually detrimental

---

Allow me to quote Tim Ferriss from his book 'The Four Hour Work Week':

It is possible to have too much of a good thing, in excess most endeavors and possessions take on the characteristics of their opposite. Thus, pacifists become militants, freedom fighters become tyrants, blessings become curses, help becomes hindrance, more becomes less. Too much, too many, and too often of what you want becomes what you don’t want. This is true of possessions and even time

Many people dream of the day when they no longer have to work to survive, when they can ride off into the sunset, sip margaritas on some mythical island with their lover, forever engaged in activities of amusement until their last breath.

Some individuals actually reach this point, whether through hard work or luck, only to find out that unlimited time and resources eventually leads to a hollow, meaningless existence that leaves them wishing they had something to do beyond superficial entertainment and intoxication.

This can also be seen in regards to too much focus on finances. I know of a particular individual who is obsessed with monetary success, to the point that they are absolutely driven to work as long and as hard as they can to reach the highest plateau possible.

In the process, they are ignoring their social network, their physical health, and many other components that form the foundation of a meaningful life. Perhaps my outside perspective isn't entirely accurate, but it certainly appears that while their bank account is growing, their social network and overall health is shrinking.

Balance and moderation are important components in the equation

---

Ok, I understand that this idea is so obvious as to seem trite, cliche, and rehashed by basically every self-help philosophy you can imagine. But the fact remains, if you are too focused and singular in your approach to life, your experience of life will eventually suffer.

If you're going to the gym 20 hours a week to achieve the best body possible, I'd bet that your connection with friends and family may begin to suffer. The same can be said for being overly obsessed with improving your mental and spiritual health. If you're meditating every waking hour to attain enlightenment, and lose your connection with those you value most, is it really worth it?

Many individuals believe you must become obsessed with something in order to be successful, and I believe there is certainly a degree of truth in this. In order to be the best, on some level you have to dive in and dedicate your time and energy to research, preparation, and continuous action in order to become better and eventually reach a 'master' level.

I don't want to take away from this aspect of improvement, but I also think it is important to recognize the pitfalls of excessive action.

---

All uncredited pictures from pixabay.com or my personal account

If you received value from this post, I would gratefully appreciate your upvote

---

My Latest Posts

• Regression: An Inevitability on the Road to Progress
• The Value of Making Your Bed
• The Importance of Constantly Getting Out of Our Comfort Zones
• Embracing Change in the Course of a Relationship
• I've Decided to Discontinue Utilizing Vote Buying Services

Classic Hits

• My Thoughts on Neuro-Feedback Treatment After Two Sessions
• Applying the George Costanza Philosophy
• Against the Grain: 30 Days on the Paleo Diet
• Mysterious Mountain Meditation Spot: Spiraling Out
• Why I no Longer Use Facebook as my Primary Social Media