A few notches back from the extreme

If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite - William Blake The Marriage of Heaven and Hell

Blake was known for his insightful, often radical views on society, spirituality, and the human condition. He expressed this through his poetry and visual art. He also said,

You never know what is enough, unless you know what is more than enough

This concept captured my imagination long ago. How to right-size something as captivating as impact? How much to push or pull? How to meter patience with persistence? Ultimately, how to strike a balance.

Over time you can develop a nuanced understanding of human behaviour and thought. I would emphasise the fine line between extremes and their healthier, moderate counterparts. I suggest that many qualities, when taken to an extreme, become detrimental, yet their essence, in moderation, contributes positively.

Overthinking, for example, can lead to paralysis by analysis, where one becomes so entangled in the details and possibilities that it hinders action. It’s associated with anxiety, indecision, and prolonged deliberation without concluding. However, just a few notches back from this extreme, we find thoughtfulness – a quality that implies careful consideration and reflection. Thoughtfulness allows for insightful and meaningful interactions and decisions, without the negative spiral of over-analysis.

Similarly, recklessness involves taking unnecessary and uncalculated risks that can lead to harm or loss. It’s often driven by impulse rather than thoughtful consideration. On the opposite end, extreme risk aversion might lead to missed opportunities and a lack of growth. A healthier attitude toward risk involves assessing potential outcomes, considering the consequences, and making informed decisions. This carefulness is not about avoiding all risks but rather about discerning the risks one chooses to take.

Both thoughtfulness and carefulness, in these contexts, represent a balanced approach to thinking and decision-making that acknowledges the complexity of life’s challenges while striving for positive outcomes. Being thoughtful without overthinking allows for careful consideration and meaningful action. A healthy attitude to risk involves being careful and discerning, enabling growth and learning from experiences without the recklessness of uninformed, impulsive decisions.

Three balancing acts

1.?????? Perfectionism vs. Sloppiness: Extreme perfectionism can lead to an obsession with details, fear of failure, and never feeling satisfied with one’s work, possibly resulting in burnout or paralysis. A few notches back from perfectionism, we find diligence or conscientiousness, where one strives for high-quality work and attention to detail without the crippling fear of making mistakes. This balanced approach allows for growth, learning from errors, and a healthy sense of accomplishment.

2.?????? Stubbornness vs. Complacency: Being extremely stubborn can lead to a refusal to consider alternative perspectives or adapt to new information, potentially causing conflict and missed growth opportunities. However, a few steps back from stubbornness, we encounter persistence – a positive quality that involves determination and a steadfast approach to achieving goals, while still being open to learning and adaptation. This contrasts with complacency, where there’s a lack of effort to improve or challenge oneself.

3.?????? Impulsiveness vs. Overcautiousness: Impulsiveness involves making hasty decisions without sufficient thought, leading to actions that one might later regret. Extreme caution, on the other hand, can result in missed opportunities and an inability to make timely decisions. Moderation between these two is adaptability and spontaneity – being able to make quick decisions when necessary but with a level of thought that considers the consequences. This balance enables flexibility.

Learning

Humans tend to categorise behaviours and traits into binaries: good vs. bad, risk vs. safety, action vs. inaction. The concept of balance is not just a middle ground, it is a dynamic range between extremes, a moving point on a spectrum. Being mindful and flexible in our approach enables us to find and keep finding our balance.

Societal norms and personal biases often lead us to view certain traits as inherently “better” or “safer” than their opposites. I would challenge the assumption that the ideal position is static and close to the “safer” extreme. There is a greater quality closer to perfectionism than there is to sloppiness and stubbornness than there is to complacency.

There is a common fear of extremes, and this can limit personal growth and exploration. Understanding and occasionally embracing extremes can provide valuable insights into where one’s balance might lie, and where it may need to shift and lead to healthier, more productive outcomes.

Self-awareness is important in recognising when and how to adjust one’s position along these spectrums. A growth mindset is a tool for exploring these ranges safely and productively, with the fear of occasionally veering to the extremes. Mindfulness, reflection, and openness to change are key practices in navigating balancing acts.

You never know what is enough, unless you know what is more than enough

My guiding principle encapsulates a profound truth about human experience and growth, suggesting that only by surpassing our limits can we truly understand our boundaries and capacities. This concept aligns beautifully with queer futurism, which emphasises the exploration of possibility beyond current understandings and societal norms, and advocates for a vision of the future that is inclusive, expansive, and liberated from the constraints of the present.

Our dynamic pursuit of moderation through experimentation and exploration of “more than enough” is essential to discovering what “enough” truly means for us individually and collectively. The concepts of potential and utopia – often seen as forms of extremes – are not just fanciful or unreachable concepts, they are crucial for pushing the boundaries of what we believe is possible, encouraging us to envision and work towards a future that is more just, inclusive, and abundant for all.

Practice

• Delve into the concept of utopia as an extreme and challenge the status quo, so that you can imagine a world radically different, and prioritise the change for the most effect.
• Experiencing ‘more than enough’ is a pathway to understanding or validating what ‘enough’ truly is, important as we push beyond societal, system, and self-imposed limits.
• Exploring extremes can lead to a nuanced understanding of balance and moderation.

Conclusion

Blake’s visionary approach to art and literature inspired many to question and transcend the boundaries of their perceptions.

Relocating four years ago has been a turbulent exercise in rebalancing. It has included exposure to some unexpected extremes at both ends of the spectrum. My organisation is embarking on perhaps the most significant rebalancing since its inception, and within this hopefully many opportunities for growth and impact. ?Some of the toughest conversations in the last couple of months, including those leading to dismissal as well as breakthroughs, have centred on whether we have struck the right balance.

What and where are you rebalancing, and which extremes are you exploring?