Summary: Quick reminder that taking time off is essential in overcoming big obstacles. I know it, I hate it, each time I do it I'm amazed.

 

Lately I've been pondering on my recent travel, things I've seen and did but also things I've not been doing during those few weeks. At the same time I've been reading Mastery by Robert Greene and that coincidence resulted in a light bulb appearing over my bald head. Now the book itself isn't as great nor as universal as 48 Laws of Power but there are two chapters that for me are priceless. I'm binary - either I put 110% of effort into something or I'm not bothered at all. Those chapters are about social intelligence and the creative-active phase where you stop following the rules and start making your own. I believe I'm well overdue for that but thankfully the book gave me some actionable ideas.

Going back to anything after weeks off is both scary and exciting. Everything is new once again and you're always up for a surprise and about to rediscover that thing once again. And of course to get better in some way. I've never had a break that big and it doesn't really matter what do you do.

Trying to reflect on something you're doing over and over again always result in lying to yourself at least a little bit. You think you're getting more and more experienced but in reality you're not trying anything new. You're doing great for few days and you don't want to break the good run. You don't want to experiment as it would mean guaranteed failures. Trying new angle means starting from scratch. To hell with all that - you think to yourself - I've done enough work so now I'm just putting my best self out there and the results should come. And they do. But you're not growing in any way.

It's a cliché but if you're not moving forward then you're really moving back. You start to repeat yourself and rely on past experiences that are far from perfect for your ever changing situation.

Three weeks was enough for me to get a fresh start and fresh perspective. And oh boy was I surprised. Going back after that time exposed all my weaknesses that I kind of suspected but always pushed back in my mind as irrelevant. I was doing okay, why would I analyze myself deeply? Fine-tuning was everything that I needed, right?

Wrong. I've started fresh with my mind clearly remembering all the lessons and sessions I've had. But my autopilot was off. I immediately realized that I'm doing different things than in the last months. Remember newbie gains at the gym? Now imagine you're getting those but you're actually prepared. You know the drill, you've been practicing that for years. But you still start fresh and eager.

It's funny how just taking time off resulted in new ideas. Even more that I've realized this the same evening I've read about it in Mastery. I don't know yet how to implement these kind of breaks into my lifestyle. For me consistency is the key and the one and only master. Few days of rest is max - then the obsession kicks in. But now I clearly see benefits of taking long breaks and essentially rebooting. Because after very long pratice you need something different to go further. I'm pretty sure we'll find out soon...

 

Summary:

  • Yes, consistency is the key...
  • ...but you cannot reflect on something you're doing every single day. There's simply no time!
  • Don't worry about losing the effectiveness. Your mind remembers.
  • Plus you'll get some of the newbie gains and excitement!
  • Both in learning and in practice having a time to process is important. Sometimes you need more than few days!

 

This article has been cut to pieces and put in a totally different context. If you like girls you can read more on my daygame blog.