In the previous article, I introduced the art and lifestyle of Total Living.
Now, let’s look at some common misconceptions and debunk them accordingly. We will look at the inversions of the three pillars (personal antifragility, hyperproductivity, and total presence).
Total Living does not have/contain:
Positive psychology. You never want to block or avoid negative emotions to create a personal mind utopia. Instead, you want to fully accept the negative and take full advantage.
Avoidance of harm. I call it “the comfort trap” when you try to free your environment from all harm, problems, pain, criticism, and sweat. Just like exercise, you need some challenge to function well.
The need to feel your best all the time. Rather, you should be comfortable with discomfort and shaky feelings. If you act despite feeling your worst, no feelings will sway you.
Belief before action. Instead of believing in yourself (and falling into the reassurance trap), act without expectations and motivation to gain momentum.
Maximum output regardless of input, a k a busy. Productivity is often conflated with busyness, which is false. Instead, focus on rest and decreasing your input.
Goal-setting. I’ve argued here, here, and here why goal-setting is a reason for mental catastrophe (and causes negative emotions). Focus on habits and current actions instead. However, like weather forecasts, short-term goals are less harmful than long-term goals.
Weekly reviews. The Barbell System allows you to adjust in real-time instead. Save yourself 9 hours every week.
Prediction. In the long term, you don’t know what you want (teleological fallacy) and cannot predict the future. Focus instead of taking advantage of whatever comes your way and live right now. Embrace unplanned time and spontaneity.
Over-thinking. Too much mental activity causes fatigue and does not solve anything. By thinking as little as possible, you solve problems faster.