It doesn’t matter if it’s your physical location, a relationship, or a philosophical position you discover may become untenable. Get smaller.
In investment circles this indicates divesting. Start unloading when the reasons you got involved are no longer overwhelming. Most will hold a position hoping that clarity will come with time. They frequently get trapped in a souring commitment, afraid to take a loss and unable to dispassionately analyze their risks.
Get Smaller. (You can always buy back in; the deal of the century comes at least weekly.)
For a PT this may mean relocating a flag. Even if you constantly look for better opportunities, it is too easy to overstay your welcome when warning signals come. Inertia may tie you when common sense argues it’s time to reconsider.
The history of a country is of little value to a PT; and the future is always in doubt. What we can analyze is the direction which individuals, societies, eras, and governments seem to be moving. When social direction starts to indicate fixed rules will expand in a manner that conflicts with our desire for a quiet and productive life:
Get Smaller. (“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius)
We make our best decisions when we are not already bound by prior commitments. In philosophical circles this may require a proclamation that will alienate peers. If your once accepted peer-reviewed articles are beset by contradictory evidence, don’t turn obdurate. Be less certain when scoffing at uncertainties while debating (good advice always). Become a liaison between intractable positions, then move on:
Get Smaller. (“In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations, and epochs it is the rule.” – Friedrich Nietzsche)
Zero commitments brings clarity to confusing choices. Find a new base, a fresh location, an unencumbered place to stand where you can once again consider all opportunities on an equal basis.
There are always more choices than we can see from behind the walls of prior decisions. Once you are smaller, make the best choices, and once again move. Commitment is not clinging to something, it is moving away from other things. Move away from anything that is not congruent with your best informed choices.
Look at your commitments, if they are at all questionable, say it with me:
Get Smaller.
Josh Morph