Restlessness, Inaction in Action

“Nothing is so conducive to clear judgment as the ability to stop.” — Seneca

The Obstacle

The final crescendo of the Restless.

The Restless has already rushed past
Showing empathy through understanding
Exploration by being curious
Innovation through generative creativity
Navigation by finding what is important.

The Restless has gone right to action.
Pushing through and over everything
Over everything meaningful. 

The actions of the Restless are not well thought.
They are just done.
Same as it ever was. 

The Restless did not choose the wisest or the best path.
It did not even discover most of the paths.

It did not take advice
From those who would have helped us.
It did not consider a new way
Growth or opportunity.

It only considered doing
And then doing the next thing.
And the next…

The Restless leads to inaction through action
It will have to go back
Do it again
Do it the right way
Do what actually mattered
What was important.

It will have to repair
Make amends
Or it will have to go it alone.

The Gift and Opportunity

The Restless is a mover.
Energy.
Motion.
Unstoppable.

We can harness the Restless.
Keep it on the path.
Keep it focused when needed.

Restless can be allowed to play
Wander aimlessly
When it does not disrupt our performance
Or damage our relationships.

The Restless, and its energy, are useful.
We get shit done. 

With the Restless we need to notice
When it’s skipping right to action
When the stakes are higher
When others are involved
When we need to understand more
To see a more complete picture
To do things differently.
To understand what is important.
Only then take action.

Notice when the Restless is pulling us away
From the people we are with
Use that energy to focus up
Really get interested in where you are
Stay present.

The Restless in control is our superpower.

Focus the Restless into designed action.

The Practice of Self-Mastery

• Notice when automatic motion replaces intent.

• Stop long enough to see the whole field, not just the next move.

• Direct Restless energy.

• Act with intent.

  CHEAT CODE: STOP → NOTICE → PLAN→ ACTION