The Riddle of Rest - More To That

The Riddle of Rest - More To That

Neuroscientists are now finding evidence for what the Daoists have known for millennia: that in any given moment, the mind is engaged in a tug-of-war along two fronts. The first front is the mind’s tendency to aimlessly wander. To let thought bounce around from one point to the next, and to do so in an uninhibited manner. The second front is the mind’s tendency to fixate on one specific thing. It has the keen ability to ignore the innumerable sensory inputs that are competing for attention, and to instead direct it toward an identifiable object of focus.

Interestingly, the answers to all those questions can be “yes,” even if they contradict one another. And the reason is that ultimately, rest is when you’re not associating your self-worth with what you have to do next. Whenever you’re thinking of something you have to do next, you are no longer resting. There is a subtle notion of self-worth being smuggled into the picture, knowing that what you have to do next occupies the domain of interacting with others. Rest is ultimately about doing things that have nothing to do with the furthering of your place in society.

In essence, this is simply how the mind works. In the same way that darkness cannot be identified without the knowledge of light, wandering cannot be understood without the ability to focus. We all know that rest is important, but what is it exactly?

The reason why a still lake is the archetype for a still mind is because it flows without any intention. The currents softly rise without breaking, and in the instances where it does, it happens without aggression. Rest is to take those moments to understand that you’re not defined by what you produce, and to be okay with whatever you are. It’s to allow that emptiness of mind to prolong whenever you see something beautiful, and to understand that this is not an anomaly, but a glimpse into the reality of what truly is.

"「プロダクトマネジャー」として成功できる人、できない人の違い"

プロダクトマネジャーに必要なのは新しいスキルを学ぶ力。プロダクトの成功のためには、この3つの領域でトレードオフをどう解決するか考え、意思決定する必要があるのです。事業やプロダクトの成功に責任を負うプロダクトマネジャーは、そのために必要な多岐にわたる要素を理解し、ビジネス、エンジニアリング、デザインについて一通り知識を有しているのが理想です。

優秀なプロダクトマネジャーは「究極のゼネラリスト」とも呼ばれます。重要なのは組織を率いてプロダクトを成功させること。

When we look at the concept of rest from both the perspectives mentioned above, we can find common ground. Both the riddle of rest and the qualities required to be a successful product manager highlight the importance of balancing different aspects of the mind and skill set.

Rest, as mentioned earlier, is about disconnecting from the constant need to prove oneself and focusing on activities that have nothing to do with societal validation. Similarly, a successful product manager needs to understand the trade-offs in various domains and make decisions that contribute to the success of the product. This requires a deep understanding of business, engineering, and design, making the product manager a "ultimate generalist."

In both cases, the ability to balance different aspects, whether it's the mind's tendency to wander or the skills necessary for product management, is crucial. It is about finding harmony between opposing forces and recognizing the value of each.

So, how can we apply these insights to our lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace wandering and focus: Instead of seeing wandering and focus as opposing forces, embrace both. Allow your mind to wander freely at times, exploring different thoughts and ideas. And when the need arises, channel your focus towards a specific task or goal. By finding a balance between the two, you can harness the power of your mind in different situations.

2. Disconnect from external validation: Take time to disconnect from the need for external validation. Engage in activities that have nothing to do with proving your worth or furthering your place in society. Find joy in hobbies, nature, or simply being present in the moment. By detaching your self-worth from external factors, you can find true rest and contentment.

3. Develop a diverse skill set: Whether you're a product manager or not, developing a diverse skill set can be beneficial. Take the time to learn about different fields and gain knowledge beyond your immediate area of expertise. This will not only make you a more well-rounded individual but also enable you to see connections and make informed decisions in various domains.

In conclusion, the riddle of rest and the qualities required for successful product management share common ground. Both highlight the importance of balancing different aspects, whether it's the mind's tendency to wander or the skills necessary for making informed decisions. By embracing wandering and focus, disconnecting from external validation, and developing a diverse skill set, we can find harmony and true rest in our lives.