This connects to Elements of Human Stack.
Can’t believe I never put this to words until a reference popped up.
Anyway, the Pendulum Theory states that we can never reach equilibrium from one end of the spectrum until we swing wildly to the other end. With every swing, the force is less, and the effects of extreme ends of a spectrum become visible. So we arrive somewhere in the middle, maybe leaning a little to one side or the other. Ideal is a middle but most of us choose our stance on the spectrum to complement our external environment.
On a personal, organizational or societal level, we would do great to acknowledge this.
Personal: If I am an overweight couch potato, I cannot do a nice morning routine that Atomic Habits tell me to. I will have a much easier time going to the other extreme and then coming back to the couch for a little bit. This helps my body and mind experience the effects of each lifestyle and then consciously choose. Most people rely on a mythical concept called discipline to get in the perfect schedule and end up giving up. Not how humans work.
On every level, I think we are always moving from one side of the spectrum to another. Whether it is about our beliefs, values, or behavior. We are constantly changing – some slowly, some fast. Some do it subconsciously, some intentionally.
We know both ends of any spectrum are bad. Moderation or Madhyast in Eastern cultures is the way.
I think the more conscious we are of the swinging, the faster we can bring it to an equilibrium. The ‘grass is greener’ problem is also solved by being conscious of which part of the spectrum you want to be on, and why.
The more stable we are, the better we can find communities that align with us: Alignment of human stack.