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Chapter 2 of the book explores self-sabotaging patterns and why both extremes of a pattern can be self-defeating. The author provides examples of different paired patterns and explains how understanding both ends of the spectrum can help individuals overcome fears and better understand others. The chapter then delves into the consequences of not enough routine versus too much routine. Not enough routine can lead to inefficiency, avoidance of tasks, and frequent decision-making, while too much routine can result in monotony, loss of spontaneity, and a limited range of experiences. The chapter also explores the problems caused by giving up too soon versus persisting too much. Giving up too soon can lead to unnecessary failure, lack of experience and confidence, and a negative self-perception, while persisting too much can result in inflexibility, exhaustion, and ineffective leadership. In addition, the author discusses the problems caused by being too optimistic versus too pessimistic. Being too optimistic can lead to lack of self-protection, excessive trust, and stress, while being too pessimistic can result in avoidance of goals, negative reactions to ideas, and exhaustion from excessive planning. The chapter also examines the problems caused by underthinking decisions versus overthinking decisions. Underthinking decisions can result in impulsive bad decisions, while overthinking decisions can lead to paralysis, confusion, and missed opportunities. Furthermore, the author explores the problems caused by being too focused on current wants versus delaying gratification too much. Being too focused on current wants can lead to long-term deprivation, mispredictions of happiness, and inconvenience to others, while delaying gratification too much can result in out-of-touch pleasures, lack of balance, and frustration from conflicting priorities. The chapter then discusses the problems caused by not taking enough responsibility and blaming others versus taking too much responsibility. Not taking enough responsibility can lead to personal suffering, avoidance of action, and strained relationships, while taking too much responsibility can result in anxiety, overwhelming burden, and dependency on others. Finally, the author explores the problems caused by thinking too big versus too small. Thinking too big can lead to intimidation, loss of motivation, and reduced opportunities, while thinking too small can result in failure to achieve goals, overlooking opportunities, and lack of motivation. The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of finding the middle path and identifying the strengths of one’s natural tendencies. The author provides an experiment for readers to unpack their own self-sabotaging patterns and develop middle path strategies to overcome them.

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