The Two Improvements

There are two kinds of improvements you can make to any given situation, and they’re nearly impossible to think about – let alone pursue – at the same time.

The first kind of improvement is a “return to baseline” improvement. If your house is currently on fire, then it is below what you probably consider “neutral” for the situation of “owning a house.” You want to improve this situation! The improvement you are probably focused on is “make the house not on fire.” It’s probably a very pressing concern.

The other kind of improvement is a “raise the baseline” improvement. If your house is currently fine, you may be considering a variety of upgrades or alterations. Maybe you want to paint the bathroom a new color. Perhaps you want to get a new refrigerator. You might even be considering how to put another story or other addition on the house.

You are never, ever doing both of those things at once.

If your house is on fire, you’re not putting out the fire but thinking “You know, in this light I can really see how a breakfast nook would expand the room.” You’re either trying to get back to what your baseline is, or you’re trying to raise your baseline, but never both.

In a way, this is just the microcosm of Maslow’s insight. Maslow’s Hierarchy is just a series of baselines that you’re either trying to get back to or trying to improve, and you can’t do both at the same time.

Understanding this gives you a way to perceive and measure your own stress and happiness in a new way. Consider all the things currently occupying your mind; all the things you want to happen. Are they fixes or upgrades? If you’re thinking of a bunch of broken things that need to be replaced, you’re below your baseline. That’s fine; it happens. But you can reduce your stress by focusing on getting those things fixed and ignoring plans for vacations or new things for a while. Get yourself back to baseline without the added distraction of being sad about things you don’t have.

If, on the other hand, your current desires are mainly focused on new projects or adventures, then chances are good that you’re overall happy with your situation. Enjoy it.