"除非你知道什么是过犹不及，否则你永远不知道什么是足够。"

It’s like this: you won’t really grasp the concept of “enough” until you’ve gone past it. Think about it in terms of food. You don’t know you’ve eaten enough until you’ve had that one extra bite that leaves you feeling too full. The same principle applies to most things in life – money, work, fun, you name it.

Historically, this idea has popped up in various forms. It’s a sentiment that’s been echoed by thinkers and philosophers through the ages. Take the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Goldilocks doesn’t know what’s “just right” until she’s tried what’s too hot and too cold, too hard and too soft. It highlights our need to experience both extremes to find balance.

Now, let’s bring this into a real-life scenario. Imagine you’re working on a project at work. You’re burning the midnight oil, pouring in extra hours because you think it will impress your boss. But then you hit a wall – you’re exhausted, your productivity drops, and you realize you’re actually making mistakes because you're so tired. That’s when it hits you: you’ve gone beyond “enough.” You’ve pushed past the point of diminishing returns and now you understand where that sweet spot lies.

So, how can you use this bit of wisdom in your daily life? Start by paying attention to your limits. Push yourself a little further than you think is necessary – not recklessly, but just enough to see where your boundary lies. Whether it’s in your personal life, at work, or in any other area, testing those limits can help you recognize what feels just right.

Let me share a personal story to make this clearer. A few years back, I decided to train for a marathon. Never having run more than a few miles, I threw myself into a rigorous training schedule. For weeks, it felt great. My stamina increased, and I felt on top of the world. Then, one day, I pushed too hard. I ended up with a nasty injury that put me out of commission for months. It was a harsh lesson, but I came to understand my body’s limits. I learned to recognize the signs of overtraining and found a balance that allowed me to improve steadily without causing harm.

This idea isn’t just about avoiding the negative consequences of excess. It’s about finding a balance that maximizes your well-being and effectiveness. When you know what “too much” feels like, you can better appreciate and strive for that sweet spot where things are just right.

So, next time you’re diving into something – be it a project, a hobby, or even just binge-watching your favorite series – keep this in mind. Push a bit further than you think you should, then pull back. Reflect on what you’ve experienced. You’ll start to get a feel for where that fine line is drawn. And once you’ve found it, you’ll be in a better position to maintain balance and enjoy the sweet spot where everything feels just right.