Running nonstop isn’t the only form of progress. Sometimes, it’s the pauses, the reflections, and the things we choose to let go of that become the true driving force toward the future.

Sustainable Progress Requires Deliberate Pauses
When trying to move forward, we may need to accept that short-term pauses are necessary for long-term momentum. If we ignore this, things might seem fine for now — but eventually, we risk a harsh backlash. It’s like how athletes stretch after training: to promote recovery, prevent injury, and maintain optimal condition for what comes next.

“The incompetent but motivated must XX” this rather extreme phrase is often attributed to Napoleon. So what goes into the “XX”? The answer is—Levi’s vintage jeans, known as “Double X”! …Of course not. The real answer is: “be killed” An absolutely shocking statement. This corresponds to Type ② in the chart left, which outlines military roles based on aptitude, as defined by General von Seeckt, the highest-ranking figure in the German army. Seeing this, many people will probably find themselves nodding in recognition as old memories resurface—along with a rising sense of disgust.