System 3* Guide

Key Functions of System 3\*:

1. Internal Auditing: • System 3\* periodically evaluates the performance of System 3’s management of time, energy, and emotional states. • It checks for any inefficiencies, deviations from core identity elements (e.g., neglecting a need like subsistence or creation from HSD), or overuse of resources.
2. Self-Correction Mechanism: • System 3\* identifies areas where System 3 has strayed from identity-based priorities. For instance, if System 3 has been allocating excessive time to work (undermining the balance between subsistence and participation), System 3\* will flag this imbalance for correction.
3. Compliance with Identity: • System 3\* ensures that all operational decisions made by System 3 align with System 5 identity. For example, it evaluates whether the person’s work-life balance, health, or emotional well-being is being maintained as per their philosophies, attitudes, and HSD needs.
4. Feedback to System 3: • System 3\* does not interfere with the day-to-day decisions but intervenes when there is a long-term issue or misalignment. It provides feedback, prompting adjustments in how resources are managed, ensuring operations remain viable.

Example of System 3 in Action\*:

• Health Check: If an individual has been prioritizing work (affecting sleep and physical health), System 3\* audits the allocation of time and flags System 3 to make adjustments, such as increasing time for rest or exercise to restore balance. • Alignment with Philosophies: If an individual’s philosophies value minimalism but they have been accumulating unnecessary material items, System 3\* identifies this and prompts a realignment with minimalist values.

Practical Workflow: System 2 and 3 in Action\*

• System 2 ensures that the individual’s activities are balanced across personal, professional, and self-care roles. It prevents burnout by ensuring tasks do not overlap or conflict, maintaining harmony in daily life. • System 3\* periodically audits the resource management decisions made by System 3. If energy is being drained excessively by work at the expense of rest or health, System 3\* identifies this and provides feedback to correct the imbalance. • System 2 also ensures that System 3\*’s feedback is smoothly integrated, preventing disruption to the individual’s overall coordination.

Key functions of System 3* include:

• Monitoring energy use: ensuring that daily tasks don’t drain energy excessively and that recovery occurs as needed (e.g., rest periods after intense work or emotional strain). • Allocating attention and focus: directing attention to high-priority tasks while managing distractions. • Resource Distribution: ensuring that different life areas (e.g., work, relationships, health) get the right level of focus and resource allocation.

Example System 3* Functions:

• Monitoring energy levels to ensure there’s enough stamina left for important evening social engagements. • Reallocating attention from less important tasks to more pressing work demands. • Adjusting the balance between emotional regulation tasks and physical tasks based on current stress levels (System 3\* identifies stress inefficiencies and System 3 adjusts).

Interaction Between Systems 1, 2, and 3

The key to effective functioning lies in the interaction between Systems 1, 2, and 3. Here’s how they integrate:

1. System 1 performs the core tasks of life—these operations are the building blocks of daily life and are driven by the identity, needs, and goals established in System 5.
2. System 2 coordinates these tasks to prevent conflicts and ensure balance, making sure that one task or area doesn’t overwhelm the others.
3. System 3 monitors the resource use, ensuring that operations are efficient and sustainable. It allocates energy, attention, and time according to the goals and feedback it receives from System 3\* and 4, and ensures that System 1 tasks remain aligned with the overall purpose.