# Overview

Staking is the core mechanism of the <mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark> protocol. It is how users transform <mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark> from a liquid token into a time-based commitment that earns rewards. The system is intentionally designed to favor patience, long-term thinking, and strong conviction rather than short-term activity.

When you stake <mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark>, your tokens are **burned immediately**. They no longer exist as transferable tokens while the stake is active. Instead, the protocol records your commitment internally and uses it to calculate your rewards. When the stake ends, <mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark> is minted back to you according to the protocol’s rules.

Every stake has a **fixed duration** chosen at creation. The minimum staking period is **7&#x20;**<mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark>**&#x20;Days**, and the maximum is **3,653&#x20;**<mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark>**&#x20;Days** (about 10 years). Once a stake is created, its amount, duration, and type can never be changed.

A newly created stake does not earn rewards instantly. It becomes active at the **start of the next&#x20;**<mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark>**&#x20;Day**. This one-day delay exists to keep daily accounting fair and to prevent same-day exploitation.

<mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark> supports two types of stakes:

A **revocable stake** offers flexibility. It can be ended early and can withdraw rewards while still active. However, this flexibility comes at a cost. Ending early triggers a heavy penalty on the original staked amount, and withdrawing rewards early reduces future earning power.

An **irrevocable stake** removes flexibility entirely. It cannot be ended early and cannot withdraw rewards before maturity. In exchange, it receives a permanent bonus that increases its reward power. This makes irrevocable stakes especially attractive for long-term commitments.

{% hint style="info" %}
The choice between revocable and irrevocable is permanent and must be made when the stake is created.
{% endhint %}


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