They Can Ruin Your Life

I grew up finding myself reading a lot of self-help books which has become one of the most popular genre in the world. Also, a lot of articles, Youtube channels, and podcasts are available not to forget various video courses being thrown by emergency motivational speakers around .

But I see some advice that get repeated the most often are downright illogical and it’s not because the advice is inherently flawed. People are just taking them too far and they just shape them in a way they want to see. And following these “flawed” pieces of advice can prove fatal.

So, this newsletter would discuss pieces of advice that are commonly misinterpreted by people.

1. Just Be Yourself

I know that it is very important to be authentic but what if you are not your true “you” yet though?

Let’s say Muhammad has social anxiety. He couldn’t even get into the room full of people, let alone hold a conversation with someone.

Muhammad knows the problem in himself — he wants to improve it. So, he starts reading about human psychology, communication skill and tries implement them in real life.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

And about 3 months later, his confidence goes up. He doesn’t feel afraid of social gatherings anymore. And now, he can just go into the room, talk to people, and make friends with them.

In that scenario, Muhammad knows he has a problem —he knows he’s not his best self yet. And he improves it, and now his social anxiety is not a bother at all.

If, in the first place, he just denies the social situations because it feels uncomfortable and it doesn’t feel like “himself,” he’ll never be able to overcome that anxiety.

Humans can improve. We can become the best version of ourselves. And trying to become the best version of ourselves is not comfortable initially, but it’s required to grow and advance.

And I know the advice “Just Be Yourself” means “Be authentic and try not to be like someone else.”

But people just take it too far and use it as an excuse to stay complacent.

Remember, be authentic. Love yourself. But don’t use it as an excuse to stay redundant. Always try to improve yourself and aim to become the best version of yourself.

2. Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Waiting alone doesn't lead to success; it's perseverance that brings about positive outcomes. Simply hoping for things to work out won't propel you forward in life. To make progress, you must define your aspirations, create a plan, and actively pursue your goals each day.

True improvement arises from consistent effort and dedicated work. Merely wishing for change won't yield results; you must engage in the daily grind of making your ambitions a reality.

While some may feel disheartened in the face of challenges or when results are not immediate, the adage "Good Things Come to Those Who Wait" can offer solace. Patience and persistence are crucial during these times.

However, for beginners, waiting alone is insufficient. They must initiate action, put in the hard work, and actively strive for their objectives. Success does not come effortlessly; it requires continuous perseverance. Opportunities won't simply present themselves; you need to actively pursue them while maintaining patience and trust in the process. Keep moving forward, consistently working towards your goals.

3. Follow Your Passion

Many believe that finding work aligned with their passion solves all their problems, often echoing the sentiment, "Do what you love, and everything will be fine." However, this notion is an illusion.

In reality, every job demands effort; there is no such thing as easy work. Mastery in any field requires significant investments of time, energy, and extensive practice.

For those aspiring to turn their passion into a livelihood, romanticizing the journey is counterproductive. In truth, you may need to exert ten times the effort of your peers. Enduring monotony, boredom, frustration, and personal challenges becomes an integral part of the process.

Can you achieve success by pursuing your passion? Absolutely! But acknowledge that you must be exceptionally hardworking. Overcoming frustration, monotony, and tedium is inevitable.

If you find the prospect of enduring such challenges daunting, it might be wiser to focus on acquiring practical skills—ones that can benefit you in the long term. While "Follow Your Passion" isn't inherently flawed advice, misconceptions and fantasies associated with it often lead people astray.

There are so many answers to a question in life. There’s no “one definitive answer” or “one-size-fits-all” advice out there. Everyone has different opinions and different ways to solve problems.

So, it’s crucial to have a balanced attitude towards life because people who are fluid and flexible tend to move forward faster in life.