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It’s Time to Stop Taking Self-Improvement So Seriously
It’s not the secret to a happy life
I remember this conversation I had with my mentee two years ago:
P: “I watch motivational/inspirational videos for an hour before bed.”
Me: “How does that help you?”
P: “It doesn't, really. At first, it motivates me. I feel like I can accomplish anything in the world. Then, I sleep. When I wake up, it just sounds impossible.”
Me: “What would happen if you stopped watching those videos entirely?”
P: “Honestly, I think I’d feel better about myself. I’m tired of trying to be someone I’m not. I want to be better, but I want to be happy above all.”
I was reminded of that conversation when, three days ago, I read this wonderful piece by Marta Brzosko: Self-Improvement Is Killing Me.
For me, the big problem with self-improvement is at its core; it stipulates that you’re not adequate. Or, at least, a lot of people perceive it this way. No one can tell you what or who you need to be. The productivity hacks you find everywhere are suited for the writer who wrote them — if they’re writing from experience that is (most don’t).
