Life Keeps Moving

This isn't a theme park where you can pause the ride whenever you feel discomfort. Life flows relentlessly, just like a river. Even when you’re alone, engrossed in reading, the world continues its course. If you’re not finding joy in your existence, perhaps it’s time to start relishing every moment of your life, including the challenges. Instead of just reading about financial success, why not take action on your first instinct, regardless of the potential for failure? The current of life doesn’t wait; let’s make the most of it.

Self-Help: A Double-Edged Sword

Engaging with self-help books often creates a cycle: you experience a “high” from learning how to achieve greater success. This thrill can become an end in itself, overshadowing other meaningful pursuits. The essence of life lies not in the volume of self-help literature you’ve consumed, but in the richness of your experiences.

While self-help can indeed be beneficial, particularly when you have specific queries, it loses its value if it dominates your existence. The exhilaration should stem from the journey of living, not merely from reading about improving your life.

One Insight to Ponder

While I don’t wish to dictate your actions, one piece of advice that resonates with me is this: “Refrain from picking up another book (or article) until you’ve fully acted on the insights from the last one.” This suggestion contradicts the common advice of devouring countless books annually, yet it seems logical to me. What’s the purpose of reading if it all blurs into a meaningless haze?

Stop Overindulging in Reading

“Abandon your books; cease your distractions; for you owe it to yourself to engage with life.” (Inspired by Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book II, ?2)

To contemporary readers, this may sound unconventional. One interpretation could be that, for ancient philosophers, books were akin to modern-day television. They might have viewed excessive reading as an escape from reality. In a time when literature was scarce, books might have served as guilty pleasures rather than essential guides.

Alternatively, we might consider the possibility that we are overreading, especially for those who believe that sheer volume of reading will somehow rescue them. What if our reading habits have become a crutch, hindering us from truly experiencing life?

This Message is for You

If you’re someone who has repeatedly attempted to launch businesses without success, you might benefit from picking up a book. But that’s likely not the case for you. For anyone reading this, it’s time to step out and put in the effort. Seek out a loan, start that venture, or complete that book in a month. Ask around for job openings.

Taking Responsibility for Our Lives

No amount of reading will be our salvation. In truth, you don’t need rescuing; you’re doing just fine. It’s easy to fall into the trap of identifying as a voracious reader, relishing in giving advice, and feeling validated in your knowledge. I know this all too well, as I’ve been guilty of it myself.

Ultimately, you don’t need specific knowledge to lead a fulfilling life. Living well is an innate ability we all possess. We often learn to complicate things and get in our own way. Why does this happen? Perhaps it’s due to our upbringing or the fears projected onto us. But that’s irrelevant now. What matters is that we stop speculating about how to live and start doing it.

Take the next step forward, and let’s adjust our course as we progress. It’s an enjoyable journey.