self improvement is a f*cking SCAM

Summary

The video script argues that self-improvement is a scam, suggesting it's ineffective due to the inherent ups and downs of personal growth. The speaker proposes an alternative approach: setting goals and objectives that are larger than oneself and finding something to love and work towards. This, they argue, can lead to genuine self-improvement by justifying the eradication of vices and the adoption of positive behaviors, not for the sake of self but for the sake of something or someone deeply cared about.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Self-improvement is considered a scam by the speaker, who believes it doesn't lead to consistent betterment.
• 🔄 The speaker argues that people often experience ups and downs in self-improvement efforts, suggesting a lack of genuine progress.
• 💡 The core message is that self-improvement for personal gain is ineffective due to internal conflict and self-sabotage.
• 🤔 The speaker suggests that a lack of self-love and a belief in one's unworthiness are at the root of self-improvement failure.
• 🎯 To achieve true improvement, the speaker recommends setting goals and objectives that are external to oneself.
• 💕 Centralizing focus on a goal or objective that one deeply loves can lead to meaningful change and self-improvement.
• 👶 Examples given include having a child, which can motivate people to quit harmful habits for the sake of the child's well-being.
• 💼 The speaker shares personal success through starting a business, attributing growth to aligning personal development with business needs.
• 🚫 The speaker dismisses common self-improvement advice such as going to the gym or reading more as insufficient for lasting change.
• 🌱 The speaker emphasizes that lasting self-improvement requires a 'why' that is bigger than oneself and driven by love or care for something external.
• 🔗 The idea of 'he who has a why can bear almost any how' is used to illustrate that having a strong reason or purpose makes difficult changes possible.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the video script against self-improvement?

The main argument is that self-improvement is considered a scam because it often leads to inconsistent results and self-sabotage, suggesting that people do not truly love or believe in themselves enough to sustain improvement.

Why does the speaker claim that self-improvement advice like 'drink more water' or 'read a book' is inadequate?

The speaker believes this advice is inadequate because it does not address the underlying emotional and psychological issues that cause people to oscillate between success and failure, virtue and vice.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to self-improvement for achieving consistency in personal growth?

The alternative suggested is to establish and centralize an objective or goal that is larger than oneself and that one truly loves and cares about, which can help justify the eradication of vices and the adoption of positive behaviors.

According to the script, why do people often fail to maintain the positive changes they attempt as part of self-improvement?

People often fail to maintain positive changes because part of them does not love themselves enough or believes they do not deserve success, leading to self-sabotage and inconsistency.

What is the significance of setting a goal that is larger than oneself in the context of personal growth?

Setting a goal larger than oneself provides a meaningful reason to improve, making it easier to justify sacrifices and eliminate negative behaviors, as the focus shifts from self to something or someone the individual deeply cares about.

Why does the speaker argue that starting a business or having a child can be more effective for personal growth than generic self-improvement advice?

Starting a business or having a child provides a concrete objective that one can love and care for, which can motivate consistent positive change and personal growth, as the individual is no longer improving for themselves but for something they value more.

What example does the speaker give to illustrate how external factors can motivate people to change their behaviors?

The speaker gives the example of a couple who quit smoking the day after having a baby, not because it became easier, but because they had a compelling reason to protect their child's health.

How does the speaker relate the concept of 'he who has a why can bear almost any how' to personal growth?

The speaker relates the concept by suggesting that when individuals have a strong 'why'—a reason or goal that is deeply meaningful to them—they can endure and overcome any 'how', or the challenges and sacrifices required to achieve their goal.

What is the speaker's view on the effectiveness of self-improvement practices like going to the gym, reading, or journaling?

While the speaker acknowledges that these practices can be beneficial, they argue that they are not sufficient for significant and consistent personal growth without a larger, more meaningful goal driving the individual.

Why does the speaker believe that focusing on external goals rather than internal desires is more effective for personal growth?

The speaker believes that focusing on external goals is more effective because it leverages love and care for something or someone else, which can provide a stronger motivation to change behaviors and improve oneself than self-love or self-interest alone.