All Personal Development Books Are Flawed - Nurturing Creativity

To the reader, that is.

To the author, it?s probably near perfect because it was written based on their own journey.

I find value in personal development books, but?I?ve?changed my perspective on that entire industry, and in doing so,?I?ve?gained more clarity and have become more productive.

This is worth mentioning because it will slightly affect how I write and what I share here on this blog.

What has become clear for me is this:

Personal growth is PERSONAL.

In other words, it looks different for everyone.

Buying a book or hiring a coach can play an important part, but the most valuable tool in personal growth is YOU.

The best map to success is the one you create, based on several factors. Books, life experiences, your personality type, your strengths, etc. ?

Here are some of my own personal realizations on my own journey, in spite of what any book has told me:

Timing does matter.

Those in the personal growth industry don?t seem to talk much about timing, because I suppose they are too invested in seeing you take action right now.

NOW is the time. ?Don?t miss this opportunity!

Fortunately, I?ve learned to relax and assess opportunities for their relevance in my life today.

Preaching nonconformity is no better than advocating?complacency.

?Those who talk about individuality the most are the ones who most object to deviation.? -Andy Warhol

The more I read about nonconformity and authenticity, the more confused I am about my sense of self? ironically.

I don?t see how telling someone to not conform is any different from telling them to comply. Each message does the exact same thing.

It requires you to compare yourself to others.

And if, after comparing, you fall into the minority, then you?re cool in the nonconformist world.

I?d rather not put myself into any group and just BE.

My 5 and 2-year-old have taught me more about keepin? it real than any book by exemplifying the purest form of curiosity and acceptance around.

You are not a victim.

The ?victim vs. ownership? mindset that is commonly preached in the self-help world is black and white thinking at it?s finest.

Suffering is a part of life and staying present for it doesn?t necessarily make you a victim. It makes you human.

You understand that when someone you love is dying and you choose, without regrets, to put your grandiose plans on hold because being there for them matters more.

Clarity and purpose can?t be taught.

I have never read an article about ?how to find your life purpose? that has actually helped me find my life purpose.

And I?ve never heard anyone say, ?I finally know my life purpose thanks to that google search I made.?

I?m sure it might work for some people, but for me, clarity and purpose came to me randomly while I was working on something I cared about.

Life happens while you?re busy looking for inspiration.

No matter what books or tools I use to become inspired, the real magic happens when I?m not looking for it.

While I?m working, creating, watching TV, laying on the beach, connecting with people who mean a lot to me, etc.

There is no fountain of inspiration. It?s totally random. You just have to pay attention when it arrives.

Just to be clear

I?m an avid reader of non-fiction and always will be, and I advocate investing in yourself however suits you best, but I encourage you to make your own sense of things. ?

This post was an example of how I personally make sense of things.

But, I?d like to place more focus on creating, sharing my ideas and experiences, and acting as your fellow peer in the creative community, rather than an authority in self-help.

Thanks for reading.

nfl games jesus montero hiroki kuroda kuroda nfl scores nfl scores gene hackman