“Do these five things and your life will change“; “Top ten self improvement tips for a successful life” or “This morning routine can bring you success“. We read such blogs, watch videos and listen to podcasts almost on all platforms these days. Self improvement industry is a booming 10 billion dollar industry. It has made celebrities out of common people almost overnight. All it takes to become a self improvement guru is a well written speech adorned with motivating high pitch music and if it’s a video then a roaring lion at the end!
I understand that a non-profit TED gives platform to people to share their experiences about their lives. But that does not change anyone’s life. One such speech might boost your morale or motivate you but it cannot change your life unless you work towards it. You have to include tips from such talks in your life to earn what you dream for.
What do self improvement videos tell you? Suggestions to wake up early or read books is nothing new. Discipline is something our parents have always preached us about and reading was always called a great habit. Visualization of goals might be a new thing but optimism and hopes for a better future was something we were always told about.
There is no harm in reading self help books. But we need to carve our own path, work consistently towards our goals and follow rules which are in the best of our interest. A Radio Jockey pulling off a late night show need not wake up early to become successful. Reading books can give us perspectives but not the patience to overcome bad situations. Dedication, patience or consistency need to be developed over the years.
Success is a subjective issue, so are the ways to succeed. Hacks cannot yield uniform results for everybody and that is what this industry does not acknowledge. Self help books or videos reiterate things that we know since ages. We just need to follow them. Also goals can be achieved through proper strategy, which can never be the same for everybody.