Chapter 1: The Weight of Responsibility

Hello there! How's your day been? Just kidding—your answer doesn't really matter to me. I'm just trying to mimic the kind of online engagement that floods my social media feeds, filled with self-help platitudes and productivity nonsense.

When did the Internet become a playground for the hustle culture? Just asking for a friend, of course.

I often feel like a lone wolf in this digital jungle!

Twitter threads? Deep, right?

I write in snippets!

I adore bumper stickers!

That's the vibe I get from these so-called thought leaders. I can't comprehend why anyone would take them seriously. They might not have much of substance to say, but they broadcast their messages with an unsettling zeal, as if they’ve found a new religion. The web is saturated with this drivel, and yet, people seem to eat it up.

As a writer who values thoughtfulness and, as someone who's been around the block a few times, I find it infuriating.

The hustle culture is filled with misguided advice on how to navigate life. Work hard, play harder! Embrace monk mode! Chase your dreams! Positivity is key! In essence: a toxic blend of unyielding work ethic and relentless optimism. One of the biggest culprits, in my view, is the Law of Attraction.

This concept suggests that the universe operates like a menu; you can have anything you desire simply by maintaining a positive mindset. In a nutshell, positive thoughts lead to positive outcomes, while negative thoughts yield negative results.

That sounds appealing until you pause to reflect on it for a moment.

Law of Attraction proponents assert that any misfortune you encounter is solely your fault. They inhabit a bubble of toxic positivity, where the mantra is to think only happy thoughts. Lost your job? Should’ve remained optimistic. Struggling financially? Trust the universe! Diagnosed with a serious illness? You should've just thought positively. Tough luck for you!

As someone who leans towards a grumpier disposition, this doesn't resonate with me. Hence, I propose a different perspective:

Everything is your responsibility, and yes, you're going to die. But I mean this in a constructive way.

When I assert that everything is your responsibility and you're going to die, I don’t mean it in a literal sense. While it is true to some extent, my point is that even if it’s not your fault, it’s up to you to take action. It’s not about blame; it’s about accountability.

I put forth this idea for your consideration:

Embrace complete personal accountability for every aspect of your life.

This might come off as a self-help cliché, but it genuinely works for me and is a principle I strive to uphold. The healthiest approach is to feel no guilt or shame for your circumstances, yet still own 100% of your life. You aren’t responsible for the state of the world, but if you strive to improve it, you’ve nothing to feel guilty about.

Memento Mori: remember that life is fleeting.

Much like the Stoic philosophers whom social media influencers love to quote but rarely read, you should take full ownership of everything in your life, both good and bad. This includes aspects that may not directly be your fault. It’s irrelevant. You are the only one who can enact change. If you wait for someone else to step in, that’s still your choice, and ultimately, it’s on you. By framing it as ‘your responsibility,’ you empower yourself to act.

Take complete ownership of your life.

Life is short, and mortality is inevitable. It's time to take charge and do what you can.

And surprisingly, I’m not just rambling here—my ideas align with various psychological theories that are supported by research:

It's all about your Locus of Control. Assuming personal responsibility fosters a sense of control. While you can’t dictate external events, you can determine your responses. This mindset keeps you motivated, enhances your problem-solving skills, and builds resilience during tough times.

Self-Determination Theory echoes a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of feeling in control of your actions. When you do, you generally experience greater happiness and are more likely to achieve your goals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals reshape their thoughts and behaviors. It encourages taking ownership of your mindset and actions, aiding in managing challenges like anxiety or depression.

Positive Psychology focuses on cultivating happiness and strength, necessitating personal accountability for one’s choices. This sense of control leads to increased happiness. Oh, great—now I sound like those tech bros I was criticizing earlier!

I often say: "You control your actions but not others' reactions." Conversely, "You can't dictate others' actions, but you can decide how to respond." These concepts are intertwined.

What are your thoughts? Overthinking again? I guess I'll ponder that.

Sometimes, I think about becoming a satirical motivational speaker, spinning a web of marketing jargon and clichés borrowed from others. Would anyone recognize the satire? Or would they take it at face value? That thought worries me.

You spend a far longer time being dead than alive. The ultimate life hack? Accomplish everything before you’re born and retire posthumously. Sign up for my course to learn how!

Previously, I jokingly referred to my online musings as antisocial media—back when social media hadn’t devolved into chaos. That joke has certainly lost its charm.

I once penned a humorous article titled "Do the Work" is the Ultimate Lifehack. I firmly believe that "doing the work" is sound advice. But why keep hustling once you’ve met your basic needs? Perhaps it’s boredom or a quest for purpose. I’m not here to dictate your lifestyle.

As a child, I believed that art was all about self-expression—I didn’t realize it was about marketing.

From now on, if anyone inquires, I’ll declare myself a productivity guru. I’ll share secrets to earning online, eliminating procrastination, and living your dream life. Stay tuned for updates and make sure to buy my book and course. Please like and subscribe!

Who am I to make such grand claims? I’m no billionaire; I’m merely a writer.

I’m a freelance journalist and author, an NCTJ-qualified multimedia journalist if you want to get fancy. Not that anyone has asked. But don’t worry; my mother isn’t impressed either. I come from a working-class background, the first in my family to attend university and earn a degree. Then I pursued an MA in Creative Writing, and since then, I've been navigating the world of freelance writing. In short, I transform tea into words and words into revenue.

Americans can be quite puritanical, often more fixated on sex than on issues of gun violence—it’s perplexing.

The hustle culture folks say the most ridiculous things. They claim that if you can’t commit to years of relentless hard work without immediate reward, you should abandon the pursuit of results. And then, people applaud like trained seals while glued to their screens—YES! WORK HARDER! COMMIT!—before returning to their inaction.

However, I propose a different interpretation that yields better outcomes.

If you can’t maintain a long-term commitment—let’s face it, who can these days?—then set aside the need for immediate results. I’m not suggesting you abandon them entirely; rather, put them on the back burner. Focus on what you’re doing right now. Write. Paint. Create. Work. Whatever it is—ignore the end results.

Over time, you’ll be surprised by how much you accomplish—and how enjoyable the process can be. Concentrate on the journey, not the destination. On difficult days: brew some tea, sit down, and write while sipping. Then, take a walk or stand up and engage in different activities. Repeat as needed. On good days: do the same, but aim to write early and often.

As Carol Burnett wisely said:

"Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it."

I appreciate that sentiment, but I’d argue the math is off. It’s more like 100% how you respond. What occurs in your life is inconsequential—don’t use it as an excuse or a sob story. Be kind and strive to leave the world in a better state than you found it. That’s the essence of it.

For most of your brief time on Earth, you’re likely just meandering.

I often share my experiences with mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I’m far from perfect, but I’m also not here to sell you magic solutions online. I write from personal experience—go figure.

I’ve always leaned more towards ‘Wednesday Addams’ than ‘Summer Vibes,’ but you work with what you have.

Remember, you’re dead for much longer than you’re alive. The ultimate life hack is to accomplish everything before you arrive and retire when you’re gone.

They claim you’re the average of the five individuals you spend the most time with; personally, that sounds like far too many people to keep company with. A cold shower? Not a chance. Waking up at 4 a.m.? That’s usually when I’m just starting to drift off after a night of curiosity-driven exploration. And no, that’s not a euphemism.

Productivity is a long con; hustle culture resembles a pyramid scheme.

Work hard, play hard? You’re missing the point!

Productivity serves those who lack the good sense to appreciate laziness. Most endeavors aren’t worth your time. When I need to accomplish something, I do it; I focus on what truly matters, and I’ll abandon everything else without a second thought if I can.

I’m not lazy; I’m just efficient.

My Productivity Lab is currently closed for a sabbatical. But act fast, and you can still preorder any merchandise available through third-party retailers. Apologies, what I meant was: "I’m off for a walk. Do you need anything from the store?"

Do you have something to share that you think would resonate with our audience at The Diarist? Check out the submissions page—let’s see it! Follow The Diarist for captivating diary entries from your favorite writers.

Chapter 2: A New Outlook on Life

The first video titled "EVERYTHING IS YOUR FAULT - Extreme Ownership" discusses the concept of personal accountability in achieving life goals. It emphasizes taking charge of your circumstances rather than blaming external factors.

The second video titled "EVERYTHING You're Unhappy About Is ABSOLUTELY Your FAULT - Gary Vaynerchuk Motivation" motivates viewers to recognize their role in shaping their happiness and success, reinforcing the idea that personal responsibility is crucial in overcoming challenges.