The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson kept popping up on my recommendation list. It took me a long time to click because I thought, sure, another self-help book? I've heard it all. The title is clickbait'ish and I've heard this hard-hitting, in your face style from Gary Vee. I am a fan of Vaynerchuk and follow him, so what else is there right?
But one day, I did finally click on it, if only to stop it from popping on my feed, and long story short, I came to the end, scribbled notes for myself, and now recommending the book to you. If you are floating in slumberland, it will kick you awake. Even better, listen to the audiobook which I did. Manson, as the narrator is very engaging. Be prepared for some scolding sorta schooling hehe.
Some of my favourites from this book...
24 Hours in a Finite Number of Days on Earth:
There is only so much time to give to "giving f*cks" so pick and choose where your energy goes. This book is not about not caring about anything but more so about focusing on the things that are really important to you. Don't waste your time on the negatives and the useless, but focus on what brings you joy and make that your universe.
Fault vs Responsibility:
When bad things happen, do not blame the situation or individuals, but be responsible for your own response to those challenges. I love how he turned around Uncle Ben's With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility to With Great Responsibility Comes Great Power. We need to take our power back by choosing our reaction to a situation.
Some things is your fault, for example, if you hit a car, then you are responsible. that's a given. But what about when someone leaves a baby at your doorstep. It is not your fault, but what you choose to do is still your responsibility. as is the outcome of that choice. Another example he gave was Malala Yousofzai, that it was not her fault that she got shot, but it is her responsibility how she moves forward from that point. Does she stop her cause or keep fighting for what she believes in.
The Struggle Is Real:
And is what makes us. Life will throw all kinds of curveballs, that's what being alive is. As we overcome one challenge, another will find its way. So, there's no need to wallow in self-pity about how bad life is, it is to understand that is the art of living. We do what we must and keep growing.
And a quick one to throw in before I wrap it, we cannot and must not covert someone else's "happiness". With social media postings, we are constantly bombarded with bigger, better, richer and the like. We think that's what we want, that's what will take us out of our misery, but will it really? One man's beach holiday dream could be another's sand-in-crack nightmare.
There's so much more in this book, that I'd love for you to read/listen to. I give this book a 4.5/5. It resonated with me, and I love the no sugar-coating, non-pc style. It's an easy read/listen with some hard-hitting truths. He laid all cards on the table, simple and clear. I guess, he didn't really give a f*ck about what we thought about it🤣
Thank you for reading,
Till next time, Carpe Diem!!
Sh33la