Mark Manson's book of the above title is well worth a read. Even if you're not a great reader, you can view him on Netflix on which he presents a documentary of the same title.

In essence, Mark talks about his early life and teens in terms of how he lived in his own small world, constrained by his own micro-thinking. This lead him down some fairly dark and emotional paths. We've all been there, I would venture?

It got me thinking about my thinking: what am I constrained by: my limitations, the way I look, the way I feel, the way I appear to others? All of the above at various stages of my life. Until, that is, I had an epiphany: what do I really care about and more importantly, perhaps, what I don't care about? 

In these times where the zeitgeist points to instant gratification and instant everything propounded by social media, is it any wonder folks feel a little stir crazy and often don't know which way to turn?

I've tried to get off the social media merry-go-round and restrict my screen time too, so as not to get sucked into whatever construct is being peddled at the time.

I think we'd all do well to shy away from that perfectionist streak and learn to accept this simple fact: we're often wrong and it's ok. Similarly, lower your standards a little which supports and promotes a more reasonable level of expectation in ourselves.

I don't suggest being negative but more that positivity is fine to a point but not when it becomes a burden and something always to live up to. It's ok not to be ok; it's ok to fail and learn; it's as ok to be shallow as it is to be deep.

Ever been in a situation where a friend metaphorically slaps you in the face because of a comment, action or in-action? I certainly have! And it's the best thing, for it brings me back down to a reasonable level and provokes thought in me to try and be a better person. I don't always succeed but at least I can say I try.

So, don't be so hard on yourself and don't let the world and his aunt get you down. Learn to take what you care about and fully embrace it; whatever that might be. Ditch the stuff you don't need to care about. It can burn your emotional energy down to a cinder. And life's too short not to have a great time. 

Go somewhere safe and quiet; pause, reflect, deep breathe and do.

Robin Goodfellow

A Moodscope member