Chapter 1: The Influence of Self-Help on Leisure Activities

In 2015, I distinctly recall the phrase, "I read a book a day," coming from Tai Lopez. At that time, I was just beginning to engage with the self-improvement realm, and I didn’t view him as disingenuous. His words resonated with me, revealing that my career as an accountant was not my true passion. I wanted more for myself, and his lavish lifestyle, complete with a Lamborghini and vast bookshelves, seemed to validate his advice.

Fast forward to today, I recognize that my initial trust in him was misplaced. Thankfully, I refrained from purchasing his courses. Yet, his claim of reading a book daily remains memorable. Whether he spoke the truth or not, this supposed leisurely pursuit now feels more like a consumptive habit—something that begs for continual optimization.

Influencers and well-known self-help figures often employ similar tactics, citing examples like Bill Gates, who reportedly reads about 50 books annually. While admirable, it prompts some important questions:

• When does a leisure activity shift into conspicuous consumption?
• At what point does it lose its significance?
• How can it become more detrimental than beneficial?

Reading is just one example; many self-help gurus suggest various activities as essential for growth, self-care, or personal success. For instance, Tony Robbins advises individuals to:

• Consume more podcasts.
• Save money diligently while acknowledging the inevitability of losses and mistakes.
• Maximize tax efficiency while also contributing generously.

While these suggestions may seem persuasive, they can lead to significant issues. For instance, while being tax-efficient is a common practice, strategies like utilizing tax havens can be problematic. An illustrative case is David Swensen, who remarkably grew his endowment fund from $1 billion to $31.2 billion over 35 years—nearly a billion dollars a year—yet we are led to believe he dutifully paid taxes along the way.

The initial charm of leisurely hobbies can fade when they become entangled in such optimization. For example, taking a bubble bath for self-care might yield only fleeting emotional relief, while fostering deeper connections with others proves far more rewarding. Similarly, although listening to numerous podcasts can enhance knowledge, it holds little value if that information is never applied.

Journaling is beneficial, but its effectiveness hinges on the quality of what you write. Whether you’re jotting down article ideas or processing emotions, the intent matters. However, practices like gratitude journaling may not be as impactful.

As adults, we have the autonomy to choose how we spend our leisure time. Yet, the self-improvement industry often imposes rigid standards about how we should utilize that time. This push for optimization can lead to a culture of bragging, exemplified by figures like Tai Lopez, whose "I read a book a day" mantra can mislead the less skeptical into believing that success stems solely from such habits rather than from selling ineffective courses.

When leisure time is viewed as unproductive, it can be dismissed as a waste. Video gaming often comes to mind, despite its numerous benefits. The self-help sector has effectively created a hierarchy of activities, suggesting that some are superior to others. While this can be valid in specific contexts, it overlooks the essence of leisure—activities meant to rejuvenate us, provide joy, and foster focus.

The self-help industry has ventured into the realm of optimization where it may not be necessary. Not every action needs to be quantified or measured; sometimes, engaging in activities that don’t follow a strict optimization formula is essential. This is a fundamental aspect of the human experience: indulging in actions that are not always the most efficient.

This obsession with optimizing leisure activities echoes the min-max strategies common in video games, where players build characters or teams to maximize power and efficiency, often at the cost of enjoyment. While those strategies can be thrilling, they may require more time for rewards compared to simply enjoying the game as designed. Life operates similarly; following your own path may not yield immediate gratification, but it can be more fulfilling than conforming to someone else’s prescribed methods for success.

Ultimately, you are the best judge of what works for you. While it’s worthwhile to experiment with new approaches, there’s no shame in choosing to engage in activities that resonate personally, regardless of external expectations. That’s the true essence of leisure.

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