Chapter 1: The Struggle is Real

I find myself in a challenging situation. With a spouse, children, and a mortgage that feels overwhelming, it's a familiar story for many. The stench of a mid-life crisis looms, amplified by a job that feels more like a prison sentence than a career. Work is draining, and stress levels are through the roof.

Lost.

Like a solitary cloud in a vast desert.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Something must change.

Easier said than done.

I’ve tried real estate, dabbled in cryptocurrency, and even considered switching careers entirely.

But luck seemed to evade me, while poor choices kept me company.

Time slips away faster than a seasoned criminal escaping the scene.

Would I ever find clarity?

Doubt swirled in my mind.

Then, a spark of hope appeared…

Where had this inspiration been hiding?

Scrolling through social media can feel aimless, akin to a tipsy patron desperately clinging to their seat and begging for "just one more drink."

That’s when I stumbled upon a video featuring a young person, barely older than a lunch roll, sharing the joys of making money through writing online.

I was captivated—this wasn’t some gimmick; it was genuine. The light had illuminated my path to freedom.

Writing was enjoyable, and the presenter claimed you didn’t even need to be particularly skilled—just follow the system. That sounded achievable. I could envision my escape.

I enrolled in a free course and consumed it in one sitting.

Why are these courses like potato chips?

You can’t just stop at one.

The course referred to multiple articles, each one tantalizingly appealing. Each article led to another, creating an endless cycle of free offers and paid courses. I felt like a famished child trapped in a candy store.

Eventually, reality set in. The dream morphed into a chaotic frenzy. Which free course should I tackle first? Which article? How could I carve out time for my writing amidst the constant barrage of content from others?

I felt as free as a circus elephant tethered to a stake.

That’s when I came across the wisdom of Mark Manson, who seemed to offer a lifeline. He extended a hand and shared a pivotal message: “The Joy is in the Climb.”

I hadn’t realized it, but I was entangled in the notion of entitlement.

I was meandering through life like a can on a fishing line, suffocating under the belief that I deserved a reward simply for showing up.

Every butterfly knows that emerging from a chrysalis is a struggle.

Every lion cub learns that breaking free requires effort.

Manson highlights that entitlement often stems from a commitment issue.

Refusing to choose one path while neglecting others keeps us stagnant.

The journey to success is not a straight line; it’s fraught with choices, and we must shed the fear of rejection.

Avoiding conflict and confrontation leads to mediocrity—a dim and dreary existence.

Awesomeness requires commitment.

Manson illuminated a way out of this maze: Embrace the Journey.

This concept has roots that trace back to Aristotle.

Manson encourages us to derive meaning and purpose from our struggles rather than fixating solely on outcomes.

We should pause at every milestone, savoring the victories along the way.

Building resilience through these challenges can be rewarding.

“Perseverance muscles” strengthen with practice, contributing significantly to our mental health.

Letting go of expectations is essential.

This involves accepting reality rather than exhausting ourselves against insurmountable obstacles.

It echoes the wisdom of Niebuhr’s “Serenity Prayer”:

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying each moment;

accepting hardships as pathways to peace;

taking the world as it is;

trusting that things will align if I yield to His will;

that I may find happiness in this life

and eternal joy in the next.

Amen.

Manson’s philosophy blends Western Buddhism, Stoicism, and Existentialism, creating an engaging intersection of ideas.

I don’t need to burn out; I can shine brighter by recognizing that what I’m doing is valuable in itself and guiding me toward my goals.

You don’t have to drown in a sea of existing content, either.

You can navigate through it, using the North Star of your current project as your compass.

In the words of a classic Brit Pop song:

“It wasn’t easy, but nothing is.”

This is how I know that one day, I will fire my boss.

And you can do it, too.

Chapter 2: The Path to Freedom

In the first video, "Name Writing: The Art of Calligraphy," the presenter shares techniques and tips for improving your handwriting and calligraphy skills, making it accessible even for beginners.

The second video, "Newbie vs. Crownless Boss in Wuthering Waves! Fourth Time's the Charm?" explores the challenges and triumphs of individuals venturing into new realms, emphasizing perseverance and adaptation in the face of adversity.