The Subtle Art

Disclaimer: Yes this book has strong language.  If you can move past that, then you will find the even stronger message you need.  I’ve heard great things about this book and just as I was about to purchase it, my bestie gave it to me as a gift.  The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck begins with a not so subtle call to action to stop giving a fuck and pursue the things you need to in life. Sounds like my kind of book right?

While I don’t fully agree with all the concepts in this book (for example I do believe in the power of positivity)  I completely agree that there is something to be said for acknowledging the failures and losses in life.  Trying to pretend disappointments didn’t happen won’t make them go away any sooner and in fact will delay the inevitable of us coming out on the other side. Or even worse, we repeat the same behaviors that led to the disappointment.  Our struggles determine our success.  So what are you willing to struggle for?

There is a great section in this book regrading responsibility and ownership. I won’t spoil it for you. I’ll just say it was probably one of my favorites. However, the section I can most relate to: Failure is the way Forward.  Mark gives a lot of good examples.  I can draw from my own.  I’ve started 2 companies and 3 blogs in the last 7 years.  I think I’ve earned a total of $2000 bucks (and never mind what I’ve actually spent).  I know people are successful at blogging and writing simply because they stayed with it, even through the failures.  They outlasted me.   I know people who started blogging when I did and their blogs are still up and appear to be thriving.  Makes me wonder all the time what would have been had I stayed at my first company or blog 7 years ago.  Nonetheless, I’ve also learned from my failures. Every company and blog is better than the last.  I am a much better writer and business woman than I was 7 years ago and that is entirely because of my experiences (good and bad).   One thing I am proud of is that I keep at it. Which is where Mark’s “do something ” principle kicks in when we are afraid of failure.

Learn to do a better job of dealing with strife in life.   You will be better for it.  Jeanita “doesn’t care about adversity in the face of her goals.” is a sentence I wrote down from this book.   One thing is for sure. This book will challenge the way you think about some things.  Which is why I enjoyed reading it.   Maybe for you, it will completely sway your opinion  For me, I paused a little longer on some points. Still that’s what a good book is supposed to do right?

-J