Well Read, Poorly Adjusted

Title: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Author: Mark Manson

Chapters covering: 1 & 2

In the first two chapters the author introduces the concept of “not giving a fuck.”  He explains that it is all about choosing what is important to you, letting go of what isn’t important, and accepting that adversity will always be there.  Solving problems along the way is what we’re built for.  “Don’t hope for a life without problems,” the panda said. “There’s no such thing. Instead, hope for a life full of good problems.”

Reader 1-

My initial reaction to this book and the writer’s style was one of “I like this guy.  He speaks my language.”  His style is conversational, not lecturing, raw and filled with brutal truths as he explains the premise of not giving a fuck.

The author eloquently describes the negative spiral we can go into when we measure ourselves against what we think we should be, but never achieve, reinforcing the idea that we’re not really good enough and never will be.

In the second chapter he goes on to explain that it’s not about finding that Nirvana of success and happiness however we personally define it, and the fact that it doesn’t really exist. Happiness is really defined by how we find solutions for whatever problems do exist in our lives. There will always be problems or challenges, so what problems do we want to solve? Solving them brings new problems and again, we make choices about how to solve them. He claims that for us, as human beings, solving problems is where we are the happiest. It’s the journey, not the destination.

So far, I am totally onboard with his philosophy. It really mirrors where I am at in this stage of my life. I am choosing to not give a fuck about living out my life as expected at my age. I do give a fuck about Chick & Alice Adventures and the possibilities of being able to make a difference in this world doing something I have a passion for. So far, in reading this book, I feel like I found a cheerleader for pursuing my next life’s adventure.

Reader 2 -

This is my 3rd round of this book. I first listened to the audio in 2020 while wiring panels. Then purchased the book, and re-read it same year. I have read many self help books over the years and this is defiantly one of my favorites.

I love his style, and the way he speaks. He uses the word fuck often, but his message is direct and no bullshit. Just how I like it. Blunt hard truth.

It was nice to read a like minded, and gave me a lot more motivation and confidence to move forward. Not try. Happiness is problem solving. This was nice to read because this is how I survived through-out my life. I agree with most of his crass thoughts and how he delivers them and it fits who I am and a lot of the beliefs I had already developed over the years.

Today reading it, it is a nice refresher and so far chapter 1&2 seem to be sealing the deal on how I have gotten to where I am today, with my own “fuck it’s”, “fuck yeahs” and all my own lil spicy touches. That I am on the right track just simply being me.

I love the struggles of my journey. Been worth every tear, break down, melt down, spiral, loss, betrayal, so on and so forth.  Also, shows me though I may not remember the books I read a few years ago word for word, but I definitely I took what I needed, and that my team and I are doing alright.

Reader 3 -

After reading through the first two chapters of the book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, what I can tell you is that it’s unlike any other self-help-style book I have read.

Right off the bat, the book got me thinking about not giving a fuck. The explanation he lays out about how the misconception of not giving a fuck is not caring about anything, when in reality, it’s more about not letting things bother you to the point that it causes you to spiral.

Adding in the way he explains that no matter how you live your life, there will be struggles also got me thinking and looking at things a bit differently. Life isn’t about avoiding struggle; it’s about managing HOW you want to struggle.

Good Struggle vs. Bad Struggle.

Good struggles are problems that you can easily find solutions to, but as the author states, solving them causes another level of struggle. So, it’s not a matter of finding a way not to struggle, but finding a way to manage and pick the struggles you wish to go through.

I feel that this book is going to continue to get me to see things a bit differently as time goes on, and I want to continue to explore the way issues are seen.

Not giving a fuck, but still, in a way, giving a fuck, as well as looking at things not as “I want that,” but “What struggles will I need to endure to get there?”

The “Upward Spiral,” as it’s referred to. Using the struggles you face to continue to climb to where you want to be and achieve what you want to achieve.

Reader 4-

For The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck, I really enjoy the premise of this book. Choose what deserves your fucks and realize even though you’ve chose, it does not mean you wont be uncomfortable. Sometimes things are uncomfortable but if you are being true to what you want and what you value, the struggle is easier to accept. It makes the fuck spent, worth it. You have to be true to what you actually want/value. This takes patience and honesty with yourself. The struggle is apart of your journey. You will never know true pleasure if you never knew pain. If you only love the outcome/reward of what you’ve envisioned, ask yourself if you really want it.

As far as ‘Don’t Try’, I wish I could say I don’t get stuck in the loop of trying to prove myself. I would break myself in half if it was possible, sometimes. In just the first 2 chapters, it explains a simple way to reframe your perspective. Everything about life is so fast paced, now-a-days. We are either inventing ways to accomplish something faster or a slick way to cut corners. With all this, we can easily lose track of all the fucks we give away.

I am certainly looking forward to the possibility of changing my perspective and mastering the art of not giving a fuck. More importantly, consciously choosing where my fucks go.