The power in purpose-driven research and writing.
What Am I Talking About?
We’ve all seen them. We’ve all likely read them. Some may even enjoy them. I believe there is far more value elsewhere. I’ll explain.
But first, what exactly am I talking about? I’m glad you should ask.
- “How to make $10,000 per month from your couch.”
- “How to lose 40 pounds in 3 weeks.”
- “How to write a book in one month.”
The internet is littered with articles and blog posts possessing titles such as these. I saw one just today that was titled “How To Get Inspired.”
… Huh?
Now, before I get too carried away – I’d like to make it known that I am by no means looking to shame or degrade other writers for publishing these articles. After all, they are what earn the clicks.
The phrase “how to” represents a simple answer, a quick fix, immediate satisfaction — all things that this generation has become all too accustomed to and far too often reliant on. Therefore, a title such as “How to Stay Fit While Eating Junk” is sure to send the readers flocking, regardless of the density of the content itself.
That said, I aim to shed some light on the phenomena that is “empty” writing, and some other avenues available to you.
Why Won’t I Write Them?
I’ve touched on my upbringing in the past – particularly, my first years upon entering adulthood. Without going into specific detail yet again, I’ll simply restate that years 18-22 were far from routine.
Throughout those years, I worked countless jobs. From loading pallets onto semi-trucks to mowing grass to cold calling for a University Foundation and just about every “genre” in between. All while remaining a full-time student at a State University. At any given time during this period, I would’ve loved a quick-fix – perhaps an article titled “How-To Make More Money and Not Work 60-hours per Week” (which, I’m sure I could find with simple Google search.)
What I’ve come to find is that there is no specific way. No “how-to” is going to solve my problems for me, nor provide me with step by step, fool-proof instructions to reach a desired outcome.
Sure, there is a way that works for Tanner the Youtube star who posts a “How to Gain 200,000 Subscribers in 3 Easy Steps” or Stacy who was an early investor in DogeCoin and now drives a Bentley, sharing her rendition (of which there are many) of “How to Become a Millionaire in just Six Months.” There is even a way that works for Stephen who started up his own coffee shop in the Bronx, which I’m sure he would be delighted to share.
While these (make believe) individuals found their way, a path that led them to their ideal level of success, this doesn’t indicate the assurance of said method to work in any one person’s life.
Meaning, a “one-size fits all” approach is often far from adequate.
The only person who can solve my problems is me, the only person who can solve yours is – (you guessed it) – you.
The World is Your Search Engine
Over time, I’ve developed a specific set of skills, just as any human does (or should) throughout their life. This skill specifically – writing – is something that has remained in my back pocket, so to speak. Something I enjoy, but never chose to pursue at any serious level until now.
The ultimate decision to start a blog, create an account on medium, and start pumping out articles is a somewhat daunting one when taken head on. The question that presents itself: “How to get started?”
Believe me, the literature and video content with such a title are aplenty. Everyone and their brother (figure of speech) has released their own copy of a “step-by-step” tutorial.
As previously stated – there is far more value elsewhere. Allow me to extrapolate.
One of my favorite authors and public figures is a guy by the name of Ryan Holiday. The author of over a dozen books, primarily within the realm of Stoicism, spending his lifetime tirelessly studying the classic stoic philosophers (Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Cato, Zeno, etc.)
Ryan is a man of great wisdom, someone by whom I’m absorbing countless pieces of knowledge to later apply to my own writing and reading process.
To the surprise of many, my consumption of useful knowledge from Ryan is NOT through “how-to” articles or videos. But rather through reading his writing. Digesting his published work in their honest form, in addition to reading his articles, newsletter(s) and taking in his “Daily Stoic” videos and podcasts. Through these vehicles, I’m then turned onto additional books, videos, studies, you name it.
Specifically, I just recently watched a video in which Ryan simply shares an inside look at his office space and the library that he owns and operates. MTV Cribs style – no joke. And it was awesome, I took a lot away from it.
From the man himself on the intake of information:
“The best way to understand current events–whether it’s the debate about CRT or political polarization–is rarely to read the news or opinion pieces. It’s to tackle smart, earnest books that look at the history of the issue or the world.”
This quote is, obviously, referring to the use of books on history in order to better understand current moments in time – (i.e. to read into historical foreign wars between Russia and other European countries in order to more accurately grasp the current conflict in Ukraine.) But, can’t it be applied to other areas in your life? I believe it to be a disservice to your own abilities and brainpower if you think not.
The example provided above speaks to this. My utilization of Ryan’s work to develop my own ideas and processes has proven to be a much more useful tool than reading a short article or watching a 5 minute video designed to answer all of my questions – provide me with all of the answers – fix my problems.
The world is filled with rich resources by which to grow your knowledge and to advance your skill set. Sure, it takes time to read and to research. Time is a precious thing. Something that seems to pass all too quickly. It’s best spent wisely.
What I’ve learned, with regards to time, is this: no time is more wastefully spent than time in which you’re making no growth. Mentally, physically, spiritually or otherwise.
A quote from an all-time favorite song of mine goes something like this: “less of a mountain never built a better man.”
Take that for what it’s worth.
Seek To Truly Understand
A “how to” article or video, in my mind, is like a band-aid. Or pain medication. A temporary fix.
The problem with a band-aid or with pain medication is that a band-aid falls off and the medicine’s potency trickles off as time progresses.
On the contrary, longer-form reading/watching/listening parallels that of consistent exercise and a healthy diet. Setting the groundwork for a brighter future, if you will. At the very least within your own mind and body.
Someone whom I admire a great deal, Tim Ferriss, offers this tidbit of foresight: “While the world is a gold mine, you need to go digging in other people’s heads to unearth riches. Questions are your pickaxes and competitive advantage.” In his book, Tools of Titans, which, coincidentally serves as a running record of Tim’s gained knowledge and wisdom through conversations with the world’s greatest in their respective trade.
Rather than using a band-aid, I urge you to take the road less traveled by doing the extra work. Take the extra time to read, to watch, and to listen to purpose-driven content. Utilize the work of so many who pour their heart into their craft, to provide you with a strong product. Seek these out, rather than settling for a quick fix, a “how-to” tutorial. You’ll be glad you did.
Through my writing, I hope not to preach “how to” do any number of things, but rather to encourage you to do your own research, to refine your skills and grow your mind by feeding off of other intellectuals. By opening your eyes (and ears) to new ideas, introducing you to new characters and by sparking your desire to achieve something great – whatever greatness means to you.
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Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Forged in Fire 
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