I keep a log in my phone titled “Inspired thoughts” — basically a digital journal where I dump ideas, observations, and occasional wisdom from others.
Was scrolling through it this week, thinking:
“Man, some of these would make killer newsletter content, but my usual 1k-word deep dives would be overkill.”
So let’s mix it up!
Here are some bite-sized insights I’ve been mulling over.
And a few personal notes at the end.
1. You’re Not A Self-Improvement Project
I’ve seen a shift in the way people approach self-improvement content over the last five years.
Somewhere along the way, self-improvement stopped being about growing and started being about fixing.
As if you’re some broken project that needs constant optimization, upgrading, and piecing together.
We neurotically consume podcasts at double speed, searching for our next breakthrough.
Without realizing the core reason is often we’re just scared to be alone with our own thoughts.
But here’s the truth:
real growth isn’t about “fixing”… it’s about outgrowing.
Aka shedding layers that were never actually you.
Look, I’m still a massive advocate for personal development.
I’ve dedicated my entire decade-plus career to it.
But there are two major traps that kill the whole point:
- The Project Mode Trap — Tying your self-worth to your improvement metrics. Most of us got into personal growth not because life was awesome, but because something hurt. Then we start believing we only deserve love/acceptance “once I _____.” That’s just self-hate with better marketing.
- Wound Worshipping — Turning inner work into a full-time job. Endless retreats. Journaling. Healing. That thing that happened in your past becomes your entire identity. Often, it’s just a sophisticated excuse to procrastinate on what’s actually hard.
Carl Jung had it right:
“your biggest problems can’t be solved, they can only be outgrown.”
Did you “solve” your heartbreak or outgrow it?
Did you “fix” your toxic carer or grow into something else?
The point is remember that you’re not a self-improvement project.
We never “arrive” and coast.
And the point isn’t to solve anything, it’s to outgrow your old self.
2. That Harsh Inner Voice? It Was Once Someone Else’s
An inner voice always used to be an outer voice.
Growing up, we absorb other people’s tones and criticisms until they become our own thoughts:
“you’re too much…”
“you’re so unprepared…”
“you had one chance and you blew it, as usual.”
“why bother starting? You never finish anything.”
Ouch.
Usually, that voice started as a parent, teacher, or some ex who criticized everything.
We repeat it over and over until it’s internalized.
We get confused because we think it’s us.
Or worse, we think it’s true.
If we’re not careful, it morphs into self-sabotage. Your inner critic shoots down every idea that could better you.
Next time that inner critic pops up, ask yourself:
Whose voice is that, actually?
I’m willing to bet it’s NOT yours.
Everyone talks about “authenticity,” yet no one questions the authenticity of our inner critic!
It might be the most inauthentic part of you — literally picked up from others.
Recognizing that voice isn’t yours is the first step to finally being on your own team.
3. One Question that Instantly Makes Your Life Fun Again
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Here’s a fun exercise.
Ask yourself: “What would I learn if I could learn anything at all?”
(You might take a moment to think about that before reading on)
Meaning: time, money, energy, age — none of it matters. You have zero limitations.
People come up with stuff like:
- scuba diving
- cooking
- learn a new language
- start a YouTube channel
- pick up an instrument
- travel
- etc
Let’s call this the “ideal hobby” list.
If anything came up for you just now… START IT THIS WEEK!
Recently, I started taking acting classes. I have zero acting experience (outside of YouTube—that counts, I guess). I’ve never aspired to be an actor. But I made my ideal hobby list, and acting sounded fun.
So instead of letting it sit on the goals list for another year, I just did it.
Dude… ACTING IS HARD!
My acting teacher says I have ‘potential.’
Translation: ‘Please don’t quit, I need to make rent.’ lol
I’m getting my ass kicked for 3 hours a week. And some nights I realize I have the emotional range of a kitchen sponge. But it’s fun!
If it translates to a better YouTube presence, great.
If nothing comes of it, cool, too.
It’s just a hobby.
I love the frame of “hobby” because, by definition, hobbies are meant to be fun.
No pressure to be the best or monetize off it. Just you pursuing curiosity and playing.
Let’s bring back hobbies!
Social media killed them.
Everyone believes they need to turn passions into businesses or they’re wasting time. But there’s a massive benefit in pursuing something out of sheer curiosity.
It puts you in a flow state.
And if you look at Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research (badass name, right?), people who spend the most time in flow states are happiest at the end of their lives.
That’s your real benefit.
So let me ask again: “What would you learn if you could learn anything at all?”
Life Updates
Wedding Planning
Dani and I got engaged in December and finally started wedding planning. Everyone warned me how expensive it would be, but… holy cow!
No one prepared me for this. $900 alterations? $7k venues?
Anyone looking for a side hustle, pivot into the wedding business ASAP! lol
We’re trying to keep it small but it’s intense!
YouTube Content
Got some fresh videos ready to drop:
Check out the latest “You’re not lazy, you’re afraid: 4 Ways to Crush Your Procrastination”
Identity Shifting — Coming May 12th
Tier List 2.0 x 15 Self-Improvement Books — Coming May 19th
Journaling Series (x3 Vids) — Coming all of June.
On Repeat — Been enjoying the newest LP from “No Pressure”. Great 00s-style fast-paced pop punk. Love drumming to it. My forearms don’t, though. Parker Canon from The Story So Far’s side project.
See you next saturday,
CK
