Consuming content is destroying people’s mental health.
But not the content you think.
The rise of “mental health” issues is because of one specific type of content. Content people see, hear, and share every day.
Not news, social, or political content.
The content damaging mental health the most is the content telling us we can perfect normal human activities. Activities that are by nature imperfect.
- Parenting
- Leadership
- Exercise
- Diet
- Marriage
- Emotions
- Daily Routines
- Sleep
- Inclusivity
- Feedback
- Childhood
That’s just to name a few.
There’s an endless sea of content promoting idealized versions of what we need, want, and care about. They are carefully staged to display through media what does not stand up in reality.
I teach and train discipline for a living. It’s not my job. It’s my calling.
So, I believe in pursuing external excellence and internal fulfillment. I believe in our ability to grow as individuals, groups, and society. It’s not only in our ability. It’s our responsibility.
But . . .
Living is imperfect. It’s lumpy, unpredictable, and volatile.
Excellence itself is imperfect. The best version of anything has warts, cracks, pains, and trade-offs.
Be careful of the content you consume. Seeing staged versions of perfection warps your sense of excellence and fulfillment.
Imperfect progress is the way to excellence. And excellence will always be imperfect, no matter how high it reaches.
Brick by brick. Do the work.
Share your thoughts