Book: “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life”
By Mark Manson
Link to book sales website: https://markmanson.net/books/subtle-art
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** has taken the world by storm, selling almost 2 million copies in its first year alone. It’s been #1 on the NYTimes Bestseller list. It’s being translated into 25 languages.” ~MarkManson.net
Hello there, Lovies! I have decided to feature a book review that works with each month’s theme this year, here on Intuit Fit Blog. So January’s theme is “clarity,” and the book I chose to read is none other than the fantastically witty “Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***” by Mark Manson, which I will be referring to as SANGA from here on.
Sometimes, life sucks and it’s not fair to us. SANGA explains that instead of deluding ourselves with wishful, “positive thinking,” or disempowering ourselves through victimhood, or distracting ourselves through addiction, it is better to face reality head-on. This book is like a good, firm slap in the face; telling the reader to wake up and examine his/her priorities. Essentially, what are you giving your “Eff’s” to? We all have no choice but to give “Eff’s,” but the key point is to consciously choose to focus on prioritizing what is really worth our attention: our values. We need to budget our “Eff’s” and only give them out to who and what really matters to us in our lives.
RELATE TO CLARITY:
Our theme for January is “Clarity,” which is “the quality of being certain, coherent, or definite,” (google dictionary). Although many things in life are uncertain, we can get clear on what is important to us. And this book is all about examining our values, and giving less attention to the things that distract us.
What I liked:
First, I want to say that I loved this book! A curious book, one that you don’t want to put down! The writing style makes the reader feel like Manson is your best bud or your big bro, who talks straight about life’s struggles. I enjoyed the down-to-earth, yet clever expressions describing the truth about our collective human nature. Manson shares stories about himself, his friends, and famous individuals whose mistakes, misgivings, and divergent perspectives have shaped Manson’s understanding of the psyche. I truly appreciated the fresh and humorous approach to the very serious nature of human fears and insecurities that keep us from fulfilling a greater potential. I think humor is exactly the right antidote to anxiety, because it shakes you up, and flips you over, forcing you to see the ridiculousness of living a life in fear of failure, inadequacy, and death.
What I would change/add:
Basically, this book seems to be founded on the premise that most people act from a place of self-centered entitlement. This book is a call to us that we need to wake up and realize that each of us is no more important than the next person. One issue that I take with this book is Manson’s repeated ridicule for “25-year-old Life Coaches who haven’t accomplished anything.” It seems that Manson’s point is that these individuals are acting entitled because they couldn’t possibly help others when they haven’t lived long enough to accomplish anything themselves.
I disagree with Manson on this point. How could he know that every 25-year-old Life (or Health) Coach has accomplished nothing and is simply entitled or delusional? This seems like Manson may have unknowingly projected his own feelings of inadequacy as a blogging entrepreneur onto other internet entrepreneurs, who simply want to help others and make the world a better place.
My issue is that I am *sort of* in that category. I am a 25-year-old woman trying to be a Health Coach. I’ve sacrificed a lot for this dream, and I am battling the internal and external odds every day to make it a reality. I strongly believe that my skills and personality are well-suited to this line of work, and it’s what my heart longs to do more than any other occupation in the world. Aside, one of my role-models, Marie Forleo, became a life-coach at 23-years-old! Now, she is an international best-selling author, entrepreneur, and Youtube artist! And her work is what inspires me to keep going each day when I feel paralyzed by anxiety. She helps me feel like my dream actually matters and my work will help people.
Key Takeaways:
I need to contemplate my own death more often. At the end of the book, Manson describes a tragedy that caused him to re-evaluate the meaning of his life. Although it was an excruciating loss, Manson came to realize that nothing we do means anything, unless we give it meaning. He realizes that every person is simply trying to build a legacy in their own ways. I remember my own personal tragedies. These events painfully ripped away the façade that my life is comfortable and safe, and that everyone around me will support and love me unconditionally. And the key takeaway that I’ve gotten from contemplating my own personal tragedies in light of Manson’s SANGA, is this: It does not matter what other people think of me; their opinions have no meaning for me. I am the only one who can control my thoughts, beliefs, and the way I perceive the world. I get to control what thoughts I focus on, what work I choose to do, and become the person that I want to be. I don’t have to worry about anything else anymore.
Recommend it?
Definitely! If you’re at a place in your life where you need some major real-talk, and you are ready to face some painful revelations about yourself, this book is worth the read. In a world full of marketers and solicitors who will tell you anything just to sell you something, this book is the real deal. I believe it can help you take a good, hard look at your priorities, and look yourself square in the eye so you can deal with whatever you’re running from.
Forewarning: My only concern is that this book may be a bit harsh for someone struggling with depression, low self-esteem, or someone who is the victim of an abusive relationship. This book does not seem to lend itself kindly to people who are already at a low point in their lives.
Have you read this book? What did you think about the book? Leave me a comment with a link to your blog, I’d love to read your review!
Reference:
Manson, Mark. The subtle art of not giving a f**k: a counterintuitive approach to living a good life. New York: HarperOne, 2016.
Keep loving yourselves, friends.
Keep moving towards your dreams.
❤ Hanna
Stop by and follow the Intuit Fit Hanna discussion group on Facebook where we are building a community of positivity, motivation, and encouragement for those who are trying to improve their health. We’d love to hear your unique perspective from your health journey! ❤
Hanna is a blogger, yogi, foodie, barista, and a student of life. Hanna has just received her Master’s Degree in counseling psychology! Hanna has finally accomplished her dream of becoming a certified ACE Health Coach and is now busy working on her plans to help people improve their healthy lifestyles. Hanna is hoping to move to Boulder, CO and become a yoga teacher!
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