Lots of people offer advice for being happier, probably supply matching demand. But sometimes it is important to go for the niche market. Particularly if you want to increase your likelihood of failure.
Seven tactics to stay stuck in the life you hate
Be pessimistic
This one's easy for me, I admit. It helps to have at least one parent who demeans you. Ideally they demean or insult you currently, but if it has to be done in the past, ideally at an age where you can't realize the person is projecting and/or has their own problems that you can't fix. Later, you may get perspective, but the feeling at the time cannot be changed. Or, at least convince yourself that, as otherwise you might consider yourself resilient, which could lead to optimism.
Parents are best for making failure seem inevitable, but it really just needs to be something omnipresent and constant. Systemic inequality and discrimination might suffice.
Being pessimistic, you'll likely be drawn to others who are pessimistic as well. After all they see things much the same as you. You'll have the commonality that you both won't think you'll achieve your goals. Which creates a helpful flywheel of not accomplishing your goals which reinforces everyone's opinions.
Be complacent
Accept that you likely can't change things. Including your outlook. Which is miserable. Meaning it's acceptance without peace. Wanting without end. You see injustice but feel powerless to do anything. You're not angry, but you're not happy either. Just an overarching feeling of despair for a dark future that seems inescapable.
Commenting on other people's work, rather than trying to promote your own, is a great way to be complacent and stay dissatisfied.
Go fast
But never to completion. This ties in with the later tactic of “Let Slip the Main Chance.” Ignorance is bliss. If you don't see the chances, and miss them, you would be happy. Better to see them and go for them. Strike fast while the iron is hot! Work hard and fast in the forge. And then toss it or leave it forgotten in a corner because you are unsatisfied.
I often think, should I try this thing? And I remember a very early Neil Diamond song called “Do It.” “Do it while your soul still burning.” But guess what? Once you get most of it done, your soul starts to go back to complacency. In writing, you can then save and close the document and show it to no one ever again.
This comment is a perfect example. I wrote a couple more paragraphs, got into the next heading, and then had to do something else. Saved my progress and today I started editing with the intention of finishing it. And, man, this is some depressing sh**. Why the hell am I doing this?
Lots of people offer advice for being happier, probably supply matching demand. But sometimes it is important to go for the niche market. Particularly if you want to increase your likelihood of failure.
Seven tactics to stay stuck in the life you hate
Be pessimistic
This one's easy for me, I admit. It helps to have at least one parent who demeans you. Ideally they demean or insult you currently, but if it has to be done in the past, ideally at an age where you can't realize the person is projecting and/or has their own problems that you can't fix. Later, you may get perspective, but the feeling at the time cannot be changed. Or, at least convince yourself that, as otherwise you might consider yourself resilient, which could lead to optimism.
Parents are best for making failure seem inevitable, but it really just needs to be something omnipresent and constant. Systemic inequality and discrimination might suffice.
Being pessimistic, you'll likely be drawn to others who are pessimistic as well. After all they see things much the same as you. You'll have the commonality that you both won't think you'll achieve your goals. Which creates a helpful flywheel of not accomplishing your goals which reinforces everyone's opinions.
Be complacent
Accept that you likely can't change things. Including your outlook. Which is miserable. Meaning it's acceptance without peace. Wanting without end. You see injustice but feel powerless to do anything. You're not angry, but you're not happy either. Just an overarching feeling of despair for a dark future that seems inescapable.
Commenting on other people's work, rather than trying to promote your own, is a great way to be complacent and stay dissatisfied.
Go fast
But never to completion. This ties in with the later tactic of “Let Slip the Main Chance.” Ignorance is bliss. If you don't see the chances, and miss them, you would be happy. Better to see them and go for them. Strike fast while the iron is hot! Work hard and fast in the forge. And then toss it or leave it forgotten in a corner because you are unsatisfied.
I often think, should I try this thing? And I remember a very early Neil Diamond song called “Do It.” “Do it while your soul still burning.” But guess what? Once you get most of it done, your soul starts to go back to complacency. In writing, you can then save and close the document and show it to no one ever again.
This comment is a perfect example. I wrote a couple more paragraphs, got into the next heading, and then had to do something else. Saved my progress and today I started editing with the intention of finishing it. And, man, this is some depressing sh**. Why the hell am I doing this?