Chapter 1: The Skeptic's View on Gurus

I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of self-proclaimed gurus. I've encountered a multitude of them—ranging from new-age promoters like Deepak Chopra to the controversial prosperity preacher Joel Osteen, and the ever-predictable crypto enthusiast Rich Dad, not to mention the iconic Tony Robbins.

I've even bought and read books authored by these figures, inadvertently contributing to their wealth. They often preach lofty ideals to us ordinary folks, encouraging us to discover our authentic selves and escape the relentless grind for money. While some of their messages hold truth, others come off as mere clichés.

A recurring theme among these figures is their significant financial success, largely derived from their ability to market their philosophies through books, television, and various media platforms.

Shortly after diving into stories on Medium, I began noticing articles from its most popular author. Initially, I found myself viewing him through the same lens I applied to Rich Dad and Osteen. While I appreciated his journey from humble beginnings to success, I couldn't help but feel a longing for some of that success for myself.

As I continued reading, I stumbled upon another writer whose focus was on themes like “Becoming Your True Self” and “How I Make a Fortune.” I indulged in several of his pieces and even penned one myself, which gained traction and earned me a little extra cash.

Redefining Your Story: A Path to Personal Growth

In the sphere of self-improvement, there’s a provocative idea that challenges our core beliefs…

However, after the umpteenth article echoing similar sentiments, I started to feel as if the writer was stuck in a repetitive cycle.

Moreover, I’m considering writing about the possibility that your “true self” might not be as great as you think. Eventually, I decided to unfollow that writer, exercising my right to choose who I engage with on the platform.

Interestingly, I never quite got around to unfollowing Medium's leading voice, and now, after clicking on one of his articles recently, I’m grateful for that choice. I plan to take some of his insights to heart.

His latest piece reveals the "secrets" of the top 1% of writers, albeit with a humorous twist. He encourages breaking conventional writing rules—swearing, starting sentences with conjunctions, and expressing genuine feelings instead of pandering to the audience.

He further advises against excessive elaboration, emphasizing that writing should serve the reader, not the writer’s ego.

Even though I’ve previously stated my inclination to write freely and sometimes excessively, I recognize that brevity can enhance clarity. And yes, I occasionally ponder whether my work will be favored by the algorithm or an editor.

After all, I appreciate fair compensation for my efforts!

Yet, I’m resolved to return to writing on my own terms, since I earn more at my demanding job each day than I’ve ever earned in a month on Medium. I’m still chasing that elusive $500 month!

Despite the criticisms I anticipate from established publications for questioning popular gurus, I remain unfazed. After all, I’m just taking Timmy D’s counsel to heart.

Chapter 2: The Influence of Self-Help Culture

In this video titled "The CULT of Simon Sinek..(The Feelgood Corporate Guru)," we delve into the impact of charismatic leaders in the self-help realm and their influence on modern corporate culture.

The second video, "Dam Swindle That's Right," further explores the complexities of self-help narratives and the potential pitfalls of blindly following popular figures.