How The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Helped Me Let Go of Expectations

When it comes to self-improvement, books are one of the most cost-effective tools out there.

Whether you buy them on Amazon or borrow them from your local library, books can provide invaluable knowledge without breaking the bank.

One of the books I read this year is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much, mainly because I tend to avoid books that become wildly popular. But this one surprised me.

This book hit me at a very specific time in my personal development. Like many of us, I care too much about what others think, and this book really put the mirror to me and showed it. It’s easy to advise people to stop worrying about others’ opinions, but in practice, it’s harder - especially when your business and personal brand are intertwined with your online presence.

For example, I think about when I attempted to move to Lisbon: I made several mistakes. I feared that others would see my struggles as a failure and judge me for it. That they would say, “See, you couldn’t do it.” As someone people look to for guidance, I felt the weight of those expectations. If I couldn’t get it right, what would it mean for those following my journey?

I was putting other people’s expectations on my shoulders.

This is where Manson’s book hit hard. It wasn’t just the arguments he made, but the stories he shared about his own challenges. It reminded me that everyone has their own path, and to truly grow, we need to let go of comparisons and justifications.

One thing I learned from my time as an emergency medical technician is that you must prioritize yourself. Just as you can’t help others if you’re hurt, you can’t fully show up for others if you’re too worried about their opinions.

I recommend this book not just for entrepreneurs, but for anyone looking to grow and learn in life.

What business or self-mastery books have influenced you?