001 | Digital sheep-like behaviour.

One Thought 🧠

In recent times, I’ve noticed this trend of digital sheep-like behaviour. One person launches a startup, the rivalling carbon copy appears the next day. Someone launches a blog, podcast, or YT channel and suddenly ten others have also followed in the same footsteps.

I’d like to draw a point from the well-documented principles of Adlerian Psychology:

Almost always, an individual’s behaviour to a great extent is driven by external metrics of success and happiness as defined by society.

I think this pretty much drives home the picture that I am beginning to see a lot via social media and the internet. We as individuals are seeking to do 101 different things at the same time just to fit in and please society without giving our endeavours a good thought. It’s almost as if there’s a cult-like movement towards the same 3 false metrics of social success - a content creation medium (blog, YT, podcast, etc.), a social following (IG/Twitter/LinkedIn) and finally a goddam startup endeavour (ooo entrepreneurship!).

Now don’t get me wrong I’ve fallen into this same trap in some ways. But, the more I analyse this digital sheep-like behaviour, the more I’m realising that happiness and success should always be a process of internal validation rather than be defined by external factors.

“The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.” -Epictetus “No one achieves great things by following the crowd. Have a spine. Strike your own path.” - Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad)

I’m not saying we shouldn’t be embarking on new projects and ideas because I think we should all seek to better ourselves. But, next time you think about doing something because everyone else is doing it, think to yourself what value am I adding here, is this a real passion/goal or simply a way to follow the trend, and finally will this act benefit me in my career or personal development or provide justifiable life satisfaction.

If the overwhelming answer is positive to all of the above then go ahead and start that blog, startup idea or YT channel. But whatever it is that you intend on doing, do it because you are passionate about it and you are seeking/providing true value.

One Quote 🎯

“The pursuit of superiority is the mindset of taking a single step forward on one’s own feet, not the mindset of competition of the sort that necessitates aiming to be greater than other people.” - Ichiro Kishimi (The Courage To Be Disliked)

One Recommendation 🚀

Book - The Alchemist 📚

An easy to read book with several pockets of good wisdom throughout. It is an unforgettable story about the essential wisdom of listening to our heart, and, above all, following our dreams.

About Me

I’m Yath and I am a medical student at UCL.

If you enjoyed this, let me know what your thoughts are (email me or find me online) and should you be interested, follow me on my socials @yathprem.