Think Beyond Social Media: Success is Real, Not a Cosplay

Think about the people you know who are accomplishing their goals or you aspire to be like. No, we’re not talking about their social media life, their actual life. They are retiring, building businesses, getting into the best shape, etc. It’s important to view the world around you through a factual lens. If what you’re seeing and consuming isn’t even reality (social media) then it will give you a false sense of what success is. When we try to emulate others, we only want to do so on the basis that they are disciplined, living intentionally, and not trying to appear or be anything other than who they authentically are.

Discipline is often hidden behind a mask of reality. We oftentimes see people traveling, smiling with their partner, and living their best life. Social media is a cosplay of what someone wants you to think their life is. Only about 5% of what you see online is the real and raw version of how life actually is. Where are you reading this blog? Online. Askesis puts an emphasis on the digital world because it is so often how we consume. Discipline is about 5% digital and 95% real-world. Most of the people getting ahead are doing so off-line.

Real-World Opportunities: Lessons from Meta’s Mega Data Center

Meta just announced the construction of a 2,000-acre data center (the world’s largest, for now). Do you know that almost all of that data center will be produced in the real world? Land development, raw materials, engineers, all of the construction trades, energy production, and then the equipment to run it. This isn’t Minecraft. Real workers will have to literally build the internet which will then log every piece of data it can about you, offer you AI powered assistance and computing on levels we don’t understand yet, and replace millions of low-level data entry and skilled graphic design, coding, and administrative positions.

The real world provides the actual opportunities. Yes, you can get wealthy online through sales, marketing, content creation, and services. However, those who experience the highest success online have the most in-depth and in-tune connection to the real world to understand how human behavior works. Human behavior drives all of the algorithms online. Think of the algorithm as a web, and you’re flying through life. Its job is to catch you and hold you there until you’re addicted, distracted, or buy something. By the way, you’ll never escape this web, unless it’s under one condition. Discipline.

Discipline vs. Digital Distractions

Discipline is unglamorous, difficult, but accessible to everyone. If you could visualize discipline it would look like a prison from the outside while the algorithm’s web looks like Disneyland. What do you think most people choose? The crazy thing is, if you interviewed people, the vast majority would tell you that discipline is better for them. They would tell you how it is healthier, would make them happier over the long-term, and is in their best interest. But then, they choose the opposite. What in the tarnation?

Living Intentionally: The Askesis Mindset in Action

Enter the entire reason Askesis exists and how I was able to get so much further ahead in life than most of those around me. Most people will chase comfort, distraction, and appearances at all costs, even if they know it’s unhealthy and not supportive of their best interests. If you live intentionally the noise of the distractions becomes easier and easier to manage and eventually you’re able to view it from an alternate dimension. You’ll start literally seeing the world from the opposite lens. At this point you should live intentionally for yourself, and not try to save a bunch of other people. They’re just fine continuing on their path of consumption. There’s a reason Askesis isn’t the number one viewed thing on the internet but an obese person eating fast food on camera in their car can rack up 5 million views.

Discipline isn’t hidden. It’s in plain sight, waiting for you to choose. Most won’t, but who cares? You can choose to produce and build, shape your life and your body, secure your financial freedom, and live with authenticity.

The question is, will you?

Thanks for being a Seeker. Share this with one friend or family member you think could benefit from it.

Much love,

Nathan

Try our Discipline and Habit Tracker is you’re looking for an easy way to get started. This is available as both a paper or digital resource, whichever you prefer. You can find the paper version in the self-help and training section of our website.

Want more insights on discipline and intentional living? Explore the Askesis Mindset blog and follow us on social media @askesismindset.