How to be Miserable
Back in May, CGP Grey posted a video based on Randy J. Paterson’s book How to Be Miserable: 40 Strategies You Already Use .
After watching the video, I had to read the book. Both Rosey and I finished it in one night. Within his 40 lessons, we each found a least a few that applied to us.
The book is structured as a series of 40 “lessons” on how to be miserable. Of course we’re not trying to be miserable, but following these lessons tend to make one miserable. To be happy, do the opposite!
Mr. Paterson’s lessons are:
- Avoid All Exercise
- Eat What You’re Told
- Don’t Waste Your Life in Bed
- Live Better Through Chemistry
- Maximize Your Screen Time
- If You Want It, Buy It
- Can’t Afford It? Get It Anyway!
- Give 100 Percent to Your Work
- Be Well Informed
- Set Vapid Goals
- Rehearse the Regrettable Past
- Blame Inward, Give Credit Outward
- Practice the “Three Bad Things” Exercise
- Construct Future Hells
- Value Hope Over Action
- Become a Toxic Optimist
- Filter for the Negative
- Cultivate Your Presence—Elsewhere
- Insist on Perfection
- Work Endlessly on Your Self-Esteem
- Become an Island Unto Yourself
- Give Them What They Want
- Measure Up and Measure Down
- Play to Win
- Hold High Expectations of Others
- Drop Your Boundaries
- Bond With People’s Potential, Not Their Reality
- Demand Loyalty
- React to Their Motives, Not Their Messages
- Cultivate and Treasure Toxic Relationships
- Keep Your Eye on the Small Picture
- Let Your Impulses Be Your Guide
- Look Out for Number One
- Duty First, Life Later
- Live the Unlived Lives of Others
- Stay in Your Zone of Comfort
- Avoid Solitude
- Choose Fashion Over Style
- Pursue Happiness Relentlessly
- Improve Yourself
I’d highly recommend watching Grey’s video and then reading the book. It will change how you view yourself.