Psy-Op Yourself
I’ve been reading Derek Sivers’ newest book, Useful, Not True, and the main premise of the book is this: Adopt the beliefs that are most useful to you right now.
Beliefs are malleable. They aren’t objective facts—they’re narratives we create. And because they’re fabricated, we have the power to shape them in ways that support us and our goals.
I see these beliefs everywhere through the self talk of those around me. My roommate constantly says that he’s lazy. My friend says he’s not good with girls. My other friend says they aren’t creative enough. These aren’t objective facts. These are beliefs that have manifested themselves into reality.
One belief I’m choosing to adopt—also inspired by Sivers—is this: The best way to do what you love and make good money is to have a well-paying job while seriously pursuing your art for love, not money. I want to be both a brilliant artist and an indispensable employee.
Some say the only way forward is to go all in on your passion and make it your vocation. Others argue that a job should simply support your lifestyle.
But F that—I want to write my own narrative. I want to be exceptional at both.
Maybe this belief won’t serve me forever. Maybe when I start a family, I’ll have to let it go. But for now, this is the belief I choose to embrace.
At the end of the day, you control your beliefs. So why hold on to one that limits you? Why not adopt a belief that empowers you instead? If you repeat a new, more constructive belief often enough, it becomes your reality. You can create something meaningful—something that actually fuels your growth.