I wrote previously about dangers of the hype in regards to the next step.
The hype is based on what society, and your peer group to a certain extent, finds important. The problem inherent with the hype is our propensity to buy into it. Humans are easily manipulated — and after watching several commercials for that ab workout machine, we suddenly need it and the perfect abdominal muscles it promises. We’ve bought into the hype.
The hype can take many forms. We can buy into the hype of consumerism and a certain product. We can buy into the hype of a particular job, a college degree, and a meticulously planned future. We can buy into the hype of other people, or worse, the imagined hype of ourselves.
How to avoid the hype:
- Don’t watch commercials. I typically put commercials on mute so that I don’t have to be forced into absorbing what the most recent ideal is. The other option is to forgo TV and become a Netflix-only viewer.
- Leave your job if it sucks. It sounds like a simple solution, because it is. If you loathe entering your workplace every morning, let it go. The goal here is to be happy, so don’t let the hype of a job force you to stay.
- Avoid happiness haters. I bought into the hype of having a close circle of girlfriends, but all that did was make me unhappy. Seek out fellow hackers who focus on positivity.
- Don’t get cocky. Yes, you have accomplished much and should be proud of yourself; but don’t buy into your own hype. You aren’t perfect. Keep learning, helping others, and being kind.
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