tl;dr - Acta Non Verba

Disclaimer - This is just a more practical take on the usual 'get practical!' advice. Meta.

Introduction

An average post that inspires one person to take action is more valuable than a well-written contribution inspiring none.

Thus, a large portion of a post's value comes from the readers, not the author.

Given that we, RP men, are stoic, we will focus on internal factors over which we have control. By taking solid posts and breaking them down into actionable steps, not only will we be adding value to the post itself, but to ourselves as well.

Body

A few days ago u/ATLink88 uploaded a solid post about self-confidence. I will be using this one as an example since it follows a structure similar to a lot of other ones out there.

Upon reading a post that you think can be helpful, I recommend to do the following (I will post specific examples later on):

  1. Handwrite the most important information. The shorter the better, but keep the essence. I prefer handwriting as I think it is superior to typing, but there is no need to be a nazi about it.

  2. Brainstorm thoughts and ideas. How do you relate to that post? Is your life in line with its solid pieces of advice? If not, how? And why? If you seem like an overly-obsessive white girl asking questions, you're doing it right.

  3. Breakdown your thoughts into actions. How are you going to address the points raised above? Be pragmatic, be specific.

Simple, right? Let us look at a concrete example.

Example

I am going to quote some of the bullet points written down by u/ATLink88 and proceed to get practical with them.

BREATHE…DEEPLY…RHYTHMICALLY…SLOWLY….ALL…THE…TIME… If you walked up to me in the street and asked me to help make you more confident, I’d say that over anything else on here. It’s not a zero-sum activity, it changes how you’re body is functioning minute-to-minute.

  1. Breathe deeply, rhythmically, slowly, constantly

  2. I often struggle with this when walking. Do I walk too fast? Do I breathe correctly? Shouldn't I breathe through my diaphragm? Maybe it's because I leave for work too late and walk too fast?. What if I forget about correct breathing techniques during the day? Meditation should help, right?

  3. Actionable List:

  • Research breathing techniques (Pranayama)
  • Download app for breathing exercises. Practice twice daily.
  • Start two 10 minute meditation sessions per day
  • Set 2-5 reminders for breathing (app, clock, post-it, whatever) during the day
  • Leave for work 10 minutes earlier

Read – read whenever and whatever you can. Learn what you like and what you don’t, not by assuming but by partaking and seeing what resonates. Ancient Greek literature, some modern pop psychology books (I’m serious, there’re some smart dudes penning books these days) and military history are some of my favorites for expanding horizons. ALWAYS have a book on the go. Got a smartphone? Me too, got the Kindle app? Fucking get it.

  1. Read voraciously and expand horizons

  2. I keep jumping from book to book and never finishing any. Reading one just bores me. Should I try audiobooks? I have heard they work nicely but maybe I would not focus too much on them. Maybe podcasts? Could I also check book summaries? The options overwhelm me a bit, I should narrow it down.

  3. Actionable List:

  • Pick 2 books. A Guide to the Good Life and The Rational Male. Jump between them as you like, but do not touch another one until both are finished.
  • Pick 2 podcasts. The Joe Rogan Experience and Hardcore History. One for fun/chilled moments, one for learning.
  • Subscribe to Illacertus and learn at least 1 of his videos per week. Still read the book.

If you feel fear at doing something that you are desirous of, take it as an unshakable law in your life that you must do it. Want to still be thinking about signing up for that martial arts class in 3 years or do you want to be training the newcomers in the class because you’ve become so proficient at it?

  1. Dive into that which makes you excited, fearful and nervous

  2. I should really stop avoiding group events/parties. Staying at home can be nice, sometimes, but I should start building more relationships and working on my social skills. I should also talk to more women, learn to get comfortable with it. Why do I never call people? Why do I get anxious with phone calls? And with oral presentations in general?

  3. Actionable List:

  • Triple the number of social events I attend per month
  • Talk to at least 3 random women per day
  • Talk to at least 5 random people per day
  • Call my parents at least twice a week
  • Make every food order or reservation by phone only
  • Volunteer to oral presentations

I'm sure you get the idea.

Give this exercise a try, on TRP and elsewhere, it works wonders.

Conclusion

By summarizing, you understand the point better.

By brainstorming, you allow yourself to not only identify aspects you're lacking in that specific area, but also branch out into different areas of your life that need work.

By breaking it down, you force yourself to take action.

Edit: Minor mistake