I decided to start introducing a section where I show you the best nature photo I took this week.

I love walking in nature, and I often take pictures of it.

And I want to share that beauty with you.

So, let me introduce you to:

Nature’s Highlights

This week’s article will be a little shorter than usual.

But the message in it will be just as important as all the others.

If you’re here, reading this, it means you’re on Self-Improvement as well. (or you just like my cute face, idk)

And it’s truly the best journey you can go on.

But it’s also very dangerous as well.

It’s like going to the gym.

On one part, you get a slick body, you’re healthier and happier.

And on the other you get body dysmorphia.

That motherfucker Newton was right

For every action, there really is an equal and opposite reaction.

And that opposite reaction, for Self-Improvement, is known as the double-edged sword called:

Productivity.

Well that prolly came as a surprise.

Being productive is the one thing that’s gonna move the needle in your life and propel you forward to greatness.

You know the saying:

”With great productivity, comes great power.”

I think Joker said this one. Don’t quote me.

But, like all great power, it depends on how it’s used, for good, or for evil.

Too many people, ones that I know personally as well, fall into this rabbit hole of productivity.

And it’s like something in their minds is constantly saying:

“Work, work, work. That’s all you need to do.”

(yeah, I’m really not good at quoting this morning. My B)

You get the point though.

I had a time in my life, when I started S.I. that I simply couldn’t relax in.

Going out with friends, doing anything relaxing, at all, would become forbidden.

I know you’ve felt this as well.

Wanting to just lay in bed a little, or actually doing it, and then thinking to yourself:

“You’re wasting your time. You should be working.”

And you start feeling guilty for taking time off of work,

So you start working.

You’re exhausted,

But still, it’s better than not doing it, right?

In no fucking way, it’s not.

Although I think you already picked up on that.

After all, I’m writing an article about it.

Most of us have fallen into the trap of the “Sigma Male-Grindset”,

Which, if translated, sounds like this:

Bury your life and mind into work because you’re too traumatized to accept reality.

I’m fed up with people that truly believe they’re superior because they work 12 hours per day.

No matter how important your work might be,

Working for 12+ hours per day, everyday, is gonna backfire.

-Less sleep

-Less happiness

-Less productivity (yes)

-Worse relationships

You’re making your life worse in an attempt to show people how productive you are.

When, in reality, your outcome is the same or even less than the person’s who works 4 hours.

The reason I’m telling you all of this is because I want to show you a different way.

One way in which you can still be just as productive, but while increasing your happiness at the same time.

And that is by choosing joy.

We spend our lives trying to create a better future for ourselves, one in which we can be happy,

One in which we can be free.

But we forget to realize that we can and should be happy right now, right this second.

Don’t wait for your future self to bring you happiness.

Create it for him.

From now on, every time you go through life,

Remind yourself to be stupid from time to time.

To let go of all the worries and responsibilities,

And to just enjoy what is in front of you.

Life isn’t just about work or ‘productivity’.

Move the needle as much as you can, but don’t forget to relax.

Choose joy, my friend.