Moving Beyond the 'How-To' and '10 Ways' Articles": A Call to Embrace Individuality and Self-Reliance"

The article discusses Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay "Self-Reliance," which emphasises the importance of individualism and nonconformity. It also mentions Steve Jobs and his similar approach to life. The article argues that online content writing risks creating a write first, think later or never attitude, and encourages readers to move beyond generic "how-to" and "10 ways" articles that fail to deliver on their promises. The author suggests that true innovation comes from daring to be different and taking risks, and personal development and self-reliance are the keys to meaningful growth.

Self-Reliance and Originality

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay "Self-Reliance" is a classic American essay emphasising the importance of individualism and nonconformity. The essay is a call to action for readers to break free from societal constraints and to embrace their own unique thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

Emerson argues that society tends to discourage independent thought and promote conformity. He believes that individuals should not rely on others, whether society or institutions, to determine their beliefs and values. Instead, individuals should trust their intuition and create their moral code. This, according to Emerson, is the path to true fulfilment and success.

The essay emphasises the importance of self-reliance, self-trust, and self-confidence. Emerson believed that individuals should have faith in their own abilities and not be afraid to take risks and follow their passions. He argued that society’s norms and conventions often suppress creativity and limit individuals' potential.

Let's move 100 years forward. Let’s talk about Steve Jobs.

Emerson was a prominent essayist, lecturer, and poet during the 19th century, while Steve Jobs was a co-founder and CEO of Apple Inc., one of the most innovative technology companies in the world.

Yet, they had that one thing in common that we must so badly uncover and dust off us.

Both Emerson and Jobs shared similarities in their philosophies and approaches to life. One of the most notable similarities was their emphasis on individuality and self-reliance.

We have briefly covered Emerson; similarly, Jobs valued individuality and self-reliance. He encouraged people to think differently and embrace their unique perspectives and talents. His approach to innovation was characterised by a willingness to take risks, to challenge conventional wisdom, and pursue excellence with uncompromising dedication.

Living Inspirations

In addition to their shared emphasis on individuality and self-reliance, Emerson and Jobs were great communicators. Emerson was a renowned public speaker whose lectures were often packed with people eager to hear his ideas. Jobs was also an excellent communicator, known for his captivating presentations and product launches.

Many other great geniuses and inspiring individuals have gone by, and luckily some still live amongst us - #oprahwinfrey and #malalayousafzai #richardbranson #volodymyrZelensky #gretathunberg #elonmusk

We could be writing articles and books dissecting these individuals' thoughts, actions and beliefs, interpreting and debating their philosophies and creating an intellectual stimulation that creates new philosophies, whether as an extension of or counter to them.

Respected publications?

Have the magazines that I used 10 years ago to free myself of doubt and regain independent thought, have become a sell-out or have they come to belief that their audience is sub-par with no potential for true genius?

But what are we encouraging the world to write about? Online content writing risks creating a write first, think later or never attitude. With the help of Harvard Business Review, Forbes and the likes (which were at one time my dream publications), the trend of “The “how-to" and “10 ways” is not just prevalent but even guided in the guidelines.

I have been personally a victim of these articles - career, life, and success are all transient and subjective - but these articles play the worst role when we have just suffered a setback and are particularly vulnerable. Cant, we see that these blogs are killing originality?

With so many articles offering the same generic advice, more room for unique perspectives or ideas must be available. As a result, readers are bombarded with recycled content, and writers are pressured to churn out more of the same to keep up with the competition.

Have these articles ever worked as intended, for any one of you? Please participate in the quick poll.

While they may attract readers with catchy headlines, they often fail to deliver on their promises. Many "how to" articles offer simplistic solutions to complex problems, and "10 ways to" articles often present a laundry list of tips without context or explanation. As a result, readers may feel more confused than informed.

The biggest issue with these articles is that they create the illusion of action without prompting any real change. Telling someone how to do something is different from actually doing it. It’s easy to read a “how to” article and feel like you’ve accomplished something, but implementing change requires action and dedication.

I read an excellent post the other week by Peter Shallard, entitled The Guru Effect: Why Being a “How-to” expert will destroy your potential

He writes about the blogs written by one-time best-sellers who have yet to see success and have yet to have a fall. “This is the Guru Effect. When good entrepreneurs have one hit, they become how-to-guide gurus. It’s practically become a career plan for many.” he writes

I was a pretty successful Managing Partner of a law firm from 23 years to 26 years - if I had made a career out of “how to become a managing partner in your 20s,” many naive lawyers would have paid me a lot for becoming this celebrity. But my real life and education of life and success began after that.

How can we have a leadership section in an entrepreneurial magazine filled with blogs that suggest that there is a one-size-fits-all solution to every problem and that anyone can succeed by following a specific set of steps?

Looking at Emerson and Jobs again, the truth is that success comes from within and that each person must forge their own path. There is no formula for success; true innovation comes from daring to be different and taking risks.

The problem with these "how-to" and "10 ways" type blogs is that they promote a shallow understanding of success, focusing on quick fixes and superficial changes rather than fostering the more profound, more meaningful growth that comes from personal development and self-reliance. Our fire, discipline, action, and courage can be taught to us by telling us how to be courageous. These do not work.

Emerson’s and Jobs’ belief in self-reliance is a powerful reminder that success, however you define it, requires determination and a willingness to trust oneself and take risks. The real key to success lies not in following a set of prescribed steps but in forging one’s own path, embracing individuality, and learning from one’s mistakes.

I sincerely invite comments and debates on this issue, which has been bothering me for years, if not months. Am I right, or am I missing something?