Don Howard used to say that the purpose of the Work, plant medicines, and raising consciousness was so that we could become “fit for service” and become the best version of ourselves to serve the world. Aubrey Marcus has even started a mastermind group called the Fit For Service Fellowship.

Personal development is a natural part of being human. Our ability to be self-aware is a blessing and a curse. An endless rabbithole. Lately, the Internet feels supersaturated with self-help gurus, life coaches, and endless $97, $297, $997, $1,997, and $19,997 online programs, seminars and masterminds to help you reach the “next level.”

I’ve done a lot of them, and they have been transformative and truly helped me in my life, particularly in the area of personal relationships. However, in the modern world, at least in America, it feels like the life coach programs to help you become a life coach have become oversaturated. Instagram influencers offer programs to teach you how to create funnels so you can also live your best life… on Instagram. Multi-level Marketing gurus teach you how to sell overpriced products so you too can live your best life… selling overpriced products.

The global personal development market size was valued at USD 38.28 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2020 to 2027. Increasing consciousness about self-recognition and the pursuit of happiness is expected to drive the demand for personal development programs during the forecast period. Individuals are gradually looking for ways to attain physical as well as emotional fitness.

Now, I’m not saying that there isn’t value in these programs. However, at some point, if you don’t make stuff, there is no stuff. The Law of Attraction, the Secret, the Power of Positive Thinking are all frameworks around the idea of manifestation, and while there is some validity to these, it can also be a trap.

At some point, one must grind, and feel good about grinding, because there is joy in Work. There is a place for coaches, teachers, and mentors. However, at some point, there is a lot to build and a lot to create. The fact that personal development is a multi-billion dollar industry is indicative of the perverse incentives in the space. I’m not saying it should be free, but with the democratization of self-help, the tools are out there, it’s up to the individual to find their journey.

Ultimately, integration of all of these practices is a bitch, so it’s about breaking our addictions, cultivating self love, and finding the Work beyond the Work.

Day 23: Alcoholics Anonymous #GivingChristmas