Finding Motivation Through Accountability

How I've been fighting nihilism + being unmotivated by holding myself accountable to doing good with my life.
Important links + thoughts below...
Growth Books (my daily planner which changed the way I, and thousands of others, organize our lives): bit.ly/growth_book
Instagram (where you can reach me most easily): / thejohnfish
Some further thoughts on this video:
For some time, I was thinking about saying that this philosophy of accountability leads you to "only" make decisions in this way. But this is wrong and inherently fragile since exclusionary thought patterns like this seem to me to cause far more harm when they are inevitably violated (we all fail when it comes to living up to our ideal values). So it's better to resist this temptation and view this as I try to frame it in the video: accountability as only one tool of many.
I think that viewing accountability in this way also respects the order of the world (which is injust, though rapidly improving). In a broad sense, it seems that for progress to occur we have to hold humanity to a higher standard than simple neutrality--"don't hurt anyone and you're just fine". And yet this can't be a legal standard because it's highly exploitable at minimum through Mill's "tyranny of the majority".
With no legal standard possible, we can set a moral standard--and this is exactly what organized religion tends to do, holding its adherents accountable to doing good with the promise of Heaven (or the threat of Hell) or the accounting of Karma. Hopefully I was able to express to you in this video the fact that even without extrinsic and supernatural motivation like this, we can still justify and in fact compel ourselves into doing good.

[@connor.patrick]

We’re holding you accountable for growing a beard in like 15 minutes

[@Chaoes96]

This dude moved out and aged 5 years

[@nabilbengassem7952]

Chaoes96 hahaha 💀💀💀💀

[@Angel-uj3bk]

honestly

[@oceannoesmar5120]

Haha true tho

[@pararektsnoobs772]

Lol

[@revitmep6883]

So, this is what you have to add to this message/video. Please ask yourself ....... why?

[@Nofxthepirate]

"You don't do anything because you could never do everything" That statement perfectly describes my mindset several years ago. Why even try when its so hard to do good on a global scale? It took me way too long to realize that helping anyone is better than doing nothing because it's impossible to help everyone all at once.

[@jacquesfouche6983]

A helpful way ive heard of thinking about this is also thinking like a "citizen" vs thinking like a "consumer". A consumer will always choose the most convenient, fastest, etc where as a citizen considers externalities. A good example is someone choosing to use public transport rather than Uber, or to drive a low emissions vehicle over another one, they have factored in a broader public wellbeing into their decision of what is "best" even if it involves some sacrifice on convenience, comfort etc.

[@JM-hu3pk]

wow :o that's interesting to think about

[@landonny]

Why is everyone talking about John's beard when this video is a literal masterpiece.

[@starylize]

i'd say it's his best video yet!

[@blackofspace4391]

I was going to write exactly the same thing! People are really confused about what to care.

[@Xelaris]

Indeed

[@revitmep6883]

I absolutely agree. I have to believe that it's a very small percentage.

[@foreignflights9007]

Challenging video, thank you.

[@zfam99]

Is it me that whenever I see his videos feel like stoping the video in the middle and go to study.

[@davinathompson3]

I have learnt to watch all other yt videos before clicking on his

[@zfam99]

@@davinathompson3 I think I should learn that too😂😂😂

[@laapapapa6388]

Matt D'Avella: *Biceps* John Fish: *Beard*

[@Ninja-jumipy]

Nathaniel drew: *cinematography*

[@vivekchoudhary5676]

Me: pornography

[@mariamathew5173]

me lacking motivation mind: see fish videos

[@HsinTsungChu]

Exactly! Fish videos very inspirational

[@ua9764]

He really just grew a beard in one video

[@rahulmawa5149]

i am indian 17 year old, and i grow it everyday.. lol

[@ua9764]

Rahul Mawa lmao and quick question. What beard oil is good 🧐

[@thejohnfish]

To be fair the beard is short and the videos were two weeks apart

[@ua9764]

John Fish haha true but it looks good

[@ridhwaans]

path to jordan peterson

[@christine-xs6lx]

For the last two years I've been thinking whether I did the right choice taking my bachelor program, whether it is what I really want to do, whether it has a sense, whether it will make me a happy and a satisfied person, whether I can give smth to this world. And I can say that's a big struggle which is literally turning into depression. But after your words I look at my life from the other sight and can definitely say that everything goes in the right direction and it does have a meaning. Thank you 💜

[@EliaquimGuedesCrispim]

"When you're trying to close KZbin and get to work" that hit me hard, let me keep watching to see where it goes.

[@businessgenius1605]

Life is suffering; Love is the desire to see unnecessary suffering ameliorated; Find a higher-order meaning which makes life worth living despite its suffering. Life is good.

[@trocketflicks]

Business Genius thanks jordan p :)

[@AbimanyuRS]

Glad you opened your thoughts on this, it is indeed true we everyone has those nihilistic thoughts and we are responsible for it not to take away our life.

[@lindalukiyanova5204]

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[@onshii9141]

Man sometimes my depression and anxiety piles up and discharges in a day of feeling complete fatigue and feeling a complete lack of motivation

[@optimisticenigma283]

this guy has such insightful, and mentally engaging content. glad to see you come so far, just the "harvard guy". Amazing video as always, John.

[@niaverma3546]

that video really gave me something to think about. as i think about it, actions of other people have difinitely influenced me in positive ways, and my actions will influence others too. the internet is a truly wonderful place, thank you.

[@LordsChild19]

What's up John, I used to be dominated by nihilistic thought, and it's purley in your mind. Like you, I also read books weekly, and I find the more I grow in knowledge or wisdom the more I realize the "real" side of life and find myself unable to escape from a mindset that is focused on real world issues. I therefore feel, that feeling you describe as you being "responsible" for the world. The truth is I opened up to Christ, and by listening to soley his teachings I found a life that I never knew existed. A life where motivation for knowledge coexists with a life that is filled with nihilistic turns. This newfound motivation to serve God, also helps serve the world. I promise you friend that until you seek out God, you will continue to search for answers that are elusive and purposely hidden. God has a plan for you John, I can see it through your works. Thank you for inspiring me to make it through my academic career. God bless. "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)

[@sergiomartinez4884]

As a person who struggles with a few of the same nihilistic questions you brought up in this video, I really appreciate the sentiments you have shared about combating these sort of thoughts. I’m happy to be apart of a world where there are people like you!!

[@cmanna285]

I heard a good quote that I think relates to what you're talking about here. Sometimes doing good can get in the way of doing well. For a period of time I put everything on hold to do good for others and my wellness suffered. I realized I wasn't actually helping anyone when I wasn't first taking care of myself. Thinking about doing good as an opportunity / surplus is a much better way to think about things, than to try to help everyone all of the time, putting what you need on hold. Balance. I like the exercise of visualizing that person you want to support and acting as a model for what to do and how to act. Definitely going to try that out.

[@jenniferruiz2762]

What a great video! This is how I believe parents got the strength to do everything and be responsible. The motivation that brings having someone who looks up to you makes you do more selfless things that you wouldn't imagine as a young person. I admire you so much John and the way your think is amazing. Greetings from Peru

[@daewonkwon6064]

I know this will get lost somewhere, but really just wanted to say: Thank You.

[@lindalukiyanova5204]

кopoHaвиpус - щe Haкaжe всички гpeшHици, дoкaтo He спpaт глупoсти пo oкoлHaтa сpeдa

[@poi09lilaa74]

I don't know how but you just managed to put my feelings into concise thoughts. I've been battling with the same issues for a while now and this actually helped so much with putting my current situation into perspective.

[@lovinlikealovesong]

I’ve been the most unmotivated I’ve ever been in college and I needed this

[@jonathanpearson8139]

@Bumblesnuff buffallobath thanks for reminding me of that song, it's incredible

[@vaibhavsingh-ro5tl]

This is one of the most significant videos you've made, thanks!

[@vaibhavsingh-ro5tl]

I'm that random person

[@gonzalochristobal]

That's really a good way to find not just accountability but also fulfillment and meaning in everyday life. I often came through this nihilistic thoughts of why should I even bother if everything is going to collapse at the end of the universe (Maybe it's a little bit extreme, but it's true as far as we now). Our human life and existence is just an ephemeral dot in the vastness of the universe. But besides all, we are humans. And we should take care and help each other. That's what made us to get here in the first place. I'm glad to see your evolution over time. You're a really good person. Edit: Typo

[@nickwilson8898]

Such a wonderful sentiment. Rest assured that even if you gave up today, you would be giving up having effected more positive change than most ever will.

[@SimpleandConscious]

You really helped a random person who was looking upto the world for motivation.

[@starbrewed1079]

I was struggling with nihilistic thoughts myself and I am really grateful I fell into the KZbin rabbit hole because I ended up finding this video . I am one among the many people you had the opportunity to be an example to. Thanks man.

[@dog-xq5jw]

I found that nihilistic thoughts usually stem from overthinking things, which isn't always bad but can interrupt life if left unchecked. The best thing I found for it is focusing on familiarity, whether its with your friends, exercise or passion. Something to numb the mind while keeping it productive and healthy. Great video!

[@sunsess9914]

This video was really inspiring. Everything you said spoke to me. I’ve always believed what I want to do is help and inspire as many people people as possible and spread love everywhere I go. I’d thought before about what a disservice I was doing to others by not putting myself out there: sharing stories, expressing my personality, etc. but more as a fleeting thought than something serious. I certainly never thought to connect it to motivation... but it fits. I feel like your words spoke to my goals whereas most other things on motivation and such all blur together. They feel fake, expressed by people who’ve never truly faced the problems they’re trying to tackle. So yeah ~ thank moo! 😄

[@holdmybeer3]

Thank you so much for this video. It really shook me to the core. Helping others has always been my deepest and biggest aspiration, but I haven't been really acting on it because I felt discouraged by my negative self talk and the condemnation towards myself by actually feeling like trash and undeserving for anything good, also by acting undisciplined and irresponsible of my own life. So thank you so much for reminding me that instead of keep losing focus, interest and control in life, I do have the choice to do to think to feel whatever that is true to my soul, and will help my own and other's growth.

[@ΑνώνυμηΦοιτήτρια]

I love your passion for life. You are so passionate for life that you are ready to cry while speaking about this idea . I wish more people thought this way . You are a true gift to the world

[@cd6581]

When you realize the people looking to the world for help us viewers and by just learning his philosophy we are taking part in it... Very meta and very cool John :]

[@annaluca29]

This is exactly what I needed, not just today but for the past couple of years, I’ve been hoping someone would give me an answer to these similar nihilistic thoughts I can’t help having. Thank you John! -a 3rd year medical student

[@Laura-rs6wj]

this is sooo inspirational! Funny thing is, the other day I read about Camus' answers to those questions.. Essentially, Camus asks himself, why we stay in the flow of this capitalist, unequal and sometimes unfair world. The core of his philosophy is the question: Why don't we commit suicide? Because in fact, we well be here, if we're lucky, for around 100 years and we can actually change nothing. And he does not have an answer. Your access to this topic was very refreshing for me!

[@brianmadera1828]

Thanks @johnfish! These videos help me a lot thank you giving us the opportunity to learn from you on how we should make the most of our lives. I'll turn back into this video whenever I have these nihilistic thoughts and choosing to be comfortable rather than possibly being able to help people through my actions. 😊 keep up the good work man!

[@yeseulpark7754]

Man thank you so much for sharing the great insight. I think you're right, i see the only reason not to rest myself can be nothing but for helping other people and being useful to the world. :) Keep up the good work!

[@Xraid32]

Great Video. I'm reminded of something I saw as a kid. When growing up in a city, I was woefully aware of the sheer number of people there are in the world and how everyone's lives seemed to matter just a tad less with every new human being. Nihilism crept into the mind rather naturally. One day I was watching a nature documentary. It was about turtles being born at a dark beach and then desperately hurrying to make it to the ocean before predators could feast on them. It was truly a dark part of nature to behold. That was part of the theme of the documentary. However, suddenly the presenter picked up a turtle and helped make it to the ocean. He said: "Though many turtles aren't going to make it today. To THAT little guy, my actions mean everything."

[@binanda_engti_kathar]

Thanks John for uplifting my thinking and my life.You are accountable for the good changes in my life.Thank you .

[@dooie7116]

Its quite scary how ı thought of the same things and came up with the same solution. I had a friend who died quite young because of cancer. And when ı struggle to do the '' right'' things. I always remember her. And how ı should accomplish things on her behalf too. Its not exactly as helping her. But i feel like i owe it to her as if she died in my stead. And about the thing with' 'if i cant do it perfectly than i wont do it at all' ' mindset. I find it quite dangerous. It can kill your motivation and make you betray your morals. Any step forward big or small is a step forward. A really good video, thank you for the effort :)

[@bluedude6991]

Thanks man, I went to a real dark place today. And I am Infinitely Indebted to you. Thanks, thank you. I'll try and help that hypothetical person. And in the process, I think I'll help myself too.

[@danielfernandez0058]

Hey John! I was dealing with this lately and your words inspired me. We all have people we can help with our actions. Thank you, all the best for your journey! Greetings from Berlin :)

[@venkateshTD]

I love the way you structured this video and like the idea of how we should look at accountability in a positive manner! Makes complete sense. However, I am finding it difficult to understand when you said in moral situations, we should be able to make decisions based on most number of people becoming happy.

[@queenofswordwthrone]

you are so amazing that you worked out this idea all by yourself!!

[@johnellis5634]

Perfectly articulated. I've been tussling with these thoughts myself so it's great to hear your mental journey.

[@sciartion]

Thank you very much John! I've been asking myself questions like these, and I think it is very important to keep asking these kind of questions to ourselves. An easy but powerful question is "why". If I'm making a decision and I don't "feel" it, I ask myself "why". Then that response is also questioned and so on, till I find the "root" reason for my decision.

[@rudypascal9502]

Kudos John! Everytime I want to procrastinate I find it effective to watch to your videos to be productive.

[@dhruv.chaudhari]

This is one of the most beautiful and insightful videos I've watched on KZbin. Thanks for making it :)

[@ordinaryclass8508]

That person who you are helping is me also. Thank you so much.

[@cmannion14]

Well done for being accountable and making that video! Thank you

[@januaryrainn]

Really inspirational to me, myself as a High school senior. Hope that you will create more video about life and productivity like this, cuz whenever I feel down, lazy or procrastinated, I take up a habit of listening to your advice^^!! Just wanna shout out that :You make my day, John Fish ♥️

[@selmach.8207]

This is probably one of the greatest videos you've made. I found it very helpful and eye opening. Thank you, John!

[@arpankanungo8688]

This is beautiful. It is the real motivation. It is what I want but didn't really know.

[@vinimix_]

It's crazy how you can never know what someone is going through, no matter what they've accomplished. Out of many people, I'd never expect you, with all of the things you've done, to be considering these types of questions

[@aryanraswan9098]

Sir, just a few months ago I too was suffering from the dilemma that why ? Why should I work ? Why should I even study ?why? Your explanation on accountability answered all my questions and cleared all my doubts Thank u Thank u alot and u f d bst

[@niasola]

Me: not a native english speaker but good at english John Fish: using too many words which i don't understand

[@dodojumper5384]

Same here. I appreciate the sophisticated way he speaks though. It makes me feel calm.

[@matiastoledo4201]

Relatable

[@paulacastillo6118]

Same.

[@HoorayForTyler]

Basically, don’t look at everyday decisions as a responsibility, but an opportunity..? Love your videos man; you seem to be blowing up more and more. Cheers

[@winnyfan571]

That’s exactly where I am now! I am struggling with those nihilistic questions quite a bit of time. I know it doesn’t make sense but I still thinking of and it really makes my though down especially if this though comes on the early morning . I couldn’t find the answer and I though just only me have this strange thought. During the time I am thinking these questions , I feel regret to myself that I seemed to waste time on these questions. But a million thanks for your sharing . Kind of find out what happens for myself and how to deal with.

[@xx-lz1fh]

This video and John's thoughts unbelievably coincide with my latest conclusions. Recently I've also fallen prey to some dose of nihilism. Having given up on hard work and discipline, having doubted my dreams ("naively idealistic", "won't change anything") I found myself in a rut, unhappy and without many opportunities that would be worth living for. (Unlimited pleasure is torture :>) Yet I found out that I can't bear existing this way and it's way better (even if now it doesn't feel like it) to actually do something. And why do something? Personally I'm driven by the awareness that my experience, work or even suffering helped someone. When I was thinking about reasons that would justify daily struggle I asked myself: What would be better? If people encountered the worst version of myself: fat, lazy, bitter and contagiously miserable or that I would be some ray of positivism and hope for those in need and an example of discipline and work ethic? Try to recall even one person that benefited from knowing you or simply enjoyed your company. I bet there's someone and if isn't - maybe it's a sign to evaluate your priorities. I'm so glad of being reminded of moments when my presence really uplifted someone. It wouldn't be this way, had I not worked on myself and my goals. :) Thanks John for your work. I've been following you for at least a year (don't remember exactly) and never commented. I want you to know that the content you've been creating has been both helpful and entertaining, given food for thought and in some way molded me - a random guy from Europe. Keep going :)

[@xx-lz1fh]

And ofc I don't promote "swimming in debt" :) Everything, also helping others, should be done wisely, in moderation. Just to clarify cause one might have thought after reading my comment that the source of motivation should be only sought outside.

[@iinchausti]

I really needed this. Thank you so much, John. 🤙😌

[@carlosantoniogr5463]

This video made me understand, I am a person with lots and lots of nihilistic taughts, I'm really great full, Thank u from Mexico

[@Aryan-ji2nk]

Dude you're inspiration to many rookies out there Pls keep making such motivating videos Love from India🇮🇳

[@neptune5615]

This philosophy has been really beneficial to me. Thank you a lot.

[@peichunlin7204]

This video is motivating to me! I’m also struggling with problems like these. Heading to read books you mentioned, hope you can get through the difficulties eventually.

[@BG0178]

well you changed my life causing me to read lots of books. So you are right.You connected to some other people and be a good role model for them

[@danayaizrailova8944]

Thank you so much for the video! That's what i needed right now

[@katha1993]

Very Inspirational point of view. Thank you!

[@psychothespian]

Thanks, man. Maybe my favorite video yet. I’m a therapist in Burlington, VT and I’ve fallen into the unhelpful habit of falling asleep later as well. I’ll be in Montreal in November and would love to meet.

[@TheHollyChronicle]

Perfect timing, I need motivation so much right now!

[@ryushinisintheeternalnow]

Thanks John, I have been very enjoyed and inspired from your content a lot , ps. I must stop procrastinating right now, do work and wait for your upcoming video. ps keep up with your quality content I could not wait for the next vid.

[@roohakhurshid6144]

Wow! Thank you for this video, John! 🧡

[@shambhavipathak2581]

Really love the closing statement! Goes on to say that this really is a heart to heart mode of communication! Loads of love from India!

[@lewisgorrod3763]

We're here for you man 😊

[@yummilol1]

I thank god I found your channel. You’re inspirational in so many ways and have definitely made an impact in my life!

[@mdnadsy]

Thank you John! Your videos have really helped me.

[@XEnzo68]

It rings so true. I sometimes wonder why you do something to the world and why I don't. Maybe I do things for the wrong reasons, i'm in a very good program in university, worked hard to do it, because it was for my self, I have selfish reasons. But perhaps in order to do something bigger, you have to be inspired by more than your personal gain, like helping others.

[@alantran2133]

This video really helps me, what you said is actually what I am thinking about.

[@Alex-ns9wk]

Jordan Peterson's advice about sacrifice, responsibility and all that is great

[@TrueCerulean]

You’ve definitely helped me through one of the hardest times of my life. So, thank you.

[@nadirbelmokhtar6024]

Hi, I'm nadir from Algeria, I'm 24 and you are making an impact on me. thank you

[@trocketflicks]

Most powerful john fish video

[@jasmined7822]

You really helped me John. Thank You so much.

[@abdillahsyafiq]

Thank you for this, John

[@odinalstadheim9730]

another great video John. Thank you.

[@bojanristivojevic3396]

Dear goodness, I love this guy!

[@9asoutheastTexasgarden]

Everybody in the world should have to watch this

[@cmanna285]

I really relate to this video. Thank your or walking through your thought process on this and share your perspective.

[@markusvanrensburg5392]

This really hit home dude.... Thanks

[@haniehfaani7254]

Thank you for putting these thoughts out they are really valuable and motivating. Love your work man

[@1-eight]

It’s a beautiful piece John. You’re doing great work here.💪🇬🇭

[@DVZM.]

What flag is that?

[@1-eight]

DVSM Ghanaian

[@lilyroberts9332]

i love ur thought processes man!!!

[@blackofspace6982]

"You dont do anything because you could never do everything", reminded me a few paragraphs from Sylvia Plath which I thought are very relatable.

[@dariofromthefuture3075]

I love this technique. Thank you

[@yasser7385]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@mashhood95able]

Thank you man.. it made me really realize stuff.

[@bcdoesstuff6724]

Nice vid John, I definitely agree with your thoughts on this subject.

[@cheminem]

Amazing video, I love the reference to J. S. Mill. You should read up about his life story as he was exceptional intellectual and one of a kind. Although the importance of accountability is a significant point for overcoming lack of motivation (which in my opinion resonates really well with the lectures of Jordan Peterson), there is also an important factor that I feel most if not ALL self-help style influencers and even writers miss: the cycle. The modern attitude with motivation seems to be an echo of the lines by Flaubert: "be orderly and regular in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work." Which is an exceptional statement, but I cannot help but feel like either it misses a critical point, or hits the critical point to a certain audience (mature, settled people). My experience has been exactly the opposite: my behavior is naturally cyclical, and after any period of motivation inevitably follows some period of no motivation. Indeed, I cannot see it being any other way for any other person. Why? Because if you are never ever lazy, tired, sluggish, etc. you will not appreciate or utilise fully the moments of flow, engagement, strong-will. My advice for people with the problem John Fish acknowledges? Dive in. Embrace it. Be lazy, be unproductive, be weak-willed. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: DO NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT. The guild is the lethal ingredient to it. Guilt will compound what is simply a natural oscillation into a troublesome lifestyle. If you let your urges (or lack of them) run naturally and unaltered, you will soon return back to your productive self, which then is a time for cultivation and strength. Much like winter and summer, you should have period of strong-will and weak-will. That is my advice for young people, anyways.

[@christinaa3026]

Very helpful, John. Thank you

[@benjamins.7934]

I liked the video, because you mentioned the chose between like or dislike and so it's real feedback. Lot of creator only say you should like.

[@yunglegend146]

coffee intro was just a great sight