Why I stopped watching self-improvement videos.

[@nicolasbolas2247]

At a certain point you no longer need self-improvement videos. I know that happened to me about a year or two after getting into it. After a while you start to see the same regurgitated ideas

[@jeffreydaniels7519]

I’m 63 and self improvement is not a destination, it’s a life long process. Always improve, in perpetuity. Watching your channel is a form of self improvement for me even as an experienced, well traveled, educated man. I learn from young men like you. Your contemporaries like Chris Williamson and Diary of a CEO are both very excellent. Theirs nothing new under the sun, much of this self improvement is just recycled knowledge, repackaged and delivered in a different way.

[@tomwilliams-norwoodta5579]

I agree with your statement completely Jeffery. I’m 59 and I watch this channel regularly. I’ve always believed that you should learn something new every day. It doesn’t matter where or who you learn it from.

[@lynn5447]

Good video. Cooking? Many great chefs are men. I cook our dinners. Started cooking when I was 27. I'd had 4 years at college, followed by four years in the US Army. Lots of institutional cooking. Called my mom and got a couple of recipes for my childhood favorites, and that started it. Genuine pleasure.

[@Swedishfinnpolymath]

Yep, Escoffier, Carême, Bocuse, the Roux brothers. There is a reason why French is la langue d'amour.

[@mikegrowe9060]

I don’t even know any great female chefs.

[@4879daniel]

Cooking is one of my main hobbies for relaxing. Making breads, pastries, stews, etc. keeps me away from staring at screens.

[@Kingfisher1215]

27, what took you so long?

[@swordsman3951]

That outfit looks really good on you.

[@Gent.Z]

Thanks very much

[@juanpaz5124]

Fr he looking like a sigma

[@martinkarp9298]

@@juanpaz5124 is that what is important to you?

[@nicoloprod]

​@@Gent.Zis it full linen ?

[@elmalifico3708]

@@juanpaz5124 how did you get into male astrology?

[@evanplante]

Wow! I heartily agree. I'm an older fellow (73) who has consumed too much self-improvement content over the years. But, as you have noted, the themes repeat... if not the content itself... so I've moved on. So, when someone asks me if I listen to Jordan Peterson (for example), I reply, "I have... and I largely agree with him. So, why would I continue to listen to him or people like him... teachings that would echo what I believe and not add anything to me? I only listen to people I disagree with... because how else could I improve?" This is good counsel that can lose you a few friends in an election year! Thanks for sharing that particularly personal teaching.

[@jakecavendish3470]

Absolutely, plus no one who ever actually achieved anything of note ever made a self improvement video, they were too busy just living their life

[@ryancurry2911]

I’ve recently cut down on these type of videos as well, so I could focus on actual self improvement. I don’t use any social media anymore also apart from KZbin which Im trying to cut down on.

[@Gent.Z]

Consuming content can definitely be a false replacement for taking action. Good luck with your efforts 👍

[@ryancurry2911]

@@Gent.Z Thank you, The timing of this video was perfect for me. I’m 23 now and I have been watching self improvement content since I was 17. It has definitely helped a lot but I have come to same realization as you that I am just taking in the same information over and over again whilst I already have the tools and the basics in place.

[@Свуй]

The problem with self-improvement content is that after you read a book about getting up at 6 am, instead of starting to get up at 6 am, you start reading the next book

[@carlosblack773]

I am 68 and a widower. I have watched my share of videos on self improvement, dating, eating healthy and exercise. I still enjoy watching these videos because I often pick up indirect improvements, such as, "I would look good in a suit like that."

[@seaneliotblake9379]

Self-improvement media may be harmful for two rather different reasons : 1. Mindless consumption and information hoarding, with very little implementation / real life application; or 2. Confirmation bias and getting stuck in an echo chamber. The first one is very hard to overcome for some, who get addicted to the knowledge whilst simultaneously making no tangible progress and the second can bring overconfidence, being blind to alternative, valid methods. Nevertheless, both are still much better than not trying to improve at all, as you have rightfully pointed out, though a break might be beneficial as opposed to completely moving on.

[@MarcusMaths2]

Incredible video. Other gents out there, in relation to the deeper and more classical ideas and literature discussed in the video (Prince), I highly recommend researching the Harvard Classics book series: 50 volumes of classical literature meant to comprise 150 different works equivalent to that of a 1919 Harvard liberal arts education. I have purchased the series myself in hardback edition but there is also a $3 pdf also avaliable somewhere on the internet. To compose a greater grasp on classical education and values past mere surface self-improvement, as discussed in the video, I couldn't recommend these sources more. Thank you Gent Z Sincerely a young gent

[@bender3000]

Who’s the Tate guy that says cooking is a waste of time?

[@frankv7068]

That’s that lying loser Brandon 🤣

[@nedflandersmustache]

Listening to tate is a waste of time lmao

[@pietrovallefuoco]

I am in the same situation as you. I think that's enough for me. I used to watch tonnes videos to improve every aspect of my life...Hairstyle, Grooming, Dressing well and so on. I think that we reached our Goals and also we understood what is our lifestyle, and our personal point of view of life. Love your videos. Cheers.

[@chazlewis8114]

Learning a foreign language is a very cultured and rewarding activity.

[@Kingfisher1215]

Nyet

[@chazlewis8114]

@@Kingfisher1215 Da!

[@Mohamed_lmo28]

Do you have any experience in doing so?

[@chazlewis8114]

@@Mohamed_lmo28 Of course. That's why I recommend it!

[@MrJBest78]

Also be leery of certain social media sites that you go on and the news. Some of it is very depressing and social media can get very toxic. Love the colour of the suit by the way.👍

[@johnsanchezz]

You can check out any time you’d like, but you can never leave!

[@fabianschulte5412]

Very honest! Very gentlemanlike!

[@dioneiakunz4836]

Well expressed! Thank you for sharing this🧘🏻‍♀️✨🙌

[@EugeneMurray-z1b]

I have to say... That meeting you Was not a let down I wish you every good fortune

[@purplelove3666]

No such thing as fortune

[@Turbogaggers123]

Hello. If possible could you do a video of how to dress like a gentleman on a budget? Great content

[@MerlinWorldDotCom]

Hi James, Have you seen videos about Sigma Males? I ask because Sigma males are never done with self-improvement. Instead of focusing on just one topic (ex: money or style) they focus on many major topics in order to do one thing...: MASTERY OF THEIR OVERALL LIFE. They don't care about what others think or what people think they should do, they just make a list of MAJOR TOPICS like Health, Love, Sex, Style, Money Food & cooking, getting more Time to live the best life, etc. I strongly suggest you dive into this Sigma Males topic, you might like it and help you mastering your overall life. Cheers.

[@izzythomas848]

I'm just tired of hearing other people and their ideas. For me, it has become annoying. It's cliche, but stop looking outward, and have the confidence to trust yourself.

[@the_real_isco2146]

I do believe this is one, if not the best video you that you made

[@ricardorevoram]

After self-improvement, the only needed route is Jesus Christ

[@Arokh1122]

Great quote comes to mind : "True nobility is being superior to your former self"

[@mikegrowe9060]

I cook 90% of the food in my house. I cook very well. Every man should know how to cook. Not only cook, but cook well.

[@purplelove3666]

And clean

[@martinkarp9298]

very important video. These can become more of a crutch than help

[@williamjohnson3093]

Sometimes the best self-improvement involves sitting down and listening to a piece of classical music, or focusing on a particular work of art

[@purplelove3666]

Umm no

[@purplelove3666]

Taking a walk is much better

[@williamjohnson3093]

@@purplelove3666 to each their own I guess

[@bonesetterbonesetter4552]

Best video yet

[@thefuture2020]

Man I wished i heard this before.

[@frankv7068]

Kevin Samuels changed my life, but since he unfortunately died he was left with limited amount of content. As a result, I seen them all, learned and moved on to other content like men’s wear and hobbies.

[@jaysterling26]

Similar story with The Red Pill Coach.

[@SaschaStradtmann]

There is another problem with self-improvement videos: at a certain point, you will get a feeling of inferiority, of not being able to keep up, of being insufficient. The reason for that is that even if you do everything you are told in those videos, you might arrive at an invisible barrier that keeps you from reaching your ultimate goal. And then you start thinking: "Why am I not progressing despite having done everything I have been told in those videos?" And then you start thinking that it's all your fault, because you probably did not do it right or did not put enough effort into your journey of self-improvement.

[@Kingfisher1215]

Coquilles St Jaques is very high on the wow factor. And perfectly roasted vegetables. Lasagna is easy to throw together. Crème brulee. Cooking is not difficult, but takes focus.

[@herbtube7824]

Nice video. Esp. liked the branching out of your home studio. Try to incorporate more footage of the beautiful city that you live in. 👍🏻

[@DentBranding]

Loved it. 🙏 We would be very happy if you play something 😅😊✌️

[@lewisguitarh2213]

I went through a period at university where I would consume a lot of self-improvement material. I certainly concur with the idea that you start to hear the same messages over and over, which then leads to a drop in productivity. I am very selective with the type of material I consume now for many reasons. For example, the youtube fitness community is known for having toxic creators who are just out for clout and to mine money from their audiences. Not all self-improvement material is genuine.

[@Inf0rmatix]

Ditching any activity like cooking that has no „productivity“ to it will lead you to burnout. Been there, done that, do not recommend. You can only work so much until your body some time decides enough is enough and there will be nothing to change that other than giving yourself rest. And then it will need a lot more than it would have, if applied regularly the past years. You will wish to do something productive, work on your company, but you simply can not. Care for yourself, don’t overdo stuff.

[@johanjonsson6504]

Great color on the jacket! I recently started learning Spanish, this is my new challenge. :)

[@bodhi9464]

good video mate. keep living life the way YOU want. you’re a good man. God bless you. 🇦🇺☀️🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️💦☮️🎶

[@douglasdietz7503]

Read classic literature. From all countries, cultures and ages. Self help books aren't necessary and are boring. Classic literature informs one of the human condition and the conflicts, failures, successes and exultation of life. Truly invaluable. Cheers

[@michaelanderson7708]

He reads a book between sets?? Id argue hes not working hard enough physically or mentally

[@AlexanderCaesarr]

I see the growth in your video. You have progressed a lot. Feedback: Time to go back to the Beard.

[@mdhazeldine]

Literally just yesterday I was thinking to myself that I'm KZbind and podcasted out. I work from home as a photographer and I spend many hours editing photos and listening to podcasts and KZbin videos while working, and I feel like I've listened to so much that my brain is just full of information and I can't take in anymore. Kind of ironic that I'm now watching this. Maybe I just need to go out into the woods for a bit. lol.

[@Mohamed_lmo28]

One of the best videos of your channel James! Keep up!

[@Saelestria-jd3uq]

All I ever needed to keep myself sane and convicted is a journal. But once I needed to improve myself, I get picky about my content. I want to make sure what I consume in that regard actually means something to me that I can think, wear and carry my philosophies with me wherever I go. With self-improvement content I always got bad vibes from some of the things KZbin recommended me. I made progress with myself quite well without consuming lots of self-improvement and motivation videos. The problem I have with that kind of content is that I notice people consume it then forget it afterwards, going back to the same mental loop/trap. I got to see an example of that recently.

[@scottchapman7128]

I can tell, you feel down right now, we have all been down from time from time, but tomorrow is better day, I enjoy watching your channel and I have learned so much from your videos, many have too, I enjoy watching old classic movies like with Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Humphry Bogart, it's like stepping back into time, I believe, some people are born in the wrong time frame, I now I was, love old jazz music as well, I love the sound of vinyl records, I think they sound better then digital recording, as I said, You have helped many people on your channel!!

[@Alex55455]

Self improvement content is best consumed in small doses just every so often. Consume some content on an aspect of your life you want to improve for a few days (up to a couple weeks at most) to get some ideas and understanding then try implementing into your life over the next few months. Only go back to watching content on that thing only if you need a bit further clarification or understanding.

[@CapraObscura]

I really like bushcraft and palaeolithic technology. Sometimes growing and catching my own food. I like learning about self sufficiency in nature, to make a knife from stone, or collecting fibers for making my own rope. I even make blackthorn sticks and the odd leatherwork

[@sammajor2075]

During the pandemic,I watched alot of Idris Elba documentaries, and content from David Goggins and Kevin Samuels. Great value for the time invested,and only positive impact on my life. But I've since moved on,having used the knowledge and skills obtained,to forge a better life,with exciting new possibilities.

[@Tee55118]

I agree. Self improvement should be finished at your age. Especially women who only want benefits from the man at the finish line; but, don't want to work to help the man during the race between the start to the finish line. So you need to present yourself as established in your work and your hobbies to get any respect from other people. Sad but true. So yeah, self improvement can be done occasionally in private, and that's it, for a true gentleman.

[@achvald2126]

At one point I realized I did not need small tricks shown on typical self-improvment content but deeper understanding of human nature and relationships, philosophy of life, spirituality. That next step really propelled me to another psychological level, uncomfortable at first, but that is how you grow.

[@jeremiahbok9028]

I'm not as advanced at self-improvement, especially in learning about finance, as you are. So I mayn't be dropping that stuff anytime soon, though I will say I don't spend a ton of time on it. There's a lot of knowledge to be gathered, but it's ultimately it's less important to watch and read a bunch of content telling how to do improve yourself and to hurry up and do it than to just actually improve yourself. But I absolutely agreed with everything you said here, if you've heard it all, as is the case with you, it's time to move on. I also enjoyed this somewhat more vloggy video style, especially the brief shots of you going about your day, they were really well done, made the video feel personal, open, with a more relaxed pace. I have an interest in history as well and am currently reading a thousand-page history of Christianity to see what the less biased story is after being taught another version of Christian history as a child and teen. My next history book may be Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder. Or, I just picked up Mao's Great Famine: The History of China's Most Devastating Catastrophe, by Frank Dikotter. I'm so glad you're reading for pleasure, reading is a joy and it gives you something to think and talk about. This was an especially good video. All the best, James.

[@shudevbarua3868]

After watching self-improvement videos for many months now, I have realized that it's not rocket science and all rules are same and do not change with time, so it will be foolish to be obsessed with self-improvement. From my point of view, for 6 months, 80% of the content you watch should be dedicated to self-improvement videos and after those 6 months, you can keep only 20% of your content dedicated to self-improvement videos. While it's not wise to be obsessed with self-improvement, learning should never stop. By the way, James, I think you need to really work more on your physique and bulk up so that you can look more masculine. Please focus on the neck area, as enlarging it will make you look more physically strong. You already have a great style and grooming, so having a more masculine physique will make you even more attractive!

[@btudor_06]

Hello, I want to say that this hapenned also to me honestly. Everything I do now, working out, eating well, grooming, etc. It's some sort of reflex, I do this without even thinking about it. Your channel, Gentleman's Gazette and Real Men Real Style are the main channels I watch now, because they were the ones that actually helped me way more in improving myself than all those other red pill-ish channels that in the end just want to sell you a 500 dollar course and learn pretty much nothing in return. Now I have more confidence with women, my body looks better, and I dress in classic style, because I feel like that is the way that I feel the person I want to become presents itself to the world. And that doesn't mean that I live like a monk. Yes, I practice my instrument for as much as I can (up to 8 hours/day of practice, when I don't go to school), I workout 3 times a week and I have a fixed menu I eat daily (with all the nutrients, proteins and vitamins I need), but that doesn't mean that once in a while I don't treat myself with a cheeseburger or some fried chicken. It is good to enjoy all the good pleasures in life, as long when it doesn't go out of control. Thank you for the video, James, truly one of the very best you made so far ! ~ With the warmest regards, Tudor.

[@Olyfrun]

Haha, growing bored of (podcaster name deleted) perhaps? He has some great guests but there is a disturbing trend to fairly extreme right-wing views on his and many other shows. Great video, once again you continue to land on fresh conversation.

[@jakea3398]

It’s funny, most people who listen to him are fairly refreshed that the content isn’t normal mainstream left-wing liberal media BS. I think once people get accustomed to hearing that stuff over and over, maybe his content seems right wing? Or just a healthy alternative for once? It’s interesting nonetheless

[@pensivepenguin3000]

Yes. From Peterson to various others, it does seem like there’s some weird connection between self improvement content aimed at men and far right indoctrination. I guess when you’ve got organizations as powerful and well funded as the Heritage Foundation and PragerU on your side, there are lots of new and insidious ways to radicalize and propagandize naïve people

[@pensivepenguin3000]

@@jakea3398 the issue with this analysis though is that the mainstream US media isn’t particularly liberal. It’s quite centrist. In fact, through a more worldly lens it would even be considered center right. This is the concept of an Overton window, that area of political discourse that is widely perceived to be the center. In America, the Overton window is shifted quite a bit to the right compared to other places, so someone going on CNN and simply saying something like Joe Biden won the 2020 election seems liberal to a certain group of people in the United States because of how far to the right that Overton window sits. Zooming out, then, from this skewed American perspective of left versus right, I’d say it’s fair to place Peterson well within conservative or even far right territory. Whether or not you think that’s good or bad, think people should believe in or reject those ideas, is not something I’m here to preach. Just trying to bring a bit of objectivity to the discussion

[@leesmith8810]

I am 100% with you on this. All books are usually the same and either repetitive or too advanced that it’s hard to even understand and you need an MBA to make sense of it. I think we just feel we need to keep learning or we will fall back to the average. But I guess we have grown out of the books that once educated us. Great outfit 👍🏼

[@petrospavlidis7747]

I, too, have stopped listening to these podcasts and youtube videos. Gent Z offers something else, it is fun content and I enjoy following your journey. But using all that time to actually improve and spend meaningful time with my loved ones is so much better than spending hours trying to find gold that just is not there.

[@geoffreysundstrom]

There is a vast difference between education and implementation. At its core, self-improvement is about action, not endless preparation.. The late podcaster Gary Collins used to talk about the ongoing task of balancing life on a three-legged stool of health, personal finance and spirituality. When a person has actually reached a point where these things are in balance, then yes they have reached a sweet spot where life can be really enjoyed. Unfortunately, so many do not have these three fundamentals in place, or if they once did, their stool has become unbalanced and they need to restore the balance before they actually feel like they are "living the good life" again. Things like faith, family, creativity, friendship, entertainment, and love are elements of the spiritual side of life. A focus on self, money and material things that neglects the spiritual side of life is unbalanced and unsatisfying. I think the fledgling Gent Z community is doing a good job of encouraging personal growth and development in all of these areas.

[@Munromad]

That's a nice colour jacket and looks geat with the white shirt. I love the casual unbuttoned look too, although I think double-breasted is overkill (especially when cooking...lol), but it would be a fantastic single-breasted or sports jacket combo.

[@thefuture2020]

You are a legend

[@joewauters9065]

Another great video. A different level of insight, nice response to new dogma

[@Jamesroberthalltsburg]

❤

[@jmagda41]

James, in my opinion, what you're going through is you have just reached a satiation point along one section of your life's journey. I always said I was going to become this great musician. But FIRST! I needed the right guitar. Then it was guitarS. Then amps, then pedals, then recording equipment, then... You get the idea. I prepared myself to death, and never got to the actual DOING phase, I was so involved in the preparing and researching phase. Just realize the areas where you're "full," then move on to the next phase or interest in your life.

[@Martin_Romanowski]

Love this jacket Janes Compliments you well

[@Mateus9502]

This angle of filming is very cool! Keep doing it

[@sandeepkakkassery4537]

Worth it your realization and message. From india

[@urigarcia6441]

Cuz im already perfect baby

[@Martin_Romanowski]

Where can one buy such nice jacket

[@bloguerista]

Good work, best wishes

[@professoraz985]

What watch are you wearing?

[@VicFlange]

It was his grandfather’s.

[@Tee55118]

​. Good answer. A cultured gentleman asks "whom;" not "what" are you wearing.

[@professoraz985]

@@VicFlange are you familiar with the model?

[@kanarie78]

contradictory

[@pensivepenguin3000]

How so?

[@Andreas_K_III]

Quite ironic as the main focus of this channel is about improving yourself in becoming more gentleman like

[@Gent.Z]

As you get to the end of the video, this may become more clear. I am by no means against improving oneself. I am tired of the very repetitive and narrow ideas of what improving oneself means. My channel is a means to expand upon those ideas, using the gentleman as an archetype.

[@pensivepenguin3000]

I do believe Jordan Peterson offers some genuinely helpful life advice for young guys. The problem is, he uses that helpful advice as a sort of viral vector to deliver much more toxic, divisive and arguably harmful extremist political messaging. Not only does he do this, he does so knowing that his audience is primarily young, naïve, still learning the ropes when it comes to adulthood, and therefore susceptible to propaganda. It’s for that reason that I think he’s overall a negative influence on young men. More generally, while I do believe some self-help content can be useful, it’s a very dicey field with many opportunists and charlatans who pray on people who don’t know better. So fellas, please be discerning. Carefully vet the advice you come across before acting on it or forming a worldview around it. Remember - if someone is seemingly handing you the keys to getting rich, the trick to doing so is not in whatever advice is being offered but in the act of offering advice about getting rich. The same is true across a wide range of self-help topics. They are often trying to sell you an idea to enrich themselves, not you

[@danelisslow3269]

The entire self improvement industry is a minefield of extremists and scammers selling courses. I'd say about 20% is actually useful info.

[@pensivepenguin3000]

@@danelisslow3269 yes. That is my impression, too. The same thing has been around in one form or another for decades. When I was a kid in the 80s and 90s, it was those late night gurus teaching you how to sell real estate notes and become millionaires. As obviously goofy as it seems to the critical thinker, it sadly works on a lot of people

[@BENZO_TV]

new tattoos, gambling, secret family, new theories, coke, etc is the way of the modern man. unstoppable

[@nomadismileseeker6611]

My friend you are describing burnout. I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying because I have been there before and go back to that point every once in a while. When you focus too much on something, you will overstimulate your desire to learn.

[@morog12]

Shout out to the coach Corey Wayne though, always keeps it straight. 👑