The other day I was listening to the podcast with the author of zenhabits.com (link here).
One of the main take aways (and there were many), was that I could finally visualize and somehow vocalize what was in my head for a long time: why there are so many people not improving themselves.
Or let me put it in other words: rationalizing stupid behavior (we all do, but some just more), or are driven by ego, are not completely genuine, make mean jokes about others to feel better, strive for money without any intrinsic motivation, or generally exploring themselves and why they do what they do.
Now, before I continue, let me make one thing clear: it is tough and I think I used to already be a few steps ahead than I am right now. I am no expert and especially in the last year I've neglected a lot of that, i.e. self care, spending time on myself, going through processes/questions, digging deeper, decisions based on values, let by curiosity <> fear etc. - I rather spent the time not facing certain topics, not making commitments, time in front of the TV instead of books, time "wasting" on social media instead of journaling, saying yes to too many activities instead of blocking time for mind wondering.
So, I get it, it's time consuming, but mostly, it is energy consuming and mostly comes with some sort of responsibility/commitment to yourself and fear of change. Because, once you start digging and finding things out, you will face issues that were rationalized previously and now that you are aware of them, instead of unconsciously carrying them around and letting them influence your behavior without you knowing, well, you know them. Meaning, you might need to make changes in your life, let it be your lifestyle, financial choices, friend circles, ...
To illustrate I spent a lot of time making this complicated chart:
In the beginning, I guess, you will go through a valley. Or, if you are the positive curious one, might see it as an adventure and go straight up. As counter argument: I guess that doesn't happen too often, that's why many haven't done it in the first place.
Some years ago, I was in a Silent Retreat on Bali and a one girl arrived in the afternoon. Considering the name of the place, she couldn't talk to anyone any activities were rare. She ended up crying through the whole night and left the next morning. Now, I don't know what she's been through, maybe she has already done a serious amount of self exploration and thought she might find some peace in the environment. Or, she never was in such an environment, not being surrounded by external stimulation and finally facing herself.
Again, not sure about her specifically, but generally I think many people are hiding, not being honest to themselves, hence not to other and are being influenced by themselves.
Take the leap, you will end up better!
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” - Carl Jung
"The first task of behavior change is awareness. Your habits will run your life whether you realize it or not. This is true for habits of thinking (beliefs, self-image, social norms) and habits of acting (daily rituals, mindless routines). Awareness provides the chance for change." - James Clear