27th September - The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck



You have probably seen, read, or at least, heard, of the best-selling book, of the same title, by now. The author, Mark Manson, recently appeared on 'The Diary of a CEO' with Steven Bartlett, to discuss the thinking behind his theories, and never have I seen such a perfect embodiment of this attitude than earlier today, in the local gym. There I was, sweating away on the cross-trainer, when I looked up and saw an elderly gentleman, perhaps around 70 or so in age, sat on the bike, pedalling away, in a somewhat nonchalant Eric Cantona vs Sunderland manner. 




As I looked closer, I saw no flashy Nike trainers, or GymShark leggings. Not a sign of a 'My Protein' bottle, or even a sweatband, FitBit, or hydration flask. Instead, I observed leather loathers, long chino trousers, and a long-sleeved cotton M&S collared shirt. I'm not sure I've dressed as smart as that in my entire life (though, I am 'Mr Casual' in the clothing department), let alone at the gym. Admiring this old fella's 'IDGAF' mindset, I looked closer as his hands seemed to be rapidly pressing buttons on the LCD display screen in front of him.




Perhaps he was increasing the resistance, or meddling with the incline, or speed? Nope, the bloke was having a full-on game of Solitaire, rapidly shifting cards around like rain-man in Las Vegas. I don't know who this guy is, I'm not even sure if I'll ever see him again. Perhaps he was a complete figment of my imagination, a mirage produced by my exercise-allergic cortex. But sir, whoever you are, I applaud you, for mastering the one skill we all need to learn in life...




... The subtle art of not giving a fuck! 

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