Introduction
In a world where traditional career paths are crumbling and job security is becoming a thing of the past, James Altucher's "Choose Yourself" offers a refreshing perspective on how to navigate the changing landscape of work and life. This book challenges readers to take control of their own destinies, empowering them to break free from the constraints of conventional thinking and forge their own paths to success and happiness.
The End of the American Dream
Altucher begins by painting a vivid picture of the American Dream that dominated the post-World War II era. This dream was characterized by steady middle-class jobs, homeownership, and a lifestyle focused on "keeping up with the Joneses." For decades, this ideal shaped the aspirations of millions of Americans.
However, the author argues that this dream has come to an end. The 2008 financial crisis dealt a devastating blow to the traditional notion of job security and upward mobility. Companies began outsourcing jobs to developing countries or replacing workers with technology. The result? A workforce facing unemployment, underemployment, and a growing sense of disillusionment.
But Altucher doesn't view this shift as entirely negative. Instead, he sees it as an opportunity for individuals to break free from the constraints of the old system and embrace a new era of personal freedom and self-determination.
The "Choose Yourself" Era
The core of Altucher's message is that we have entered a new era – the "Choose Yourself" era. In this new paradigm, success is no longer dependent on being chosen by others (like employers or gatekeepers in various industries). Instead, individuals must take charge of their own destinies and choose themselves.
This shift is made possible by technological advancements, particularly the internet and smartphones. These tools have democratized access to audiences and markets, allowing individuals to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach people directly. For example, writers can self-publish their books online, and content creators can build audiences on platforms like YouTube without needing approval from TV executives.
The "Choose Yourself" era is not just about career opportunities; it's a fundamental shift in mindset. It's about moving away from the pursuit of money for its own sake and instead focusing on doing work that brings personal fulfillment and happiness.
Overcoming the Fear of Rejection
One of the biggest obstacles to choosing oneself is the fear of rejection. Altucher argues that this fear is deeply ingrained in human psychology and often prevents us from taking risks or pursuing our true passions.
He cites a study by Yale psychology professor Stanley Milgram, where students were instructed to ask subway passengers to give up their seats. Surprisingly, 70% of passengers complied without question. This experiment illustrates how most people are conditioned to let others make decisions for them, even in seemingly trivial matters.
Altucher shares a personal anecdote about developing a TV project called III:am for HBO. Despite investing significant time and effort, the project's fate rested on a single person's decision. When that person said "no," all of Altucher's work went to waste. This experience underscores the danger of relying on others to validate our dreams and ideas.
The author encourages readers to break free from this mindset and take control of their own destinies. By choosing ourselves, we reduce our vulnerability to rejection and increase our chances of achieving genuine happiness and success.
The Four Bodies: A Holistic Approach to Self-Improvement
To successfully navigate the "Choose Yourself" era, Altucher introduces the concept of the four "bodies" that need to be nurtured: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. He argues that maintaining balance and health in all four areas is crucial for personal growth and success.
The Physical Body
Taking care of the physical body is straightforward but essential. Altucher recommends:
- Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night)
- Eating just two meals a day instead of three
- Regular exercise and fresh air
These simple habits form the foundation for overall well-being and provide the energy needed to pursue one's goals.
The Mental Body
Caring for the mental body involves training the mind to work towards positive ends rather than wasting energy on worry and overthinking. Altucher suggests a daily practice of exercising the "idea muscle":
- Read or skim chapters from four diverse works (ranging from celebrity memoirs to scientific texts)
- Write down at least 10 ideas every day
The content of these ideas is less important than the act of generating them. This practice helps redirect mental energy from pointless worrying to creative and constructive thinking.
The Emotional Body
Nurturing the emotional body involves cultivating positivity and eliminating negative influences. Altucher advises:
- Distancing oneself from people who consistently provoke anger or negativity
- Being kind but firm in dissolving toxic relationships
- Focusing on positive interactions and relationships that uplift and inspire
By creating an emotionally healthy environment, individuals can better focus on their goals and maintain the resilience needed to overcome challenges.
The Spiritual Body
The spiritual body, as Altucher describes it, is not necessarily tied to religious beliefs. Instead, it's about cultivating presence and mindfulness in daily life. He recommends:
- Focusing on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future
- Paying attention to one's surroundings and appreciating the details of everyday life
- Practicing mindfulness to stay grounded in the here and now
By nurturing the spiritual body, individuals can reduce stress and anxiety while increasing their ability to appreciate life's experiences fully.
Building Habits and Routines
Altucher emphasizes the importance of establishing daily routines to maintain the health of all four bodies. He argues that lasting change comes from within, not from external circumstances.
Some suggestions for daily routines include:
- Avoiding negative influences like excessive TV or junk food
- Expressing gratitude for friends and positive relationships
- Helping others whenever possible
The author highlights the power of oxytocin, a hormone released during acts of kindness and connection. By incorporating altruistic actions into daily routines, individuals can boost their own well-being while positively impacting others.
Finding Purpose Without Stress
Many people feel anxious about not having discovered their life's purpose. Altucher argues that this anxiety is unnecessary and potentially harmful. He provides examples of successful individuals who found their calling later in life, such as Colonel Sanders, who started Kentucky Fried Chicken at 65, and Peter Roget, who published his famous thesaurus after retiring at 70.
The key takeaway is that it's more important to enjoy life and pursue work that brings satisfaction rather than stressing over finding a singular purpose. Altucher suggests that some people may never find a specific "purpose," and that's perfectly okay.
To help readers let go of this stress, he proposes a meditation exercise:
- Imagine being homeless with no goals for the future and no baggage from the past
- Visualize this scenario in detail to experience a sense of freedom from life's pressures
This exercise aims to provide a fresh perspective and momentary relief from the anxieties associated with searching for life's purpose.
Succeeding in the "Choose Yourself" Era
Altucher provides practical advice for thriving in this new paradigm:
Cut Out the Middleman
Using the example of entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, who founded the successful credit card service Braintree, Altucher illustrates the power of eliminating intermediaries. Instead of working for a company that provides a service, consider offering that service directly to clients.
Focus on Value, Not Just Price
When selling products, services, or even entire businesses, Altucher advises looking at the bigger picture. Sometimes, accepting a lower price can lead to greater value in terms of connections, reputation, or future opportunities. He shares a personal anecdote of creating movie websites for New Line Cinema at a fraction of his usual rate, which ultimately attracted top talent to his company.
Embrace Honesty
In the "Choose Yourself" era, honesty is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity. Altucher argues that while dishonesty might yield short-term gains, it ultimately leads to failure when the truth is revealed. On the other hand, consistent honesty builds trust, which can compound over time, leading to long-term success and support from others.
To cultivate honesty, Altucher suggests:
- Avoiding anger by recognizing and challenging unrealistic expectations of others
- Refraining from gossip and speaking ill of others behind their backs
The Power of Self-Empowerment
Throughout the book, Altucher emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself. He acknowledges that this can be challenging, as many people have learned to feel worthless or inadequate. To combat these negative beliefs, he recommends developing a daily mantra of self-love, repeating phrases like "I love myself" to boost confidence and happiness.
Practical Applications
Altucher provides actionable advice for implementing the "Choose Yourself" philosophy:
Pursue happiness: Make decisions based on what truly makes you happy, from the hours you work to the clients you take on.
Develop your skills: Continuously improve your abilities and knowledge in areas that interest you.
Build a network: Cultivate relationships with like-minded individuals who support and inspire you.
Embrace failure: View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than defeats.
Stay adaptable: Be willing to pivot and try new approaches when circumstances change.
Create value for others: Focus on how your work can benefit others, not just yourself.
Practice gratitude: Regularly acknowledge the positive aspects of your life and the people who support you.
Take calculated risks: Don't let fear prevent you from pursuing opportunities for growth and success.
Conclusion
"Choose Yourself" is a powerful manifesto for personal and professional empowerment in the 21st century. James Altucher challenges readers to break free from outdated paradigms and take control of their own destinies. By nurturing the four bodies – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – and embracing the principles of self-reliance and honesty, individuals can navigate the uncertainties of the modern world with confidence and purpose.
The book's core message is that success and happiness are not bestowed by external forces but are the result of conscious choices and consistent self-improvement. In a world where traditional career paths are disappearing, the ability to choose oneself – to create opportunities, to pursue passions, and to define success on one's own terms – is more valuable than ever.
Altucher's approach is both practical and inspirational. He doesn't promise overnight success or easy solutions but instead offers a roadmap for long-term personal growth and fulfillment. By emphasizing the importance of daily habits, mental resilience, and authentic connections, he provides readers with the tools to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Ultimately, "Choose Yourself" is a call to action. It challenges readers to take responsibility for their lives, to overcome fears and self-doubt, and to embrace the unlimited potential that comes with choosing oneself. In doing so, Altucher not only offers a strategy for individual success but also paints a vision of a world where more people are empowered to pursue their passions, create value for others, and live authentically.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern era, the principles outlined in "Choose Yourself" serve as a beacon, guiding readers towards a life of purpose, creativity, and self-determination. By choosing ourselves, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute to a more dynamic, innovative, and fulfilling society.