Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Badly

I. Introduction

The video "Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Badly" by Jordan Peterson discusses the idea of circumambulation in psychology and its impact on one's life. The video aims to explore the idea that one's potential future self guides their interests and development in the present moment.

The concept of the call to adventure is introduced, as well as the idea that pursuing these interests is crucial for growth, even if one stumbles and fails along the way. The video emphasizes that taking action, even if it is done badly, is better than not taking any action at all.

A. Background on Jordan Peterson

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist, cultural critic, and professor of psychology at the University of Toronto.

He rose to prominence through his critiques of political correctness and his promotion of individual responsibility, free speech, and the importance of personal values.

He has been a popular speaker and commentator, and his videos on YouTube have gained millions of views. He is known for his unique perspectives on topics such as psychology, self-improvement, cultural issues, and politics.

B. Overview of the video "Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Badly"

In the video, Peterson argues that people should strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives, even if they don't succeed at first. He claims that the process of doing something poorly, learning from mistakes, and improving over time is essential for personal growth and development.

The video highlights the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination in achieving one's goals.

II. The Concept of Circumambulation in Psychology

Circumambulation is a concept in psychology that refers to a process of repetitive or circular movement around a central point or focus, often symbolizing a journey or a search for meaning.

It is associated with the idea of spiritual pilgrimage, personal growth, and the exploration of inner self. Circumambulation can occur in various forms, such as physically walking around an object or place, repeating a mantra or prayer, or meditating on a particular idea.

It is considered a therapeutic practice in some spiritual and psychological traditions, as it can help individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their beliefs.

A. Explanation of the idea in union psychology

Union psychology" is a term that refers to the idea that individuals can form a psychological union with one another, or with a group or community, to form a sense of identity and purpose.

This concept is based on the idea that people have a fundamental need for connection and meaning, and that this can be achieved through the development of shared beliefs, values, and experiences with others.

Union psychology suggests that the experience of being part of a community can have a positive impact on a person's mental and emotional wellbeing, by providing a sense of belonging, support, and a shared sense of identity.

B. How it's a biological idea

In Union Psychology, the idea is that behavior and mental processes are driven by biological processes, particularly the interactions between the brain, hormones, and other bodily systems.

This approach views behavior and mental processes as being the result of the interplay between biological, psychological, and environmental factors, and that the body and mind are interconnected and cannot be fully understood in isolation from one another.

C. Explanation of how interest in certain things leads to development

Interest in certain activities, hobbies, or pursuits can drive personal growth and development by allowing individuals to develop new skills, acquire knowledge, and build self-esteem.

Engaging in these interests can also provide a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and purpose. Moreover, it may lead to the formation of new neural connections, contributing to overall brain development.

This process of engaging in activities of interest and developing new skills can also lead to positive changes in one's identity, as well as a better understanding of one's strengths, weaknesses, and potential.

III. The Call to Adventure

The "Call to Adventure" is a concept in Joseph Campbell's monomyth, which describes a common pattern in hero stories across cultures and time periods.

In this concept, the hero is called to leave their familiar world and embark on a journey to pursue their destiny, often facing challenges and obstacles along the way.

This call can come in many forms, such as a physical summons, a dream, or a fateful event. The acceptance of the call marks the beginning of the hero's journey and sets them on the path towards personal growth and transformation.

A. Importance of pursuing interests

Pursuing interests is important because it allows individuals to explore their passions, talents and skills, and can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. It can also provide a sense of purpose and direction in life, increase self-esteem, and bring enjoyment and happiness.

Engaging in activities one is interested in can also lead to new experiences, relationships and opportunities.

Additionally, developing skills and expertise in a certain area can have practical benefits such as improving employability or leading to new career opportunities.

B. The problem with the call to adventure

The problem with the call to adventure is that it can be scary and uncertain. People may be afraid of failure or the unknown, so they may resist pursuing their interests or goals.

This can lead to a sense of stagnation and a lack of personal growth. Additionally, the call to adventure may require significant time, effort, and resources, which can be daunting.

However, the potential rewards of pursuing one's interests and following the call to adventure can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

C. Why pursuing interests could lead to being a fool

The pursuit of interests can sometimes lead one to be perceived as a fool because it involves taking risks and stepping outside of one's comfort zone, which can lead to failure.

People who are not familiar with this pursuit might view it as foolish or a waste of time because it does not provide immediate results or tangible benefits.

However, the process of pursuing interests can lead to personal growth, fulfillment, and a greater understanding of oneself and the world.

IV. Moving Forward on the Adventure

Moving forward on the adventure refers to taking action towards pursuing one's interests, despite the potential challenges and obstacles that may arise.

It is about overcoming fear and taking the first step towards realizing one's potential.

This idea emphasizes the importance of facing challenges and pushing through difficulties in order to reach one's goals.

By taking risks and embracing the unknown, individuals can grow and develop in ways that may not have been possible otherwise.

A. Initial paralysis and skepticism

Initial paralysis and skepticism refer to the feeling of being stuck or uncertain about taking the first step towards a new pursuit or adventure, often accompanied by self-doubt and questioning of one's abilities and motives.

This can result from a fear of failure, the unknown, or the perceived risks and challenges associated with the pursuit. Overcoming this initial paralysis and skepticism requires self-reflection, a growth mindset, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty and take calculated risks.

B. The probability of success on the first try

The probability of success on the first try depends on various factors such as prior experience, skill level, effort, determination, and luck. There is no guarantee of success, but taking action and persevering can increase the chances of success.

It's important to remember that success is not just about the outcome, but also about the journey and the personal growth that comes with it.

C. Waiting around for the perfect idea

Waiting around for the perfect idea can lead to missed opportunities, as life is unpredictable and things can change quickly.

Additionally, the idea of a "perfect" idea may be an unrealistic expectation and could prevent one from starting.

It's better to start with a good enough idea and make improvements along the way, rather than waiting for the "perfect" idea that may never come.

V. Overcoming Will to Stupidity

Overcoming the "Will to Stupidity" refers to breaking free from being stuck in unproductive behavior and taking action towards one's interests and goals, even if it is not perfect.

It involves facing one's fears, doubts and insecurities and taking the first step towards progress.

It is important to acknowledge that success may not come easily, but growth and development can only come through taking the first step and continuously pushing forward.

A. Explanation of the will to stupidity

The "will to stupidity" refers to a self-sabotaging tendency where a person knowingly or unknowingly blocks their own progress or success. This could be due to fear of failure, self-doubt, or a lack of belief in oneself.

The idea is that people can sometimes knowingly or unknowingly hold themselves back from pursuing their interests or goals, even when they have the opportunity to do so, because they feel that they are not capable of success or do not want to take the risk.

B. Taking tentative steps on the pathway to destiny

Taking tentative steps refers to starting small and gradually working towards one's goal, rather than immediately trying to accomplish everything at once. It involves taking calculated risks and learning from failures to gradually improve and reach one's destiny.

It is important to have persistence and determination while pursuing one's interests, but also to be adaptable and willing to pivot when necessary.

C. Doing it badly is better than not doing it at all

This idea is the core message of the "Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Badly" video. It suggests that taking action and pursuing your interests, even if it's not perfect or you are not initially skilled at it, is more important than waiting for the ideal opportunity or being too afraid of failure.

By taking action, you can learn, improve, and eventually achieve success, rather than simply sitting back and dreaming about it.

VI. The Path to Destiny

The "path to destiny" refers to a person's personal journey or the path they choose to follow in life in order to fulfill their potential and live a meaningful existence.

The idea is that everyone has a unique destiny or purpose in life and that pursuing this destiny requires taking steps, even if they are small or imperfect, towards their goals and interests.

The concept suggests that moving forward, taking action, and pursuing one's passions, despite obstacles or failures, is crucial for personal growth and fulfillment.

A. Moving forward on the adventure

Moving forward on the adventure involves taking action, even if it's not perfect. It means making progress, learning from mistakes, and continuing to move forward towards one's goals and destiny.

It requires courage, persistence, and determination to overcome obstacles and challenges. The key is to start, and keep moving forward, even if it's not perfect, because doing it badly is still better than not doing it at all.

B. Circumambulation as a way of getting closer to one's self

Circumambulation is a way of exploring one's self by taking steps towards fulfilling one's interests, desires, and potentials. It is a method of introspection and self-discovery through action.

By pursuing one's interests, a person can learn about their strengths, weaknesses, passions, and limitations. This process can help a person get closer to their true self and their destiny.

C. The importance of taking the journey even if done badly

The idea is that even if one starts off doing something poorly or inefficiently, the act of pursuing and engaging with an interest or calling can lead to growth and self-discovery.

The process and journey of pursuing one's interests, rather than the end result, is what is important.

By taking the journey, even if it is done badly, one can gain experiences and learn about oneself, leading to personal growth and fulfillment.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, the idea of "Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Badly" suggests that pursuing one's interests and desires is essential to personal growth and development, even if the initial attempts are imperfect or inadequate.

The concept of circumambulation in psychology highlights the importance of taking the journey, even if it is a circular or meandering path, to get closer to one's true self.

Overcoming the fear of failure or being a fool, and taking tentative steps towards one's destiny is crucial to personal growth. The journey itself is valuable, regardless of the outcome.

A. Recap of key points

Pursuing interests and taking on a "call to adventure" is important for personal growth and development.

It's better to start taking steps towards an interest, even if it's done poorly, than to wait around for the perfect opportunity or idea.

Overcoming initial paralysis and skepticism is necessary for progress.

The concept of circumambulation involves moving forward on the journey, even if done badly, to get closer to one's self and destiny.

The will to stupidity, or the tendency to resist change and cling to comfort, can prevent progress.

Doing something badly is still better than not doing it at all, as the journey and effort is what leads to growth and development

B. Final thoughts on the video

The video "Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Badly" highlights the idea that pursuing one's interests and taking the journey towards one's destiny, even if it is done badly at first, is more valuable than not taking the journey at all.

The concept of circumambulation is introduced as a way to get closer to one's self and the will to stupidity is discussed as an obstacle to overcome.

The key point is that taking action and moving forward on the adventure is more important than waiting for the perfect idea or being afraid of failure.

C. Emphasis on the importance of pursuing interests, even if done badly

The video highlights the importance of pursuing one's interests and passions, even if the first attempt is not perfect. Pursuing interests leads to personal growth and development, and is a crucial part of finding one's purpose and destiny.

The idea of "Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Badly" encourages individuals to take action, despite the fear of failure or not being perfect, because the journey itself is more important than the outcome.

By taking action, individuals can work through initial paralysis and skepticism, and get closer to their true selves.