The One Naval Quote Worth More Than Reading 100 Books

Looking for your best self in all the wrong places

Thomas Oppong

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Photo: Unsplash

I’ve read hundreds of self-improvement books. The onus is always on me to put what authors say into practice. I can only get what I want if I apply and do more of what works. Entrepreneur and investor Naval Ravikant said something that sums up almost every self-help book I will ever read.

He notes, “Doctors won’t make you healthy. Nutritionists won’t make you slim. Teachers won’t make you smart. Gurus won’t make you calm. Mentors won’t make you rich. Trainers won’t make you fit. Ultimately, you have to take responsibility. Save yourself.”

His quote is the core of self-improvement. No matter how many books I plan to read in a single year, I’m responsible for saving myself. No one is coming to save you. Doctors, teachers, trainers, and mentors can pass on wisdom and tools for life. But they can’t do the work for me. The power has always been in your action. You can wait all you want for that one life-changing idea to shift your life. But the uncomfortable truth has always been this: you’re responsible. There’s no shortcut to your best life. You must claim growth (mind, body and soul) for yourself.

Doctors can diagnose and prescribe, but only you can choose to practice good health habits…

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Thomas Oppong

Making the wisdom of great thinkers instantly accessible. As seen on Forbes, Inc. and Business Insider. For my popular essays, go here: https://thomasoppong.com