Understanding the Limitations of Listicles

I have a fondness for listicles; I find myself clicking on them frequently. Titles like "Five Simple Ways to Achieve This" or "Six Steps to Get That Done" captivate my attention. These articles provide a sense of empowerment, offering manageable steps that seem easy to follow. They inspire and motivate, making the prospect of enacting life changes appear effortless.

However, the reality is that they often don't lead to any tangible change for me. I read through them and, within a week, realize I haven't acted on any of the suggested steps. More often than not, I can't even recall the specific points outlined in the article. There are times when I completely forget the article even existed until something reminds me of the change I intended to make—like seeing my flabby arms in the mirror—and the memory of the list resurfaces.

This prompts the thought: "Oh right, I meant to follow those 'Five Easy Steps to Toned Arms.' What were they again?" I end up searching online to find the list for a refresher. It's a frustrating cycle: reading a listicle, feeling motivated, and then forgetting all about it.

While listicles certainly provide a temporary boost in morale, they often fail to translate into action. It seems more accurate to mentally reframe these titles as “Five Easy Steps That I’ll Probably Ignore.”

Reflecting on this, I recently finished yet another listicle. I paused to ask myself if I would genuinely implement any of the suggestions. Coincidentally, I also came across a thought-provoking line in Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck:

“Do or not do; there is no ‘how’. You are already choosing in every moment of every day what to give a fuck about, so change is as simple as choosing to give a fuck about something else.”

This statement resonated with me for two reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes that the “how” is irrelevant. While the author may find their method effective, it doesn’t mean it will work for me. The “how” can vary significantly from person to person.

Secondly, it highlights that action is what truly matters—not the method. Every day, I make choices that reflect my priorities. For instance, I certainly choose to brush my teeth and eat breakfast, but when it comes to my saggy arms, that’s a different story.

The decisions I make indicate my true interests, aligning with what Mark refers to as what I care about. Clearly, I prioritize breakfast and dental hygiene, but my saggy arms don’t make the cut.

Thus, when I engage with a listicle without taking action, I’m essentially prioritizing the act of reading and the temporary satisfaction it brings. If I want lasting change, I need to genuinely care about implementing the advice. If I desire toned arms, I must commit to that goal and take actionable steps toward it.

Consequently, I’ve decided that after perusing a “How To” listicle, it’s essential to reflect on the content. Is it feasible for me? If so, when will I start? If it’s not, can I adjust the suggestions to make them more manageable?

The crucial question remains: Will I choose to take action and truly engage with the content?

Ultimately, the essence of life changes lies not in the "how" but in the choices we make. It’s about making better decisions and committing to taking action.

This first video discusses the pitfalls of listicles and offers alternatives to enhance your brand in 2024.

The second video delves into the psychology behind why listicles are appealing yet often ineffective.

In conclusion, it’s the action that counts, not the methodology.

Kasey Sparks, © 2022

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