by Ariane Beatrice A. De Castro
One of the most famous lines said by motivational speakers is that “everyone has the same 24 hours”. It’s like they all used the same formula in their seminars to trick their attendees with some cliche lines and a whole lot of self-righteousness.
The main goal of motivational speakers is to tell that there is a master key for greatness. They feed their listeners with false hope and toxic positivity, exploiting people’s ignorance and need for easy fixes. But these people are not solely to be blamed—who would not want to get rich and have a better shot at life? Whether it’s a father wanting to send his kids to school, a young fellow hoping to go to college, or a breadwinner trying to support their family. People can really be pretty desperate. They would likely cling on to any available escape, take networking or multi-level marketing as an example. This is how motivational speakers take advantage of their vulnerability. They sell their “strategies” and “tips” as if they will instantly solve all problems. They tell people to work harder to achieve more. However, following that logic, farmers would have been ridiculously rich by now.
Motivational speakers fail to consider that what worked for them might not work for others. Some people could not afford to take risks and not everyone has the generational wealth to save them (Ahem, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk). Simply assuming that people should blindly follow these speakers’ advice is purely risky, not to mention that offering financial literacy seminars when what people need is a living wage is downright offensive.
The next time someone offers you a too-good-to-be-true opportunity, just say no. You don’t need someone who’s detached from reality to try tricking you into their circle. You also don’t need to buy that books containing vaguely positive empty statements disguised as life lessons. They’re nothing but deception.
Stop listening to these motivational speakers, for there is no one-size-fits-all for success. Instead, we should address the obvious root of the problem: economic inequality. No amount of hard work and perseverance can undo the injustice inflicted upon people. We should not glamorize overtime shifts, double jobs, and overworking. Every citizen deserves to be supported with their basic survival needs, without sacrificing their lives and welfare. Every ordinary individual deserves to be given the same opportunity given to those who are privileged. This is a sign for you to unfollow that influencer, throw away that book, and leave that circle. (or triangle? pyramid? Get it?)
Ariane Beatrice A. De Castro is a 2nd Year Legal Management Student in Colegio de San Juan de Letran. She has always been passionate about fighting animal cruelty and neglect, being a fur parent herself to 5 adorable dogs. She is hoping to inspire the Filipino youth in joining the call for the safety of every animal’s welfare, especially the strays.
YSPACE is a platform open for young writers to contribute their worth-sharing thoughts and stories to the world. It is a space for young people and by the young people which aims to promote a strong sense of empowerment and inspiration to young Filipinos.
