/improve/ - Self Improvement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8qpn6kNfPc&list=PL28D16304BA57DD7E

I'd recommend getting into a trade. Plumbing, electrician, etc… These pay a lot right off the bat and you won't have to waste your money on college. Just remember these maintenance jobs are always needed, and they pay well.

>>5352

Learning a trade is good but let me warn you; it's a high school locker room type of feel socially. The guys in the field will fuck with you if you are socially awkward. You have to learn how to bantz. And be prepared to work more than 40 hours a week. You'll have a shit ton of money, but you will be too tired to do anything in your free time.

>>5349

Take shit one stage at a time, anon.

Getting back into college was enough. For now, focus on whatever your academic goals are. If you have none, then that is your goal: what do you want to major in? If you don't know, then the next question is: where do you want to work, doing what? Take the question seriously, NEET lifestyle only lasts until your parents are dead. Do you want to work in a cubicle doing bullshit until you are 65? Better have the education to do what you want, then.

Go to anything and everything your college has to offer that interests you in the slightest. Clubs, events, mixers, whatever. Talk to people. Talk to girls.

DO NOT MISS CLASS. Do all your assignments, LEARN while you are there. The professors couldn't give a fuck less and will gladly fail you. Succeed to spite those smug motherfuckers. Engage in your classes. The right girls will notice. Be forward with them but not pushy. You'd be surprised how many college girls are willing to give a little head or a handy just for showing them a little interest and asking.

But honestly and really, FOCUS ON SCHOOL. The job will come. The money will come. If you end up in your late 20s/early 30s fully employed with health care and a place of your own, the pussy will come.

I'm still stuck at the "being NEET" stage. I have no idea what I want to do in life, I've just been at a complete standstill for years, but now that I'm 24 it's more embarrassing and shameful than ever. Later this year my situation will be reviewed and it's at least a possibility that muh NEET/autismbux might be stopped, perhaps even due to my self-improvement efforts over the last year, but I'm panicking because I don't know what I'll do if that happens.

I've not improved at all in terms of education/employment/training, I've got shit grades didn't even do my country's version of high school, left at 16, been NEET for the last 5 years, and I've never studied or had a job in my life. At the place I go to every two weeks where they check up on me in order for me to keep getting NEET/autismbux, they say there isn't really any voluntary or work experience type stuff available, so that's not an option.

Not that I would've agreed to do it anyway, anxiety and avoidance have been my biggest barriers throughout my life. It's not as bad as it was over a year ago, it's still bad enough that I'm terrified of getting a job or doing anything that isn't being NEET.

>>5364

Take shit one stage at a time, anon.

What do you want to do with your life?

We know that certain attributes and physical features in humans and animals only develop if there is enough outside stimulation.

There have been some studies on kids that grew up on a farm who turned out to have way less incidents of myopia.

So there are strong hits that it's a civilizational illness caused by the lack of outdoor activities.

The amount of sunlight you get has a big part in degrading your eyesight. In some asian countries like 80% of the population is nearsighted because they spend too much time indoors and even when they're outside they avoid the sun because of the darker skin = poor laborer scum association ingrained in their cultures.

But is it something that can be fixed? It would seem if you're old enough, it's permanent?

Or is the answer really just as simple as standing around outside?

>>5339

>a mommy distance away

My mother isn't very tall, shouldn't I look at things farther away than that..?

>>5335

>Why be a NEET for 6 months? Because I will spend the time to full-time improving my art and drawing skills and building a portfolio.

>

>>This phase ends when I am satisfied with myself as an artist.

>These first two phases are just something I actually want to do for fun and what I always wanted to do but couldn't because of work. These next phases are when things get serious.

Might as well not do it bro. Time is stretchable. If you don't find the time to work on anything right now, you won't find the time to do it when you'll be a NEET because you'll always find new excuses anyway. Peoples always says "If only I had more time" and the moment they have a week off they spend it either doing jackshit or going on a small (and useless) vacation saying "oh I deserved it". Every single hour you can use after work would do to start that project. Don't wait for a year and go NEET. Start now in your free time.

Source: I work full time and I do illustrating and comics work in my spare time.

>>5351

Anon, listen to this. I also work full time and I'm trying to AGDG in my spare time. If you think you only lack time now, just wait man. The older I get, the less time I seem to have for myself.

Out of everything here, I hope you are at least drawing every single day. This habit alone will be your saving grace.

What is AGDG?

>>5361

Amateur Game Development General, threads on 4chan's /vg/ where those who are too stupid even for /g/'s Daily Programming Threads talk about "coding."

Why not keep it here? Have it be some general thread like farming on /out/ origichan. We're just splitting the group to several boards.

>>5253

this tbh, splitting an already tiny board never works out well

>>5247

Just a suggestion OP. Use /mentat/ as a repository of /mentat/ generals here on improve. If you try to start a tiny board from an already tiny board, there's a good chance it'll end up dead like >>5253 mentioned.

I saw the board and it looks great. The TED talk on procrastination described my unhealthy habit to a tee.

and helped me begin on my classwork

Not to say it isn't already a repository. Just to keep it in that direction, having it be a cleaner version of /mentat/ generals, while maintaining most of the activity here on /improve/ since it has more exposure to users.

just a suggestion of /mentat/ and having /mentat/ generals here on /improve/

>>>/mentat/

A repository of all things /mentat/ including organized and detailed lists of the training. Maybe include a flowchart of how /mentat/ can help accomplish any specific goals. I dunno I'm just spitballing here

/mentat/ generals on improve

Casual discussion of /mentat/ training and questions for beginners

What would be really cool, since /mentat/ is such a small board with only two threads, is to have users have create their own thread sort of as a /mentat/ blog, documenting their personal progress and updating users on their /mentat/ training. If a guide was created laying out a basic framework of how to set one up, it might encourage users to engage and post /mentat/ activity.

These are all just suggestions

Love what you're doing OP.

Have a Bump

>>5345

I'm the anon with the one thread on that board. I'm treating my thread as a blog, just like you mentioned. Please feel free to make your own! :)

>>5315

There are a lot of pleasant sensations that can arise when we quiet the mind in meditation. Enjoy them when they come! :)

So how does an absolute beginner start? Do I just sit down, close my eyes, and sit still for 15 or so minutes? Or is there more to it than that? (I assume there is) And does the way I sit matter? Do I have to sit like >>5309 's pic? Because I don't know if I can sit still in that way for too long before it starts hurting as I'm not that flexible.

>>5346

You should sit in a way that's comfortable but won't make you fall asleep.

>>5346

Sit comfortably but not in a position that you'll fall asleep in, as >>5348 mentioned. You don't have to go full-lotus, do half-lotus if you can't. Go Burmese if you can't do half-lotus (I sit Burmese style erryday). Sit in a chair if you have to, it really is more about the mental going-ons than the physical aspect (although posture IS important!).

Sit, get comfortable, and either in your head or outloud give an intention "I intend to sit and do concentration meditation for 15 minutes" or whatever your focus for that session is. 15 minutes is a good beginner length of time.

Then watch your breath with as much concentration as you can muster. Just be with the breath. Feel it. Watch it. Listen to it. Get as much out of it as you can, like it is a good book or a good movie. Naturally, your brain will kick back into old habits. You'll find yourself distracted by itching, pain, boredom, "important" thoughts like laundry and homework, etc. See these thoughts, you can even note them "thoughts on laundry" or "thinking", and then return to the breath. That's it. Return to the breath, give it 100% of your concentrated attention as you can. It might feel like struggling or be difficult at first, but like any skill it takes time to develop correctly.

>>5347

Excellent progress, anon!

Rolled 58 (1d110)

cmon

fug it, rolling.

kind of meaningless, but i might as well take the number anyhow

Rolling

Here we go.

Change your bed sheets more often.

If all of the above advice doesn't work then get some acutane.

Haven't had acne as bad as OP's pic but I still deal with it. I'm 23. I pretty well grew out of having acne on my face about this time last year, but I still get it on my shoulders and back. I medicated for it for a time; it didn't cure it but it probably contributed to it clearing up.

The advice I would give is to keep a healthy diet, shower cold and twice a day (before/after sleep), and develop the will to stop picking at them prematurely or when they're healing.

Try some of these;

Clean face with an exfoliating face wash and splash cold water on after.

Benzyl peroxide cream.

Glycolic acid cream.

Alternatively, acne can be triggered by rough treatment of skin. Such as;

Overwashing face

Using irritating hand washes or body washes that are not meant for the face

Touching your face too much

Using blunt razors to shave or shaving incorrectly (try using an electric shaver)

Sometimes doing simple things like drinking more water, getting more sunlight, eating less or eliminating dairy from your diet.

If nothing works, contact a dermatologist and get accutane.

I've never seen anyone older than 22 with acne, and that's super rare. So chances are, it will go away soon.

Don't fucking touch your face or rest it on unclean surfaces. Keep your hair out of your face too.

Get some sun, but don't get burnt.

Change your pillow case every night. If you have body acne, you could change your sheets nightly but it's way easier to just sleep in a clean t-shirt every night instead. You can get packs of plain white tees for cheap.

Change your towel if it starts to smell like person. Drying in the sun would work if you can do that.

Don't use dryer pads because they leave pore clogging residue on your shit.

Use detergent without dyes or scents added, it will probably say something about being good for allergies or skin. That extra shit doesn't get your clothes any cleaner anyway.

Moisturize your face after you shower, especially if it was a hot shower. When you scrub all the oil away, your body goes overtime producing shitloads of oil to replenish your skin, which you then scrub away, etc. A vicious cycle. Get some moisturizer for acne and use it after you shower and whenever your face is feeling dry and itchy. This will work wonders.

Take colder showers. Anywhere between warm to cold is alright. Hot dries out your skin.

Eat a cleaner diet. Less processed foods, less simple sugars like candy, soda, white bread/rice, etc. Eat more vegetables.

Take vitamin A and/or NAC daily. This isn't necessary, but helps.

Don't wash your face so much. Once a day is plenty, or even every other day if you didn't get sweaty or dirty. Even less should be possible, but I haven't tried it. Remember, your body's oil production will adjust so if you scrub it away constantly, it'll produce more. If you wash it less often, it'll produce less. There is an adjustment period though before it balances out with your practices.

When you do wash your face, make sure to wash your hands fPost too long. Click here to view the full text.

>>5320

I had fairly awful acne in high school and got rid of it almost entirely through dietary changes, while making no changes in terms of hygiene routines. I've tried several face cleansers that haven't done anything to help, and now I don't wash my face beyond letting water run over it while taking a shower. I completely understand the desperation you're feeling, but you're going to have to remain patient while seeking a solution. I've refined what works best for me ever since I started looking to get rid of my acne, so I recommend you try this out for a few weeks and see what happens:

30 mg of zinc every day (with a hefty meal or you'll get nauseous as fuck, and see if you can get it with copper), at least 1200 mg of fish oil every day, generally avoid unhealthy food (this is nebulous, but a rule of thumb is anything highly processed and sugary), while eating more fruit, vegetables, and whole foods. Also, I firmly believe in holism, so you should find ways - such as meditation - to manage your stress, and learn to cultivate a positive, determined "warrior" attitude. Visualize yourself without acne and expect it to become a reality, and I assure you that it will help greatly.

If this doesn't do anything, then unfortunately you'll either have to keep looking for a diet that's more tailored for you, or see a dermatologist. But I'm confident it'll help, and from there you can see what smaller differences in hygiene, exercise, diet, etc. do for you. Best of luck.

>>5022

Dunno how it works over there pal but I'm 6'8" and I'm not a basketball player.

Kek, Merkel is really a manlet.

>>5111

Americans tend to forget that in Europe women can hold positions of power too. Merkel is female, and according to Wikipedia[1], the average height of females in Germany is around 162.8 cm (5 ft 4 in).

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Average_height_around_the_world#cite_ref-Germany_51-0

>>5117

It's a joke.

>Americans tend to forget

I'm a German national, pal.

>>5012

Op, once your body's reached it's intended height. the only thing left to do is to focus on making the most of the body you have. Go to /fit/, read the sticky.

>>4783

I just started playing. Am I too late?

e6f95987-d062-457f-88d5-473e157d6514

>>326

fca83e4e-03c2-4397-9891-267db154ef91

pls invite senpai

>>4859

>>5167

>>5177

Invited

21dbeb35-e12c-4d7d-8e5a-1580a5ee4736

Can I get in on this?

>>5248

Sure, but you have to leave your current party. Dunno if you want to do that.

>>896

Had the same problem but after I knew looking someone in they is a sign of confidence I started to force my self to look people in the eye and now I am used to it.

Bonus I started to recognize the beauty in girls eyes

>>1097

Don't fix things like this. You were gifted with a natural weapon, embrace it.

>>964

its left from us

>>5025

>Bonus I started to recognize the beauty in girls eyes

Holy shit, this. And now I'm getting compliments on my eyes too

>>4939

I made this google doc to help me whenever I get urges…

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JZo_nfCwq4qOqOkypqh2Xwwc5Kdu9Ml2phQWEL6nfAY/edit?usp=sharing

You guys might find it useful.

If im not interested in girls or in my sexuality why should I do nofap?

Your balls shouldn't feel full, you don't actually cum from your balls, they just produce sperm cells.

Jizz comes from your prostate and seminal vesicle.

>>5294

>why should I do nofap?

>im not interested in girls or in my sexuality

I believe you've answered your own question.

>>5311

I don't want to be interested in girls either.

>>5193

That's what social skills are my man, normies and socially skilled people make these decisions automatically and unconsciously because they are so used to making them.

They make decisions based on who has more "value" as a person or which member of the opposite sex has more "sexual value".

If you mention this to someone, especially to a normie, they will say "yeah, that's evil, that's bad…" but the irony is that normies do that shit all the time and they don't even know about it.

And what is the point of having a girlfriend? To me it is a choice between:

>tfw no gf

Or having a gf who may or may not make your life shitty anyway depending on who she is.

>21 years old

>still live with my parents

>still can't drive

>still don't know what I'm doing with my life

I feel like this year will be the year I either get out of this rut or I kill myself.

>>4565

Are you addicted to Porn or drugs?

>>5322 *but you should tell her*

I did it for 3 months, but college, uberman,

Lots of oversleepings, oh but the DREAMS!

I had very vivid dreams, it felt wonderful!

You usually can forget days past, days seem longer and so do weeks. As you have more and more and more time, you become more lazy, because you have more time, and less productive.

It's true though, if you have no organization skills before poly sleep, having more time will just help you waste it.

>>5298 (same poster)

I did enjoy uberman while I was at it, but life didn't let me do it.

I plan on going poly once again, later in life, one of the best/weirdest periods of my life.

>>5298

>>5299

I noticed that I wasted a lot of time while doing it as well. I would wake up at 3:30 AM and then have to play video games for 3 hours to keep myself awake, then after my 1st nap I usually was okay. Once college started back up, I read and took notes from books for a whole 3 days and then just went back to using my extra time to lurk.

Tell more stories about your experience.

>>5303

Lots of wasted time. lots of weird dreams.

I think I gained the ability to sleep in the day if comfy.

I want to get the ability to get asleep very uncomfy. I can't manage to do it. I want to sleep on the floor sometimes, but I can't bring myself to do it.

>>4706

>>4725

I wanted to try this many times but couldn't because I had work and live in a very disruptive home but if I become a NEET again I will definitely give it a go.

However, I did try taking a 30min nap once a day and man I felt SO refreshed and energized after it, even my depression disappeared whenever I woke up.

>>5264

>quickest route to a bachelors degree?

Depends heavily on the course.

What do you want to study?

>>5276

Physics

>>5264

I would take a step back even farther. Why get a bachelors in the first place? What are your ultimate goals, OP?

>>5290

This

The first step is to realize that you never needed a bachelor's degree

>>5281

Okay, sorry for the late reply.

I study physics myself and I can tell you that trying to find the shortest route is not the right way to go.

You CAN do it, but it'll be insanley hard and more likley than not will cause problems down the line, if you didn't understand something properly.

The only shortcut that could be done within reason, would be the first two terms in one go. In most universities those include theoretical mechanics and theoretical Larange mechanis.

While one builds up on the other to a certain degree, both can be done at the same time since the prerequisities for them are neglible.

After that though, you most likley will get problems.

Electrodynamics builds heavily on Lagrange mechanics, so without having those properly understood, you won't understand electrodynamics.

Quantummechanis builds heavily on knowledge and especially mathematical methods of electrodynamics.

And thermodynamics needs everything afromentioned and possibly some little more to be really understood.

You can do shortcuts with the experimental subject, like optics, experimental elctrodynamics and so on, since most of the time you won't need any more knowledge than what you know from school for them.

Some universities also have courses for mathematics for physics, some three terms long, and building progressivley upon each other.

Shortcuts not really possible.

Five terms for a bachlors degree in physics is realistic, although the first term mighrt be hard.

Trying to do it faster will most likley screw you along the way, since trying to understand for example quantummechanics without having knowledge of say what the delta-dirac equation is, will lead to problems.

Physics is one of those subject where it's better to do it properly once, instead of trying to get it done as fast as possible, and get scrPost too long. Click here to view the full text.