A fraud is one who deceives.

(others... or themselves)

To be clear and get to the point right off the bat - this was originally written specifically to yours truly.

So relax… or don’t. I don’t care - writing is an act in self-exploration - I’m (un)concerned with myself.

You can be concerned with yourself or not.

This is not a sap story, and if you are a fraud, so be it… maybe something will come of simply recognizing this Truth.

Now let’s begin this list of BS for people who like to read (or write) BS.

I’ll try and keep things short and simple.

1. You’re reading this...

I feel like this is self-explanatory. You saw the title… you clicked on to read which means that somewhere within you, you are curious or anxious to discover if you are, in actual fact… a fraud.

It is also likely that you are scrolling and this has somehow ended up in front of you and out of some bored curiosity…you clicked. If this is the case. You’re definitely a fraud.

2. You’re still reading this

Good - past step one… perhaps outraged/bemused or perhaps innocently pressing onwards to genuinely consider if you are fraudulent in any capacity… or entirely.

In all honesty though… and that’s a big word for a fraud like myself, if there is a grain of fraudulence in your being… chances are it is somehow connected to the rest of you. For example if you tell “white lies” or you “embellish stories” then these occurrences are certainly not a one time thing. They re-occur… there is a pattern… and even though it may be infinitesimal, fraudulence is fraudulence… a fraud is a fraud.

3. You read/write "10 ways" articles

This is the first one for me, it is NOT the first one I have read.

I must shamefully admit that I have fallen prey to reading many prescriptive how-to lists in more than one area of life. What I have come to realize is that every one of these lists has been an absolute and complete waste of time. I do not deny the rush that one may feel after reading and “committing to” a new list that has hit a note (of insecurity) or peaked an interest in some way. 10 ways to make money, 10 ways to get abs, 10 ways to peace and happiness, 10 ways to {insert token desire here}.

The rush experienced is precisely what one is seeking…

"I don't have these ~nice abs~… so I'll read a list on how to get nice abs soon because I think I should have nice abs…"

Now we have painted a heroic picture of ourselves and this new goal. We will certainly have the appearance we so desire because AT LAST we now have 10 FOOLPROOF WAYS to do it.

RUSH.

Start tomorrow, keep it up week one… slack week two… back on it week three…. and forget about it by the end of the month… and that is being generous. It is more than likely you forgot about it by dinner time, but it was a nice rush wasn’t it? Maybe there will be another list that is more... practical?

That is the fraud who reads these lists - now about the one who writes them.

The one who writes them, may be one step ahead in X topic but fraudulent nonetheless… I know about this and this and this… and MAYBE have accomplished a certain level of achievement in the given area so I will write a list for others JUST LIKE ME to get to where I am now… this is a bold faced lie. This is an act to comfort oneself in (presumably) having achieved X achievement... a distraction from the plateau.

School is mandadory listening to how-to lists.

No individual ever achieved anything significant by casually listening/reading someone marginally more X than themselves. Maybe this occured... but success was not due to following the list... is it possible that those who reject all lists create the most magnificent masterpieces?

Society breeds parity… reading societies how to’s will only make you more common, writing them will solidify it. I must admit the pleasure and striaught-forward ease to remain common as I experiement with my commonness.

The one who writes a list such as the one I am currently writing is a fraud despite having achieved the desire because they encourage parity… they did the thing and found that they still feel empty… so to get another rush they give fabricated prescriptions based on what they considered to be their journey as if they HAD achieved greatness - which may get likes and shares and will keep them satiated… for a month… or until dinner time. Maybe I’ll write another… or maybe Ill read some more and get more ideas. Tips and Tricks from any and all outside sources have nothing to do with YOU.

4. You work a job you dislike

You may have read heaps of lists on this topic already so I will keep this one short.

You’re a fraud.

Find something to lose yourself in completely, or don’t ... what do I know… I am fraud too - don’t listen to me... I am working a job I dislike RIGHT NOW.

Zoom out. Your job really doesn’t matter. Are you passing up the opportunity of your lifetime… to live as a fraud?

5. You spend time with “friends” you dislike

This is basically the same as number 4. I will add a note from number 3, “Society breeds parity”.

Do these friends (that you don’t even like) inspire you? Are you immersed in discovery and engagement in their presence?

Or have you simply become comfortable being uncomfortable… denying a very simple and natural feeling… you don't really like this person... but you're happy as a fraud?

6. You have opinions

Consider "your" opinions on sports, fashion, religion, education, food etc. and also whether you play those sports, dress well, know God, have a unique “education” and eat food.

Opinions weigh YOU down heavily.

You think THIS about the game on tv last night, and that about their “un-tapped potential”… you are a number one fan…. you know what a fan is good for?

Blowing air. ~~~

Your opinions are a gust of air that disturb the natural atmosphere.

“She looks awful in that thing, he looks like a bum, style is terrible these days…"

"I believe that we’re spiritual beings… I visited a silent retreat… I was raised catholic but now protestant… I’m a yogi… Vegan, vegetarian, buddhist, on paleo diet, or low carb or…”

WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH~~~

Why boast? What opinion is worthy… when you’re are fundamentally a Fraud?

No pro football player wants to consult you on his prospects based on your fantasy football league.

No international designer could care less what you think of style.

No God cares about your fraudulent religious flirtatiousness

No one REALLY cares what you eat.

7. You’re anxious

King of the frauds. The anxiety that you have… might just be the best indication that you are a fraud.

Simplified - you are fearful, nervous, uneasy, uncomfortable, restless, panicked you may even have an anxiety attack…

My sympathies friend. Perhaps when you stop being a fraud you will see that anxiety is merely a symptom of fraudulence.

YOU if Honest, Genuine and Truthful will not know this thing we call anxiety.

8. You are not world class

Every individual is endowed with unique gifts. Almost no one accesses the full potential that is their birth-right. Why?

Society breeds parity. Being a fraud is the norm.

Going beyond in one way or another is not reserved for particular humans it is simply that it is a rare individual who dares step out of line to uncompromisingly express their nature in it’s full glory. There are some who manage to veer this direction… but almost none who achieve such other worldly success.

9. You are predictable

There is no such thing as a new tomorrow… for as time goes on… patterns begin to solidify… maybe the date is different but you’re trapped. As a fraud repeating the old fraudulent ways.

You tell the same jokes - you frequent the same places - you create habits that mirror those of the society you live in. You and everyone around you… are completely predictable…

When a fraud is known they can be caught immediately for they always leave a trail that will give away their next move.

10. You believe you exist

Voilà.

You have deceived yourself.

The ultimate deception.

This is the root of every fraudulent behaviour you display.

Your belief in you: the culmination of stories and relationships and events and thoughts and feelings and actions that you suggest make up who you are… is false.

You are a fraud because nothing of who and what you believe yourself to be is True… it is belief.

(1 & 2)The one who is reading this list (3) the one who has written lists, (4 & 5) the one who works an unfulfilling job and spends time with undesirable people, (6) the one who has unlimited opinions, (7) the one who feels anxious, (8) the one who is not world class, (9) the one who is predictable, (10) the one who believes themselves to exist… is a delusional fraud.

You are a fraud.

Who YOU really are is not.