FIP Follow-Up #1 – Let Me Be Clear
Before you go any futher, I would like to make the pan-dimensional, all encompassing clarification that this is how I apply the Fuck It Principle. You’re welcome to use it as is… but the only expert on whether or not you’re applying it properly is you. Simply, though? If you feel like you violated FIP, you probably did. If you want advice on how I’d apply FIP in a specific situation? I’d be happy to help. 
How can I judge whether I’m violating FIP?
The Fuck It Principle’s application often boils down to the motivation behind your actions… it has little to do with the actions themselves. If you’re avoiding something because it just doesn’t appeal to you, then you’re not in violation of FIP. For example… I don’t particularly like the circus, so I avoid going to the circus. Josh, my fictional whipping boy for this example, avoids the circus because he has always been afraid of clowns. He loves the lions and the tigers and the overpriced popcorn (oh my) but clowns? Clowns are scary.
In my case, I’ve not violated the Fuck It Principle… it doesn’t even come into play. I’m avoiding the circus due to personal tastes. In Josh’s case, however, he is violating FIP because he’s allowing his fear to limit something that he’s like to do.
If you find yourself thinking “I’d really like to do X, but limitation Y is stopping me from doing so” then you’re not applying FIP. Pretty simple, right? In theory, at least. I would ask, however, that you really look at your motivations… because we (me included) are very, very good at lying to ourselves when it is convenient.
Another point to consider… are you not expressing aspects of your personality because of social rejection, or out of simple social expedience? As an example… back when I was doing libertarian things, I sometimes avoided mentioning being a libertarian at work. Considering that my car pretty much advertised the fact that I was supporting that sort of thing, though, it would be hard to argue that I was avoiding the subject out of fear. Really, the avoidance had to do with my not wanting to have to waste time discussing a topic at work that would have likely gone no where.
Had it come up, I would not have lied… but it just wasn’t a topic I’d choose to talk about. See the difference?
The Fuck It Principle Says I Should Be a Jerk to Everyone, Right?
You are absolutely correct… if being a jerk is your core personality. If, however, you’re being a jerk for some other reason, whether that reason is insecurity, poor self image, attempts to fit in by denigrating others, trying to hide your own flaws… take your pick… then you’re violating FIP by being a jerk. You’re not being proud of who YOU are… you’re altering who you are to suit others.
Oh, and if you are a natural jerk? Do me a favor and let me know who you are, so I can avoid you.
FIP Means Total Honesty?
To a point. FIP means total honesty with yourself. My interpretation, though, is that a lie (or a stretch of the truth) to preserve someone’s feelings is better than a truth that will rub salt in an already open wound. Does your new haircut not appeal to me? Is your nipple ring kinda gross, in my mind? Okay, fine… but why voice my opinion when it costs me nothing to let it be? That’s how I look at it, at least. If it costs me nothing, I don’t consider it a violation of FIP.
If lying to someone puts me in a bad position, though… going against my own beliefs… then it is time for honesty.
FIP is Awesome!
Yes. Yes it is.
Do you have a story about how you’ve applied the Fuck It Principle in real life? Shoot me an e-mail and tell me about it… especially if it involves hot and steamy… erm… coffee. Yes, coffee.
