Stepping Stones: Outgrowing Your Online Gurus

Was there ever someone you looked up to and idolized?

You consumed everything they released.

Every post. Every video. Every article.

You followed all their advice to the best of your ability.

You felt yourself leveling up - focused, sharper, healthier.

But then…. it just stopped working.

You hit a plateau. Things fell flat.

Maybe their advice no longer resonated.

Maybe they changed.

Maybe you did.

Or maybe… you simply heard everything they had to say.

I’ve had many people like this throughout my life.

In 2023, a Pew survey found that 61% of Americans turn to podcasts or YouTube for self-improvement or spiritual advice. But fewer than 1 in 5 say those sources remain relevant after more than a year.

The internet makes it all too easy for anyone to present themselves as someone with answers and gain a following.

Diving Deep into Infinite Waters

One of the first gurus I followed was Ralph Smart from the YouTube channel Infinite Waters.

I loved his videos about new-age spirituality, personal development, connecting with nature, and holistic well-being.

Watching his content felt like being pulled out of the matrix for 10-20 minutes at a time - learning deeper lessons about life.

For years, I looked forward to every upload.

I felt myself becoming calmer, more reflective, and grounded.

But then his content changed.

Gimmicky catchphrases. Filler topics. An excessive number of videos each day.

I lost interest - and eventually unsubscribed.

12 Missteps Through Life

I was talking about this concept with some friends last Sunday after the Divine Liturgy.

We were discussing the latest controversy from Jordan Peterson.

He was debating 20 atheists from a Christian perspective.

But when asked directly if he was Catholic or even a practicing Christian, he wouldn’t affirm either.

The panel sensed he lacked real conviction — and they pounced.

Several of my friends never liked Jordan Peterson, but for some of us, his early content was life changing.

He had a unique way of describing the human condition, analyzing stories, and connecting ancient truths to modern struggles.

We’d listen to his lectures for hours and share them with friends and family.

I attended several of his lectures in person - and even met him once.

I saw first hand how he improved others’ lives. People were crying when they met him.

Right now, my room looks lived-in, but when Dr. Peterson was at his peak - that place was spotless.

When it came out that he was addicted to benzodiazepines, I understood.

He was under enormous pressure. His wife was battling cancer.

Addiction is more common than most people realize.

I was glad to see him get sober.

But when he returned to public life… something had shifted.

He spoke in riddles and cryptic analogies.

He cried during interviews.

He hurled petty insults at his critics.

He began working for the Daily Wire, surrounding himself with people like Ben Shapiro, Destiny, and Benjamin Netanyahu.

The guidance people were seeking was no longer there.

It was time to move on.

Graduating From the University of JRE

Not everyone I moved on from burned out.

For example - take the Joe Rogan Experience.

When this podcast first started gaining popularity, it was refreshing.

Long form content. In-depth conversations. Interesting guests. A wide variety of subjects.

It inspired me.

I became more involved with exercise and nutrition.

I got deeper into meditation.

I was even inspired to take a trip to Peru, venture into the Amazon rainforest, and try ayahuasca.

Joe knows a handful of topics very well, but if you listen to his podcast long enough, it gets repetitive.

Weed, stand-up comedy, MMA fighting, hunting, mushrooms, aliens, DMT, conspiracies, isolation tanks, monkeys.

Eventually, it starts to feel like you’re stuck in a loop - Groundhog Day-style.

Rather than abandon his podcast completely, I only check out episodes that I find interesting.

Sometimes, stepping away lets you return with a fresh lens.

I’ve had this happen with Joe - and with others like Elliott Hulse, Aaron Clarey, and Tim Ferriss.

They had changed while I was gone.

You’re not the only one growing.

Evolving Your Pattern Recognition

I’ve had several gurus over the years. I would devour their content, take what I needed, and then move on.

This isn’t a bad thing.

Someone like Jordan Peterson could come into your life when you’re stuck in a rut - and help you get out.

But once you’re free, you don’t need to keep going back to the same advice.

These people aren’t meant to be followed permanently.

Maybe they awaken something inside of you.

- A strong desire to take action.

- The need to seek God.

- To push yourself to your limits.

But as Alan Watts said:

• “When you get the message, hang up the phone.”

Don’t base your personality around the curated identity of a content creator.

You’re not a Goggins guy. Or a Hamza guy. Or a Tate guy. Or an Elon guy.

Be you.

Comment below:

Who were your stepping stones?

What did they awaken in you?

Did they fade out—or do they still speak to where you're at?

When did you know it was time to move on?

Comment below and hit subscribe.

And remember:

Everyone has something to teach you.

Some more than others.

Take what works. Discard the rest.

Be grateful to those who helped you level up.

Honor them, but don’t worship them.

Look up to these figures, but don’t idolize them.

Know when it’s time to walk away and go it alone.

In the end, there’s only one you’ll never outgrow, never expose, and never fall short: Jesus Christ.

He’s the only one worth following anyways.

God Bless.