Apathy is defined by Merriam-Webster as a “lack of emotion, lack of interest, or indifference.” That sounds pretty bleak, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, if you look around, many people seem to exhibit this attitude in various settings, especially in the workplace. I personally don’t encounter this much, as I run my own business, but I can recall the days when I worked for others. Back then, I saw plenty of apathy in my colleagues. I never quite understood how people could be so indifferent, especially when I was driven and passionate about my work.
While I chose to leave corporate America for my own reasons, apathy was not one of them. Sadly, in the business that Chuck and I run, we still encounter people with this mindset. A lot of times, we come across individuals who show what I like to call “pretend interest.” They act like they care, but it’s clear they’re not truly invested. They hope that by pretending to be interested, no one will notice their lack of effort.
For example, people interested in creative real estate will reach out, expecting guarantees of success—without putting in the necessary work. They’ll ask for assurances that they’ll succeed without effort, or wonder how quickly they can make a million dollars. Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee success for anyone, because success is something you create yourself through hard work and dedication. While creative real estate can work in many areas, it’s not about the location—it’s about whether the individual is willing to put in the effort. Without it, no amount of pretending will lead to real results.
If you find yourself feeling apathetic or stuck, here’s what I recommend: find something that sparks genuine interest. When you’re passionate about something, your emotions will naturally follow. You don’t have to quit your job if you don’t want to, but try to see it in a new light. Look for something that excites you, and start researching it. Find a way to pursue it in your spare time or as a side project. By investing your energy into something meaningful, you’ll create a sense of purpose and excitement in your life.
The key is to avoid falling into the trap of thinking “I’m not good at anything” or “I don’t know what I want to do.” These thoughts are just feeding into your apathy. If it’s not your job causing this, take a step back and reflect on your life. Be honest with yourself and figure out what’s contributing to your indifference, then take steps to change it. Sometimes it’s as simple as picking up a new hobby or doing something kind for yourself, like going out for a nice meal or taking a walk. If that doesn’t work, it might be worth talking to a professional. But whatever you do, make sure to take action. Don’t fall into the trap of pretending to be interested—true change comes from genuine effort and engagement.