Beyond Surface-Level Advice: The Need for Deeper Spiritual Guidance

The Boredom of Surface-Level Advice: Why Spiritual Transformation Needs More Than Recycled Wisdom

Lately, I’ve been noticing a troubling trend. Sheikhs and spiritual leaders who have studied in the hawza are offering advice that, while well-intentioned, often feels like something straight out of a textbook or generic motivational speech. People are complaining about boredom when watching these videos—they feel like they’ve heard it all before. The advice lacks the depth, nuance, and emotional resonance they’re truly craving.

Why is this happening? Because these messages focus on the what—what you should do—without addressing the why and how that make the advice transformative.

People Are Hungry for More Than Just the 'What'

Spiritual content is essential, but many are frustrated by the repetitive, surface-level advice. Phrases like “Take that step today and change your life!” or “You can make a difference with one decision!” might be motivating, but they often lack depth. These are the kinds of messages that anyone can find on TED Talks or in self-help books. The audience is tired of hearing the same things—they want more than just a call to action; they want a deeper understanding of the process.

People are starving for advice that helps them understand why they feel stuck and how to break free. Simply telling someone what to do without helping them understand the internal, spiritual, and emotional work behind it doesn’t create real change.

The Danger of Recycled Wisdom

The problem is that this type of advice tends to over-simplify spiritual growth and doesn’t address the deeper internal work required to bring about lasting transformation. Offering what to do without exploring why they should do it or how it will truly change them is like giving someone a set of instructions without explaining the purpose of the task. Sure, they might follow the steps, but they won’t understand why those steps matter, nor will they experience the kind of growth that makes those actions meaningful.

Spiritual Guidance Needs Depth

It’s time for a shift. We can’t just keep giving people the same recycled, shallow advice. The world is crying out for content that doesn’t just tell them what to do but goes deeper to show them why and how. Spiritual transformation isn’t about checking off steps on a to-do list—it’s about understanding why those steps matter and how to integrate them meaningfully into your life.

This requires us to go deeper and explore the internal process of change—the blocks, the emotional and spiritual journeys, and the practices that make transformation possible.

A Call to Action for Spiritual Leaders and Educators

I believe that it’s time for a deeper, more reflective approach to spiritual guidance. We need to move beyond surface-level advice and start addressing why people feel stagnant and how they can overcome those barriers. This means being vulnerable, honest, and ready to dive into the complexities of the inner self.

People aren’t just looking for a quick fix or a catchy phrase—they’re looking for wisdom that speaks to their soul, that helps them see the deeper truths about themselves, and that offers practical tools for real transformation.

In Summary:

The audience is no longer satisfied with repetitive advice that doesn’t connect to their real struggles. They want deeper, more meaningful content that addresses the internal journey. As spiritual leaders, we must move beyond simply telling people what to do and start guiding them through why those actions matter and how they can lead to true transformation.