Man-Made Traps

We’ve all been there.

The moment we click “Add to Cart” on something we didn’t know we needed five minutes ago. The late-night instagram scroll where we promise ourselves, just one more video. Or the job we stayed at because the promotion seemed just out of reach, even though it was draining the life out of us. These aren’t just random lapses in judgment — they’re the result of traps designed to pull us in and keep us there.

Traps are everywhere, crafted to meet our deepest desires while exploiting them at the same time. They’re not just inconveniences; they shape how we live, work, and relate to others. And understanding them is the first step to freedom.

Your 9–5 Job: It’s a trap in disguise

I once landed what seemed like a dream job. I was sold on the vision, and the autonomy to make it happen: a flexible role, opportunities for growth, and a seat at the table in shaping something meaningful. But within a few months, the reality set in.

The “flexibility” meant people pleasing, tethered to being part of social clubs of people who you don’t relate with. The “opportunities for growth” felt like a carrot dangled just out of reach. I stayed for two and half years, convinced that if I just keep doing the right thing and not be harmful, the promise would materialize.

But it didn’t. I clearly walked into a trap: the job that offered short-term validation while keeping me in a system that benefited the company far more than it benefited me personally. It wasn’t until I stepped back and asked, Why am I really staying?

How to Spot a Trap

The truth is, traps thrive because they exploit our instincts. They offer immediate relief or joy while hiding long-term consequences. Here’s what to look for:

1. The Allure of the Easy Win: If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.
2. The Invisible Chains: Once you’re in, how hard is it to leave?
3. Who Really Wins: Ask yourself, Who benefits most if I say yes?

It’s this third element that fuels their durability. With vested interests at play, traps evolve to become more irresistible and opaque. Those who set traps invest heavily in reinforcing their appeal while obscuring their downsides. In the short term, the victim feels relief or joy, but over time, the hidden costs become apparent.

Traps often prey on our vulnerabilities — our need for validation, financial security, or a sense of belonging. By learning to identify them in others’ lives, we start seeing the ones in our own.

Escaping the Trap: Lessons Learned

Here’s what’s worked for me and others who’ve broken free:

1. Pause Before You Act: When faced with a decision — whether it’s buying something, committing to a new project, or even checking your phone — pause. Ask yourself, What am I really looking for?
2. Seek Sustainable Joy: Replace quick dopamine fixes with lasting sources of fulfillment. Instead of social media, I turned to playing squash and lot’s of yoga and kind classes. Instead of impulsive purchases, I started saving for experiences that truly mattered.
3. Build Support Systems: I finally, finally started to share my struggles with trusted friends and mentors.

Traps are man-made. They thrive on the systems we’ve built, from exploitative workplaces to addictive technologies. But we don’t have to live in their shadow. By slowing down, asking hard questions, and refusing to play along, we can reclaim our time, our energy, and our lives.

The freedom we seek isn’t found in short-term fixes or promises that feel too good to resist. It’s in the deliberate choices we make to live on our terms, beyond the reach of those who profit from our distraction.