How to Overcome the Pressures of Social Media
Thanks to social media, we have a front row seat into many people's lives. This connectivity also places a huge amount of pressure on us to be perfect. At any given time, you may find yourself scrolling your Instagram feed wondering if you're doing enough, are you pretty enough, or if you're enough period. As someone who's business depends on social media, trust me when I say that I get it! In my years as a blogger, I've learned the importance of overcoming the constant pressures we face because of social media. Here's some tips on how you can overcome them too.
The Gift and Curse of Social Media
I always say that social media is a gift and a curse. The good being that in an instant, you can be connected with so many different people and build an audience for whatever you want to do. It’s a free marketing tool and a great way to keep in contact with friends while making some new ones. But, on the other hand, a lot of bullshit comes with it too. Now I won’t go through my list of all the things I think are wrong with social media, but the unnecessary pressure it puts on people to try to be something they’re not is definitely in the Top 3 of my least favorite things about it.
What You Should Remember
It’s so easy to see what other people have going on with their lives. Whether it’s taking an amazing vacation, having an elaborate wedding, running a successful business, partying until the sun comes up, or always having the latest fashions – it can be a bit overwhelming. After a while, you might feel yourself comparing the life you live, to what you see on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat day in and day out. One thing you have to remember is everyone single one of us has our own struggles. And just because some people are broadcasting the fruits of their labor now, doesn’t mean it was easy to get there.
We live in a society where we are constantly being bombarded with what other people are doing and how they're living - the pressure is never-ending. It's so easy to look at their success and feel that yours is lacking somewhere. Instead of beating myself up, I gave myself a tremendous pep talk. Because my own path is simply MY OWN. No one can take that away from me, I'm in control and I have the power. Knowing that gave me a sense of ease. I realize that many of us struggle with this, even though we know better. If this is you, please stop it. Is it not understood that everyone has their own unique path and calling in life? So why is it that so many people fall victim to this “Keeping up with the Jones’” mentality?
How to Overcome the Pressures of Social Media
I feel compelled to repeat – WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN UNIQUE PATHS IN LIFE! Don’t let social media make you feel like you’re coming up short or that you have to rush your blessings. You have to stop worrying about and comparing your life to other people; they found what works for them, what makes them happy, and they are making moves in their own lane. All you need to be concerned with is finding yours and killing that shit! You can't avoid the trials and tribulations that you may face when you're chasing your dreams. That's one of the things that makes each of our journeys unique. So cut yourself some slack and keep the faith. While you're doing that, here's a few tips:
Focus on Yourself
This is a tough one but it is vital! Focus on yourself and what you have going on. The more you are distracted by what everyone else is doing, the less you’re taking care of your business.
Invest in Yourself
Trends come and go. There is always going to be a new hot bag, there’s always going to be a new and hot car. If it’s not your time, that stuff can wait! Take that money and build up your business, go to school, buy stocks, or whatever you feel you need to do. But don’t waste your money buying into the hype of bullshit. Trust me it’s not going anywhere.
Be True to Yourself
Trust the process and open yourself up to new opportunities. Everything ain’t for everybody! Find things that truly make you happy and that bring you peace – eff everything else.
