The Grass is Always Greener
Just in the last day I’ve had 3 reminders about how people’s apparently “perfect” lives – especially as presented on social media – may not be exactly what they seem.
And here’s the big trap – COMPARISON. How much time over the years have I wasted looking at others instead of focusing on what is REALLY important – my purpose, my passion, my goals, my dreams and my journey?
And to compound the situation I would then compare myself to unrealistic ideals of perfection! Just because the challenges going on for others aren’t presented in their status updates, don’t believe for a second that they’re not there. There is plenty of stuff just under the surface – negative self talk, mixed emotions, faulty relationships, money challenges, health issues etc.
That’s not bad by the way – it’s just the human condition and the journey of continuing personal growth.
So whether you use social media as a way of teaching or inspiring, as a branding tool, as a communication medium, as a news source, as a photo album, as a substitute for conversations on the phone or face-to-face – however you use it, just BE REAL. Be authentic. Don’t add to the misinformation that is out there that confuses people.
The implication here is that neither you should be using social media to generate a pity party. That’s just as destructive.
What I’m reminded about time and time again is that being authentic sells – in business and in personal relationships. People respond to others people who are real. And the good thing is that you don’t have to remember what you said to whom!
What you should remember though, is not to look at others and their status updates through rose coloured glasses. They might not have read this blog 🙂