Stop the Noise: Escaping the Traps of Social Media Comparisons
Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It's a platform that can bring people together, inspire creativity, and showcase talents and ideas.
But it’s also a breeding ground for the worst trolls and unrealistic expectations.
I recently had the privilege of working with a client who was struggling to navigate the often tumultuous waters of social media as they embarked on their journey as a freelancer. Their story serves as a valuable lesson on how to rise above the negativity and find success by staying true to your passion and goals.
The Struggles of Social Media
My client, let's call him John, was passionate about starting his own business as a freelancer. He was fairly confident in his skills, but had a vision for his work. Being a black man, without familial resources to assist in start-up, he had some insecurities around his business viability. It should be noted, that family money when it comes to funding small business outstrips any other resource.
So John had a lot of notions around being independent to overcome.
He got to work to begin dispelling the noise around his worth by seeking examples from the internet. Well, instead of gaining self esteem around his work, he found himself drowning in the relentless waves of social media negativity. The belief that success hinged on having millions of followers was pervasive, and John couldn't help but compare himself to those who seemingly achieved overnight fame. He faced harsh criticisms and demeaning comments from social media commentators who were quick to belittle his accomplishments and where he was starting from.
John lost sight of the goal of having a social media presence to validate his work and drive a client pool, and started putting unrealistic pressure on himself to amass followers. He was overwhelmed by the prevailing notion that he needed to be the absolute best or nothing at all. This self-imposed standard paralyzed him and kept him from taking the necessary steps to build his business.
The fear of failure and constant comparison to others stifled his creativity and ambition.
The Turning Point
John's situation was far from unique. Many aspiring freelancers and entrepreneurs face similar challenges in the age of social media. John was talented, personable, engaging, and he had the potential to not only overcome these obstacles, but to be truly successful and thrive.
And there are so many people like John out there, that you just want to shake and tell them “you’re awesome! Don’t stop!”
So this is my advice for all those like John who dream of business success:
1. Remember, you’re doing what you love
John was doing what he loved, so it was easy to remind him of why he’s in this game. But so many people get caught up in the pursuit of trends or what seems to be popular on social media, that they aren’t anywhere near doing what they are passionate about, which decreases the probability of succees. Even if you see someone who is talking about Forex trading and has five cars and a mansion, you’ll be surprised to find that they actually love Forex trading. This wasn’t just money for them but true joy. When you find what brings you joy, what you enjoy doing, you won’t just bring in profits and advance, it’ll also become easier to stay motivated and resilient in the face of the trolls and setbacks.
2. Set Your Own Goals
Rather than comparing himself to others, I encouraged John to set his own goals. Success is a highly personal journey, and everyone's path is unique. Setting achievable, incremental goals allows you to see your progress and celebrate your accomplishments consistently, no matter how small they may seem to the internet bullies.
3. Ignore the Noise
I advised John to filter out the noise and negative comments on social media, and to stop watching negative influencers - people who belittle others or belittle communities. He had a habit of watching people on Youtube who talked about how many black businesses fail, and how unless a black man is a basketball player or actor he has no chance of making it in business. That’s counterproductive. Not every comment is constructive or valuable, and most people are online for follows, not to be supportive. When you focus your own work and goals, you maintain enthusiasm and passion without being bogged down by the oftentimes ridiculous opinions of others.
4. Seek Support and Inspiration
Social media can be a double-edged sword, but it can also be a source of inspiration and support. John started following individuals and communities that aligned with his interests and values. This is so critical! It allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who provide encouragement and valuable insights, instead of senseless rubbish. Also, follow content that makes you laugh or helps you unwind - it helps to destress and keep you primed for action.
In the world of freelancing and entrepreneurship, the belief that you need millions of followers and must be the absolute best can be paralyzing.
My client John's journey is a testament to the power of pursuing your passion, setting your own goals, and focusing on your unique path to success. By ignoring the negativity of social media and staying true to what he loved, he was able to rise above the noise and get excited about his business, and his life, again.
So, whether you're starting a business or pursuing a career, whether it's online or off, remember this: do what you love, set your own goals and benchmarks, and only compare yourself to your own progress.
