Be inspired, not intimidated by what others can do
If you keep comparing yourself to every other creator you come across... this one’s for you. 🤹🏼
Once upon a time, there was a world out there... Just kidding. We're all online, all the time. Don't feel bad if you can't stop scrolling, neither can the rest of us. 🤓
But it's true: once upon a time, the world was less connected than it is today, and while that may sound terrible to some (ok, most) of us, it also meant that we all got to be "the best" at something within our tribes.
You couldn’t look up who the best copywriters in the world were and find fifteen names in five seconds... You'd just think it was you! (Or, worst case scenario, your best friend from school.)
In smaller communities, we had to lean on each other's strengths to survive, which created a sense of trust, confidence, and belonging. We all got to feel like we were needed, at least from time to time. I know, I can't imagine it either, but that's what the elders say!
Nowadays, we can see what thousands of people who are more capable, creative, and overall "better" than us (or so we think) are up to every minute of every day. It sounds fun, but it's not. Well, actually, it doesn't sound fun either.
Our brains haven’t evolved quite as fast as technology has, and evolutionary anxiety can make it hard for us to see others doing oh so well. And, sometimes, it can even make social media feel unsafe.
Here's what you can do when that happens:
Step away. Leave the room, take a walk, make some coffee, call a friend, watch Netflix ‘till it’s next Tuesday – whatever you need to do to disconnect! Creative fatigue, low confidence, and reading yet another post about how someone made another 10K months will not get you anywhere. Speaking of...
Block accounts that make you feel bad. Maybe these people are genuinely trying to inspire others, but if you don't feel inspired? Ignore them, or better yet, block them. Instead of allowing their content to consume you, say goodbye. You can always come back to it if you ever miss it (doubt it!).
Focus on your strengths. It's easy to focus on other people's strengths because they're constantly highlighting them. But what about yours? You know what you're good at, so go back to that, not to accounts that inspire you... to feel bad about yourself. Imitating them will only bring on the dreaded imposter syndrome. Yikes!
Set up systems. Strategising is hard, I know. I love it and I hate it at the same time. But having a focused content plan will help you stay consistent and avoid wondering what to post about today yet again. Organise your work and you'll find that everything is 10 times easier.
Maybe the person you are envious of has a whole team or a best friend with lots of free time – goals! – helping them create and promote their stuff. You don't know what goes on behind the scenes, and you don't need to!
Enjoy what you (can) enjoy, and then focus on YOU. 🔥
Anca x