As a blogger and business owner, I get lost sometimes focusing on my Instagram follower numbers, engagement and a feeling of never-ending competition. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: Nobody wins the comparison game.
Every single content creator, freelancer and CEO alike have all started at the bottom and worked to where they currently are, but that doesn’t mean they want to stop growing. Often times I catch myself comparing my content to others produced by professional photographers and videographers; and with equipment I cannot afford. We are our own toughest critic. Once you’ve digested that fact, you’d be surprised at just how motivated you can be to pursue new clients, round out your brand voice and break out of your comfort zone. Sometimes you just need to step back, put your blinders up and focus on YOU.
Rather than thinking about how far we’ve come, we often only think about how far we have to go. Don’t get me wrong, vision is the key to any successful brand. But have you ever stopped to think about the up-and-coming content creator with 100 followers or that budding business that looks to you and your content as their inspiration?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break! Do you find yourself on social media all the time judging the “competition”? STOP. Log out of your account for a day, a weekend or even an entire week and you’ll be surprised at just how much your perspective can change. When you allow yourself to take that break, you’re setting aside time to reset and find inspiration in your real life rather than your digital one. Things aren’t always the way they seem through a screen. If you’re really finding it hard to not compare yourself to others, unfollow the people who cause you to doubt yourself (or at least mute them). There will be some who take it personally, but you have to do you. I made this change earlier this year by unfollowing accounts that no longer inspired me or led me back into that black hole of comparison. It was the best decision I’ve made.
Above everything else, remember that there is only one you. Your personality, creativity and perspective are your own - use it to your advantage. Nowadays there is so much emphasis on being real, and I think it’s about time that everyone embrace it. The number of likes you have on a photo, followers or subscribers doesn’t define you. Don’t stop creating amazing content because it’s something different or the stubborn algorithm hides it from viewers - it will be noticed by those that matter! As long as you’re giving it your all, that’s the true end game.
I absolutey loved this!
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