Jeanette Brown
There’s a big gap between simply scrolling through social media and actually enjoying it without feeling inadequate.
The difference? Comparison. The act of comparing yourself to others online can transform a harmless pastime into a self-esteem eroding activity.
But, enjoying social media without constantly measuring ourselves against others, now that’s an art. And it’s an art that certain people seem to have mastered effortlessly.
As Jeanette Brown, creator of Reset Your Life Compass and a Life Transition coach, I’ve observed that these people often follow a set of habits. Habits that help them to appreciate their own lives while still being able to enjoy the digital world.
In this article, we’ll explore these 8 habits. Let’s dive in and see how you too can enjoy social media without the unnecessary comparison game.
1) Embrace change
Change is a constant in our lives, and it’s no different when it comes to our digital lives.
Those who truly enjoy their time on social media without falling into the comparison trap have learned to embrace change. And that includes the changes in their own lives as well as those of others.
In the world of social media, it’s easy to feel left behind when everyone else seems to be moving ahead. But remember, what we see online is often a curated highlight reel of others’ lives.
Instead of comparing, these individuals choose to celebrate these changes. They view each post as an opportunity for learning and growth, rather than a benchmark to measure themselves against.
By embracing change and celebrating others’ successes, they’re able to navigate their way towards a more fulfilling digital and personal life.
Remember, life isn’t about keeping up with the Joneses or the Kardashians. It’s about charting your own course and appreciating your own journey.
2) Understand yourself and your core values
Understanding oneself is a journey, not a destination. Those who enjoy their social media experience without succumbing to comparison, have a profound understanding of their core values and their own identity. They don’t allow the digital world to shape their self-worth or self-image.
As Oscar Wilde famously said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”. This quote rings especially true in a world where we are constantly bombarded with images of seemingly perfect lives.
Being clear about who you are and what you stand for can provide a shield against the pressures and influences of social media.
If you’re struggling to define your own values, I would suggest trying my Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s designed to help you delve deeper into understanding what truly matters to you. Armed with this understanding, you can navigate social media in a way that aligns with your true self, not an image shaped by comparison.
3) Set meaningful goals
Let’s be honest, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of social media, where everyone’s life seems to be brimming with achievements and milestones. But here’s the raw truth – not everything that glitters is gold.
People who enjoy social media without falling into a comparison trap understand this. They realize that the goals they set for their lives cannot be dictated by what they see others achieving online.
They set meaningful, personal goals that align with their values and aspirations. They are not swayed by the latest trend or fad they see on Instagram or Facebook. Instead, they focus on what truly brings them fulfillment and purpose.
Setting meaningful goals allows them to navigate through social media with purpose, appreciating others’ achievements without feeling inadequate about their own progress.
Remember, your journey is unique and your goals should reflect that. Don’t let the highlight reels of others deter you from pursuing what truly matters to you.
4) Steer your own direction
Here’s a raw truth – you and only you are the captain of your ship.
Those who relish their social media experience without comparing, fully understand this concept. They don’t allow the lives of others to dictate the direction of their own.
We live in an age where it’s easy to let the currents of social media influence our course. What’s trending, what’s popular, what everyone else is doing or achieving… It can be all too easy to lose our bearings.
But those who savour their time online have a firm grip on their life’s helm. They recognize that they are in control, not the influencers, not the celebrities, not their friends or followers.
They steer their own direction, chart their own course. They don’t let the winds of social media trends blow them off course. Instead, they use these platforms as a tool for connection and inspiration, not as a compass for their life journey.
Remember, your life’s journey is unique to you. Don’t let anyone else hold the helm. It’s your ship to steer.
5) The power of journaling
I cannot stress enough the transformative power of journaling. It’s a habit I encourage everyone to incorporate into their lives.
In the whirlwind of social media, journaling serves as a grounding force. It allows us to reflect on our lives in an honest and introspective way. It’s a space where we can be authentic, without the need for filters or likes.
Those who enjoy social media without falling into the comparison trap often use journaling as a tool. It helps them to process their feelings, realign with their values, and keep track of their personal growth.
Journaling can be especially useful in setting and tracking meaningful goals, as well as steering the direction of your life. It’s your personal narrative, devoid of any external influence.
If you’re not sure where to start with journaling, my course Reset Your Life Compass has a dedicated module on this powerful habit. Journaling is indeed a powerful tool in resetting your life compass and living a more fulfilling life.
6) Changing habits successfully
Habits, especially ones ingrained over time, can be tricky to change. Yet, those who enjoy social media without succumbing to comparison have mastered the art of successful habit change.
Understand that change is not a destination but a journey. It takes patience, consistency and a clear understanding of why the change is necessary.
In the context of social media, this could be as simple as changing how often you check your feeds, or as complex as altering how you perceive the posts of others.
The key is to approach habit change with intention. Identify what’s not serving you, understand what needs to change, and then put in the work to make it happen.
Remember, small steps can lead to big changes. So don’t be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the change. Take it one day at a time and celebrate your progress along the way.
After all, successfully changing habits is not about perfection but progress.
7) Seek purpose, not popularity
Here’s some raw honesty for you – popularity fades, but purpose is everlasting.
Those who truly enjoy social media without comparing their lives to others have realized this truth. They’re not in a race for likes or followers. Instead, they seek purpose and meaning in their lives.
As the great Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” This quote underscores the importance of having a purpose in life. It’s not about how many people know your name, but about the meaningful impact you make.
Living a purpose-driven life allows you to navigate through social media without falling into the comparison trap. It gives you a sense of fulfillment that likes or followers could never provide.
8) Be unapologetically yourself
Here’s a counterintuitive thought – in this world of constant connection, being authentic is more important than ever.
Those who navigate social media without the weight of comparison have learned to be unapologetically themselves. They understand that their true worth lies not in the number of likes or followers they have, but in their authenticity.
In a digital landscape filled with picture-perfect lives and curated personas, being genuine can feel like swimming against the tide. But it’s this authenticity that sets you apart.
Let your quirks shine. Show your failures alongside your successes. Be true to your voice, even if it’s different from the mainstream.
Remember, living authentically brings a sense of fulfillment that no amount of online approval can match. So go ahead, be unapologetically you – on social media and beyond.
In conclusion, enjoying social media doesn’t require you to measure your life against the lives of others. It’s about embracing change, understanding yourself, setting meaningful goals, steering your own direction, journaling, changing habits successfully, seeking purpose and being unapologetically you.
Remember, your life is unique. Don’t let the digital world dictate your self-worth or your direction. Use social media as a tool for connection and inspiration, not a yardstick for comparison.
If you’re seeking guidance to navigate this journey, consider enrolling in my course, Reset Your Life Compass . It’s designed to help you embrace change, define your values, set meaningful goals and steer your own direction in life.
Remember, the power to enjoy social media without comparison lies in your hands. Embrace it.
