Hey Friends,

Today a watched a video, shared on LinkedIn by an ex student of mine. It highlights concerns I have previously shared about the the misuse and impact of social media on society. In particular, a section in the middle really hit the mark, but also offered some valuable insight and hope that not all is lost.

If you are short on time skip to minute 9.30 where a young man provides a simple change we can all make to push back the tide. In essence it is quite simple, we need to stop comparing ourselves with others, and start comparing ourselves with ourself. To look in the mirror and take stock of who we are today, think about who we want to be in the future, and use this to motivate and compare our progress against. Here is what he says:

The answer isn't to stop making comparisons, because unfortunately we can't control that but, you have to change the object of your comparison from someone else to yourself. You have to measure yourself against yourself and by doing this you start a base point where you consider yourself to be perfectly fine exactly how you are. But, it also is the most effective motivating and healthy way to work to improve yourself. You'll become a happier self when you stop putting pressure on yourself to be more like someone else, and when you start comparing real to real.

It's simple, but quite profound. If we continue to compare ourselves with the highly curated (one sided) versions of others, which they present online, we will always fall short. With billions of people to connect with, there will always be someone who is smarter, happier, and healthier than us. Or at least there will always be someone who uploads photos which give the impression they are smarter, happier, and healthier than us. Don't forget that nobody uploads photos of the other 90% of their normal life.

So let's stop the madness, and simply ask:

Am I better today than I was yesterday?

Am I closer today to being the person I want to be?

If the answer to both of these questions is Yes, you don't social media to gauge how well you are doing, you've had a good day!

Take care

Chris

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Things I've found interesting this week

\\ One Article Instagram photo flaw

\\ Two Video Link to the video from above

Favourite Quote

If you feed the beast, that beast will destroy you - Chamath Palihapitiya

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