9 in 2019 – Inspiration not Comparison

I’m kicking off a series of blog posts for 9 things, I’d like to do in 2019. I know it’s already mid-January, but personal progress shouldn’t be limited to January 1. This post is a bit personal so if this is not your jam, there will be more guns and gear soon. 😉 My first “thing” is about social media and honesty.

It seems like everyone is talking about screen time these days, especially on social media. Apple has even incorporated a report that updates us on how much time we spend on our devices. I’ve read posts from friends who are “unplugging” to escape it all.

Are you not entertained?

I’m not going to lie. I enjoy scrolling through my Instagram feed and stories. I like watching my favorite YouTube channels or following posts on Facebook. It’s one thing to indulge in a little social entertainment and distraction. It’s quite another to let it affect how we live and feel.

One danger of social media is how it can tempt us to compare ourselves to others. These networks can be an incredible source of connection and inspiration, but our follows and shares can also foster feelings of resentment and jealousy.  Think of someone who posted a photo of their vacation cabin. We might imagine what it would be like to curl up in their chair next to that blazing fire gazing at the epic view of snow-capped mountains. The danger of comparison could morph a positive thought into a negative one. Instead, we may think, “I’ll never have a place like that.”

Those little moments of resentment can fester. Worse yet is when we no longer experience joy or wonder and instead immediately become skeptical of…. every… little… thing. Not good. Some examples:

Positive Inspiration: What an adventure he’s having! Maybe one day I can travel there. Hello, bucket list! Negative thoughts: He gets to see all the great places. I’ve never been anywhere that cool.

Positive Inspiration: Look at all that ammo she’s about to shoot! That’s a whole lot of pew pew fun there and it makes me want to hit the range too. Negative thoughts: Gee, that must be nice. I wish I had all that.

Constantly comparing what we have to others is not only unproductive, it’s simply not good for the soul. A dig at what someone else has or how they live is a negative affirmation we just don’t need. For many, even in the wonderful world of shooting, social media has become a popularity contest. Success is measured by likes, follows and shares, not real smiles. Everything and everyone is now a brand, living their life one campaign at a time. It’s not social media’s fault though. It’s our own.

As someone who relies on social media in my job, statistics are important. Things like “engagement” and “reach” are units of measurement that help me maintain partnerships personally and professionally. Social media has helped me not only connect with fellow shooters but those on the fence about guns as well. It’s very valuable.

Even if you don’t rely on social media for work as I do, chances are you too have felt that urge to keep up with Joneses. In a world where our photos, words, and emotions have hit counters, even our simple life experiences are now measured by “friends” and their reactions. Because of those stats, we can now put a number on how much others enjoy what we say, do or choose to post. 😉 The worst happens when we start to change what and how we share based on what we hope to see in the results — in the likes and comments.

Is this the real life?

The simple truth is, social media can connect us and I am not ashamed to say I enjoy it. I’ve also spent too much time worrying about posting frequency or wondering if I should try to pick a color theme for my Instagram. There have been plenty of instances where I haven’t shared a photo or my thoughts because it wasn’t just about guns and gear. While there are hundreds of filters that can smooth our skin, make our eyes brighter and morph our everyday adventures, there’s something refreshing about the truth of real life.

I confess. I’ve been caught up in the statistics instead of the smiles – mine and others. For 2019 I hope to remember this quote from Maya Angelou:

Don’t worry. I’m not getting all gushy, but feelings do matter! I also think we’d all be better off getting our hands dirty from time to time, getting uncomfortable and making the effort to think things through from all angles. There’s something special in a compliment, a heartfelt apology, and cultivating happiness.

So instead of unplugging altogether, I may take some mini-breaks or some weekends off on social this year. I won’t shy away posting what isn’t “on brand.” Most of all, I’m working on leaving the comparisons to the raw numbers and the spreadsheets and letting social media help me inspire and be inspired. Hopefully, this post will get you thinking about how to find that “just right” balance on social media too. Happy New Year!