I did something ridiculous today. I caught myself getting jealous of someone after looking at their Twitter and reading all he was doing. I got caught in the trap of social media self-doubt.
This guy was perfect. He was traveling the world and seeing new sites. He had a perfect relationship with his wife and his daughter was perfect. According to his tweets his daughter didn’t even poop. She certainly didn’t explode three or four times a day like some child I know well.
His hair was in perfect position and he always got a perfect night’s sleep. He booked all of the best clients for ridiculous amounts of money and he smelled like cupcakes. I may have made that last part up. Either way he probably smelled delicious.
It started making me feel weird about myself. I thought, “This guy is the best. I bet he isn’t sitting on his couch right now eating a bowl of cheese dip with a spoon. Why can’t I smell like cupcakes?”
Then I realized that it was ridiculous. This guy probably isn’t as awesome as he seems on Twitter. I bet he doesn’t smell like baked goods. I bet he was probably somewhere wiping cheese dip from his chin.
In all reality, I would like to buy this guy for what he was actually worth and sell him for what he thought he was worth. I would be a gajillionare.
On the same note, I bet somewhere people think my life is all sunshine and rainbows. I certainly try to be positive on social media. I want to present myself in the best light possible for potential clients and friends who need a good influence.
But what people don’t see are the hard days. The long nights. The battles I fight against unknown fears.
We are all just ordinary people trying to extraordinary lives.
We wake up early and hustle towards living a fulfilled life while we Live Your List. We love our friends and family and want the best for them. We are scared of failure and encouraged by success.
Next time you find yourself comparing your life to the lives of others, remember that it is ridiculous. You are more awesome than you realize and they aren’t as great as they seem. Avoid the trap of social media self-doubt. Instead get you a bowl of cheese dip.
Have you experienced social media self-doubt before? What ways do you present yourself?
8 thoughts on “The Trap of Social Media Self-Doubt”
Great thoughts! yes I have, almost daily
Thanks Jerrod! You were the guy in my post.
I think we had the same night last night. Did you put the last crumbs of the chips that were too small to dip in the cheese dip bowl and eat them with a spoon? No, me neither…. Thanks for keeping it real.
I call that Cheese Dip Soup. I actually didn’t have any chips!
Thanks Ryan! I loved this! I actually laughed out loud. We need to teach our kids about this phenomenon.
Thanks! Our children will be the first who have to learn about these things. Let me know how it goes.