How to Stop Comparison and Protect Your Creative Spirit

Using social media to help grow your online presence and market your business can be very valuable to any content creator or entrepreneur.

There are many benefits to being on social media such as the ability for self-expression, a sense of community building and networking.

However, scrolling endlessly on social media can also make you question your self-worth and creativity. Comparing yourself to people can affect your level of happiness, life satisfaction, loneliness and self-worth. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to shift your social media consumption to help you avoid entering a comparison cycle and what to do instead. 

1. Your creativity is not measured in likes:

Avoid measuring your self-worth in likes. Instagram is experimenting with removing the “like” feature on posts. This means the number of likes on an image wouldn’t be visible to anyone except the main account holder with the intention of lowering the pressure of posting perfect Insta-worthy images on the platform.

There are many variables that contribute to your content being seen, so don’t get fixated on the number of likes or followers. Too much social media consumption can create unhealthy habits and constantly seeking validation online and can create addictive behaviors.

What to do instead:

Focus on consistency. Share instructional, inspirational and valuable content with your audience. 

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2. You’re consuming more than creating:

You can use social media 24/7 and that means you can always compare yourself, your work, and your life to someone else.

This can again lead to some bad habits in comparison and can lead to negative emotions or feelings about your own success, beauty, or creativity.

What to do instead:

Instead, focus on using social media as a place to be inspired and build connections.

Create what you want your feed to look like by engaging and commenting on accounts that spark inspiration and make you feel good about yourself.

Teach the algorithm what you want to see more of in your feed.

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3. You’re seeking external validation:

We all know that getting a bunch of comments or likes on a photo can send a lot of dopamine doses to our brains, this is a very short-term and short-lived way to receive and enjoy happiness.

What to do instead:

Focus on living in the moment and express gratitude every day.

Find what makes you happy as a creative. Perhaps that may involve journaling, reading, or exercising.

Getting into a “creative flow” can help you feel more fulfilled and put you in a good mood

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How to use social media more mindfully and protect your creative spirit and confidence: 

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Limit Screen Time: Allocate a time limit to social media consumption each day. A healthy disconnection from social media may be all that you need to feel inspired.

Unfollow Button: Unfollow or mute any accounts that leave you feeling bad about yourself. 

Reflection: Do some self-reflection and think about what’s triggering you to feel bad about yourself and see if there’s a more positive way to shift your mindset into something more aspirational. Set goals and milestones for yourself if you really want to change something. Focus on yourself and making progress on your own personal growth.

Step Away and be Creative: Engage in some activities that allow you to reflect on your own ideas, dreams and take action. Try going for a walk, coloring, or journaling.

Connect with People IRL: Call or text a friend or relative and set up some time to connect with people who bring you joy and are a positive influence in your life.

Shift your Focus: Remember to hone your talents and not obsess over likes or followers.

Following Philosophy: I like to follow accounts on social media who make me feel empowered, informed, inspired and entertained. Create your own reasons for following someone and make your feed reflect that. Social algorithms want to show you more of what you like, so be mindful of what you engage with going forward.

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What do you do when you feel like you’re entering a comparison trap on social media? I’d love to hear what you do to be more mindful and intentional with your social media consumption.