The World is a Stage

Weekly Wisdom #14

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Everyone looks better through the lens of social media. Whether it’s vacation pictures on Instagram, constant updating of a Facebook profile or Snapchatting through dinner at a favorite restaurant; staging the perfectly angled photo and filtering an image to create the illusion that all of lifes moments are as perfect as the posted snippets is a favorite pastime. We live in a world of social media and influencers that are essentially “fake”…. but for some reason, we want it all.

It’s hard not to idolize others through the lens of social media; we’ve all spent extra hours checking out which friends have been to the coolest new hotspot or which ones are hanging out on a white sandy beach. Everyone’s life looks better on social media than it does in real life. The pieces are nicely spliced to show the world only the good stuff – what’s missing is the part where the waiter spills a tray of drinks in your lap or a seagull rips a sandwich out of your hand. Let’s be honest; social media is partial truths—we decide what parts get viewed and “liked” and what parts don’t. We start to idolize the people that we see on social media, those that post great pictures, or go to amazing places, but in most cases 99% of it isn’t real.

We should all shine in our own right without having to care or worry about what others are doing – or what they are thinking or talking about. We don’t need to delete our Facebook account or turn off Twitter; rather let’s take a closer look at ourselves – monitor our usage and balance our lives with direct social engagement. I promise it’s much more fun and rewarding.

The world is a stage, and it’s your role – your responsibility to stand out and to shine. The only way to do that is to be you… the genuine you. You can’t worry about what others say, think or do. Old advice, I know, and it’s easier to say than do, but by being conscious of it, we can take the first step toward succeeding on our own stage. Comparing yourself to others will only leave you feeling inadequate and lonely. So the next time you’re grabbing a coffee with a friend or walking your dog during a picture perfect sunset; forget the “selfie” and enjoy the moment, the richness of an authentic personal connection or a few moments of mindful meditation – let the real you shine and I think you’ll find your life will be a snapshot happier.

Here’s A List Of Ideas To Help:

  • Don’t Compare Yourself To Others – the grass isn’t always greener; we all have our struggles, everyone experiences difficult times and relying on social media to bolster you may only bring you down.
  • Create Your Own Stage – find your personal and authentic way to shine and stand out – but do it legitimately and uniquely.
  • Implement Rules –  Promise yourself to stay off of social media during friends and family time. Engage with those around you. Be Present.
  • Pick Up The Phone – Don’t let social media do the talking for you; pick up a phone and wish a friend “happy birthday”
  • Incorporate Balance In Your Life – You will be most fulfilled when you disconnect yourself from social media, stop oversharing and filled with envy over others snapshots but instead be yourself, think for yourself, and walk away with time still left in your day.

THE BOOK OF THE WEEK 

Elizabeth Gilbert’s  –  Big MAgic

Click to Buy a Copy of: Elizabeth Gilbert's - Big Magic

(Click the Image to buy a copy of the Book)

Elizabeth Gilbert is the author of Eat. Pray. Love. and has recently written a book titled Big Magic.  Lately I have been feeling creatively challenged and this book was recently recommended to me.   I’ll let you know how it is!

Last Weeks Book Summary

Cameron Herold’s –  Double Double

Click the Image to Buy a Copy of: Cameron Herold's - Double

(Click the Image to buy a copy of the Book)

Cameron wrote a great book!   If you are managing a business, a team, or have some authority inside of your organization, then you need to read this book! I read a lot of business books and there are simply not enough solid books about leadership strategies inside of organizations.  This is a one of a kind book.    Here are some of the key take-aways:

  • Every organization needs a of vivid vision.  It is the driving motivation for the organization and not a couple lines of text (vision statement).  Set your Vivid Vision goals approximately 3 years out.
  • Have a daily meeting in the morning “The Daily huddle”. It only has to be 5-7 minute meetings and you only discuss problems in the company and have employees step and solve them.
  • Reverse engineer your success by planning with the end gold in mind.  However, you first need to know where your end goal is.
  • Each employee should set 3 goals per per quarter that will help keep them motivated and on track towards attaining their companies Vivid Vision.