2021 Reminder: Social Media is a Highlight Reel
“The internet is a dangerous place. If you’re not careful it will consume you and rob you of your happiness. It can make you angry, jealous, hostile, bitter, and lead to the eventual loss of enthusiasm for living your best life. Be wary and avoid overconsumption.”
Instagram:
vs. REALITY:
You’ve heard it before, but here’s a reminder - Instagram is a highlight reel. Pic #1:
Took 10+ years of work and education (lifting consistently, eating well, etc.)
I flexed so hard my head was about to explode
I kept my shirt on to hide my lack of ab definition
I chose the most flattering picture with the best lighting, out of ~30 options
I edited it to accentuate my veins and striations
VS. Pic #2:
No pump
No flex
No tank top
No edit
How I look for 23 hours and 59 minutes every day
There are, and always will be, MILLIONS of more muscular, stronger, leaner, and better looking people. Some may consider this a disheartening fact, but on the contrary, I find it freeing.
Clichés are clichés for a reason- because they’re true! (some cliché inception here). My favorites:
Comparison is the thief of joy
Don’t compare your day 1 to someone’s day 1000
Be better than you were yesterday
In 2021, my resolution is to measure my progress compared to my PAST self, not to other people whose background/situation/genetics I do not know. A simple concept in theory, but there are certainly times when it’s just not enough to quiet that annoying, restless critic that takes up residence in the back of my mind
If the clichés don’t suffice, here are helpful, actionable tips:
Limit social media
Track long term progress
Celebrate wins + make gratitude lists
Focus on performance (i.e. strength, aerobic capacity, etc.), instead of aesthetics
Social comparison is an innate human trait; unless you can override thousands of years of biological evolution, there is no getting around it! We can, though, minimize negative emotion and nurture our mental health by shifting our focus inward toward reflection and gratitude.
