As I meandered through the picturesque landscapes of Europe, far from the constant hum of notifications and the pressures of daily life, I found something invaluable: clarity. For over two weeks, I immersed myself in nature, disconnected from my phone, and embraced the tranquility that comes with being truly present. This journey wasn't just a vacation but a necessary retreat to reassess and realign my life and business with my true passions and values.
Being an entrepreneur is a journey filled with highs and lows, especially when you wear multiple hats. One of the most challenging roles is that of a marketer in an ever-evolving social media landscape. Lately, I've felt a growing disdain for platforms like Instagram. What once was a space for beautiful photography has transformed into a constant stream of marketing and sponsored ads. It's disheartening to realize that I've become a part of that capitalist machine, contributing to the noise rather than meaningful connections.
This trip gave me the room I needed to reflect on my journey with LoLifeCoach. I realized that my growing aversion to social media was clouding my love for my business. I needed to step away to fall back in love with what I do. LoLifeCoach has always been about genuine connections and providing value to those who seek support, not just about likes and follows.
While cycling up my first mountain, I was reminded of an important lesson: often, we get in our own way by comparing our journey to those around us. We get caught up in how others are moving through a similar path, and these envious comparisons can suck the joy right out from underneath us, leaving us feeling awful about where we are in life. So why do we let ourselves be consumed by what everyone else is doing?
Comparisons aren't new; they've been around for ages. However, with the internet and social media, it's hard not to know what's happening with everyone in some capacity. The problem is, comparing our lives to others isn’t only like comparing apples to oranges—meaning they aren’t the same, to begin with—but we’re comparing an idea, an assumption of what we believe someone's life is like when really it's a distorted fragment of what’s shared with us.
Here are some ideas to consider:
How are comparisons impacting your life?
How do you feel after scrolling on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn?
When someone shares exciting news of a promotion, engagement, or new home, what comes up for you?
How can you use these observations to learn more about yourself instead of allowing it to take you down a rabbit hole of negative self-talk?
Building awareness and challenging comparisons:
Set Personal Goals:Â Establish clear, achievable goals for yourself based on your values and desires. This helps keep your focus on your own path rather than others'.
Limit Social Media Time:Â Actively manage and limit the time you spend on social media to reduce exposure to unrealistic comparisons.
Surround Yourself with Positivity:Â Spend time with people who uplift and support you, and engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself.
Celebrate Small Wins:Â Regularly acknowledge and celebrate your own achievements, no matter how small.
Seek Professional Guidance:Â Consider talking to a coach or therapist who can help you navigate and overcome feelings of comparison.
Engage in Mindfulness Practices:Â Techniques like meditation, journaling, or yoga can help you stay grounded and present, reducing the urge to compare yourself to others.
Not a single other soul is exactly like you, nor are you like them. So, comparing apples to oranges to doughnuts doesn't make sense. We’re all different, and we move at different paces, with different purposes.
Allow your focus to be anchored on your journey and challenge comparisons—after all, they’re the thief of joy.
So, what does this mean for LoLifeCoach moving forward? For now, I'm quieting the noise of social media and focusing on the aspects of my business that I truly love. I want to reconnect with all of you, not through flashy posts and ads, but through genuine interactions and valuable content. I aim to provide support through tips and education, especially for those who might not be able to afford one-on-one coaching.
In the coming months, I'll be working on building more workshops, both in real life and virtually. These workshops will be designed to offer practical tools and insights, helping you navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace. Additionally, I'll be adding new skills to my toolkit, ensuring that I can offer you even more value and support.
Taking a step back has reignited my passion for LoLifeCoach and reminded me of the importance of aligning my work with my values. If you ever feel overwhelmed or disconnected, I encourage you to do the same. Step away, breathe, and allow yourself the space to reflect and realign. Sometimes, all we need is a little distance to see things clearly and reignite our passion for what truly matters.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I look forward to reconnecting with you and continuing to provide support, guidance, and inspiration.
With gratitude,
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