Companion post to “Reclaim Your Potential From Its Silent Killer”
- Social media may be THE most powerful human creation to date.
No other creation has the ability to reach countless people in seconds. And no other creation can couple that ability with the wherewithal to manipulate, control, and influence behavior.
Which is why we have to be aware of the harmful effects social media can have on our lives, as we discussed in the companion post. It’s also just as important to be aware of the positive effects it can have on our lives.
- To have a tool as powerful as social media at our fingertips and not utilize it, is simply wasteful.
We have been given limitless opportunities that no other civilization has been as fortunate to have. Let’s acknowledge social media’s potential to support our potential (that’s a mouthful!).
- First, we’ll discuss 5 general ways we can use social media, and then I’ll discuss 5 specific ways that I have used social media to support my potential.
Side note: When I reference social media in this post, I am really talking about any content provided on the internet, since most of it has some social media component or at least the ability to be shared.
5 Positive Exploitations
I strongly believe that whatever we put out into the world comes back to us. If we put hope, love, and happiness out into the world, those things will come back to us in return. As we continue to send and receive these positive messages, our mindsets begin to shift. One day, we will suddenly realize that we have discovered our true potential. And our improved mindsets will continue to strengthen and sustain our potential.
- We can use social media to let people know we are thinking about them; that they matter. This could be a post simply saying, “Hey, I’m thinking of you, and I hope you have an amazing day!” You could be shopping and see a funny coffee mug that reminds you of someone, post a picture of it, and tag that person. Simple!
- We can use social media to encourage people. You could post an encouraging thought of the day on your platform of choice each morning. I saw this one on Pinterest this morning, “Tell the negative committee that meets inside your head to sit down and be quiet!” Love it!
- We can use social media to build other people up. Instead of humbly bragging about ourselves all the time, why not humbly brag on someone else’s behalf. “My amazing friend, Emma, just reached her goal of running a 10K. She is such an inspiration to me. You go girl!”
- We can use social media to spread positive news and fun facts. There are definitely enough negative messages out there. Something like, “Fun fact of the day: Did you know that violent crime and murder rates have steadily dropped each year since 1991? We are doing something right!” This one might take a little more effort because it can actually be pretty difficult to find positive news stories, posts, etc. Which is exactly why it needs to be done!
- We can use social media to make someone laugh. We can spread kind-hearted humor and remind people that we don’t have to take life so seriously all the time. Who doesn’t love a good dad joke? Or a good kitten chasing a laser pointer GIF? Here’s a freebie for ya:
Want to hear a joke about construction? I’m still working on it! ?
5 Specific Ways I Have Benefited
- We can learn anything we want to. There is no end to the instructional blogs and YouTube videos available to us. I have learned how to build a website, create graphic designs, edit videos, market on Pinterest, and on and on. Since I identified my potential, I have been learning one thing at a time to help me realize it, and my journey began with a simple Google search.
- We can share our stories. Maybe you’ve heard this from me before, but nothing has ever made me feel more empowered than hearing other people’s stories and either being able to relate — Yay, I’m not the only one! — or feel inspired — Oh yeah, I can do that! The caveat here is that these stories have to be authentic and vulnerable, not an overshare, to be effective.
- We have instant access to so many amazing minds. On any given day, I can go from watching Mel Robbins, to Noam Chomsky, to Live in Vegas, to Gilmore Girls (had to throw that one in ?). Taking advantage of the opportunity to be influenced by so many brave, encouraging people has broadened by point of view so much.
- We can directly support content creators. Not only does this put more money in the content creators’ pockets, it gives content creators, like me, more of what we really want — the ability to connect directly with our audience. This in turn sparks our passion and supports our potential. I was inspired to create a membership-based platform mainly by Patreon and Bandcamp, but there are tons of similar platforms out there.
- We can easily reach out to people who are living the life we want to live for advice and support. I have plans to do this; I’m not quite ready yet. The point is, the opportunity is there. The worst thing that will happen is they won’t respond, or they’ll say no. Big deal! The best thing is they will say yes, and all of a sudden we will have the kickstart we need to realize our full potential.
Comment time — What constructive exploitations of social media would you add to the list? What are some specific ways you have benefited from social media?
Can’t wait to hear from you!
