By IMAGE
27th Nov 2015
27th Nov 2015
In this day and age, how we measure success has gotten a bit out of hand. It’s no longer just about who has a better job, or a nicer car; with the rise in social media, measurements of success have seeped into every aspect of our life.
A survey taken on social media in 2012 by Anxiety UK highlights the negative effects using social media can have on the user’s emotional state. It showed that 51% of participants felt less confident after being on social media when compared to their friends who had not used social media. While there can be many reasons for this, one theory is that users of social media – whether consciously or not – compare themselves and their lives to those they view on social media, and that such constant comparisons can lead to negative feelings.
When you consider how much time people spend on social media, it becomes clear that this has the potential to wreak havoc on people’s lives. To take just a few examples from the research: a study taken this year by Switcher.ie shows that 36% of Irish people spend over 20 hours on-line per week, and Facebook’s Q2 2014 earnings showed that Americans spent on average 40 minutes per day on Facebook*.
What defines success for you?
Success should be defined by you, on your own terms, not by the media, friends, parents or anyone else. You are – and must feel like – the pilot of your own life. Everyone is different, and everyone has a different definition of what success means. The important thing is to hold your own definition as valid for you, and not give into comparisons with others or pressure to conform your version of success to that of those around you. Remember also that everyone is putting the best possible version of themselves on social media, so that friend or coworker with the perfect kids/husband/car/house/dogs, etc. definitely isn’t nearly as perfect in reality as her Facebook page would have you believe!
Start Counting The Little Wins
The little successes that you acknowledge each day will add to your self-confidence, self-worth and help you get to the bigger goals you strive for. What are little wins for you? Perhaps it’s not eating the Roses in your office canteen? Or, maybe it’s getting 5 minutes to exercise before your morning starts? However you define it, learn to congratulate yourself for the little wins that get you closer to a bigger goal.
Guide to a More Happy, Successful YOU
1. Write it down. Write down what defines your success (no matter what pops into your head);
2. Gratitude Morning Exercise: Each morning, write down or mentally note 3 things you are grateful for;
3. Evening Achievement Exercise: Before going to bed, write down things you completed or that made you happy during that day.
As a Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Pre and Post-natal Strength Coach, Animal Flow Instructor (L1 & L2), and Holistic Health Counselor. Kaman’s unique blend of expertise, personal experience and passion has helped hundreds of her clients achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives. Kaman has worked with clients in some of the most world’s leading health clubs, including Sports Club LA (New York), and David Lloyd (Dublin). She is available for in-person consultations in Dublin, or by phone or Skype.
BY?Kaman Ryan
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