It starts innocently enough. You’re scrolling through Instagram during a break, and suddenly, there it is: a colleague’s post about landing a big promotion, a peer’s dreamy vacation, or an influencer’s seemingly perfect morning routine.
You can’t help but think, Why am I not doing more? Why don’t I have that?
I see doom scrolling all the time—from people in the gym, coffee shops, waiting for the bus, or watching live sports.
From Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, X or whatever other platforms you have and are on.
And I have to admit it drives me crazy. One way to instantly improve your results in anything and everything you do is to be fully present and engage 100% in it.
When you’re distracted and trying to focus on multiple things, you end up not only doing less but also being extremely inefficient.
Social media has a way of turning us into spectators of other people’s highlight reels, and for young professionals navigating their careers, this can feel like an endless comparison game.
Here’s the truth: comparison is the thief of creativity.
And if you let it, the social media trap will leave you paralyzed, questioning your worth and progress.
But there’s a way out.
By shifting your mindset from comparing to creating, you can turn social media into a tool that supports your growth instead of stifling it.
Let’s explore how.
What you see on social media rarely tells the whole story. Most people share curated moments that highlight their successes while glossing over life's struggles, failures, and mundane aspects. Comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel sets you up for unnecessary frustration.
When constantly exposed to others’ achievements, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind or not good enough. This mindset can hold you back from pursuing opportunities or showcasing your talents.
Worrying about what others are doing distracts you from your goals. You might find yourself stuck in analysis paralysis, wondering if your work is as good as someone else’s instead of focusing on creating and improving.
Take a hard look at the accounts you follow. Do they inspire you or make you feel inadequate? Unfollow or mute accounts that trigger negative emotions, and instead, follow creators who motivate you, educate you, or align with your values.
No one else has your perspective, experiences, or ideas. Instead of replicating what others are doing, lean into what makes you unique. Share your journey, lessons learned, or insights that reflect your authentic self.
Limit the time you spend scrolling and set clear boundaries around when and how you use social media. Use tools like timers or app blockers to help you stay focused on creating instead of consuming.
Adopt the 70/30 rule: spend 70% of your social media time creating and sharing content and only 30% consuming. By prioritizing creation, you’ll build confidence in your abilities and establish your voice in your niche.
Instead of measuring your success against others, track your personal growth. Did you write a great post, launch a project, or get positive feedback? Celebrate those wins, no matter how small they may seem.
While social media can be a powerful tool, nothing replaces real human connection.
Spending too much time online can leave you feeling isolated, even if you interact with hundreds of people digitally. Here’s how connecting with others in person can transform your life:
Make it a habit to schedule regular meet-ups, join local groups, or participate in community events. The energy and support you’ll gain from these experiences are irreplaceable.
Check out our community Mentee for entrepreneurs to connect and engage with real people building businesses!
When used intentionally, social media can be a powerful platform for growth. Here are some ways to make it work for you:
Social media isn’t going anywhere, but how you use it is entirely within your control. You can reclaim your time, energy, and confidence by shifting your focus from comparison to creation.
Remember: the most valuable thing you can bring to the digital world is you.
And don’t forget to balance your online presence with real-world connections. Life is more prosperous when you step outside, meet people face-to-face, and experience the joy of genuine human interaction.
So, what will you create today? And who will you connect with?
Chris M Wilson
Chris Wilson is a keynote speaker, CTI coach, and entrepreneur. Through his Hover to Fly framework, he aims to impact the next generation in their careers and lives.
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