Selling Yourself Short

Sometimes I get tagged on Instagram posts that say “Mention your favorite barista and see if they comment back.”

While it’s flattering to have someone mention me (it feels nice when your work is noticed), the whole situation seems fraught.

I’m empathetic to both parties.

Sometimes it feels like you need to post something, anything, to let people know you’re still alive and worth following.

Sometimes it feels fun to randomly tag someone whose work you admire and see if something happens.

If we’re playing the game just to kill time, fine. (There are better ways to kill time but hey…)

The problem comes when we mistake clicks for connection.

Spamming your followers for engagement sends the message that you don’t value them, and responding to spam is selling yourself short.

I’ve been on both sides. I’ve hijacked attention (it doesn’t feel good), and I’ve bought into the hijack (it doesn’t feel good).

The Way Forward

When I look back on all of the things I’ve done that stick, they all share one trait:

They were all created in service of others.

Are there things on social media created in service of others? Yes.
Can you build genuine connections on social media? Yes.
Do I post ridiculous selfies sometimes? Absolutely.

It makes me smile when someone reaches out and tells me that my work inspired them to take action. I love hearing it! (Please keep telling me.)

As with anything, intention matters. Are we showing up to share thoughtful ideas, or just run up the numbers?

Share your work. Imbibe inspiration. Connect with others. But know the difference between trash and treasure.

Mostly, don’t sell yourself short.