3 ways to make your social media time make you feel better

Do you hit "Like" when you see a good post? Do you share some that really move you? Me too! I love ones that just stand out in the newsfeed. 

• One about a more compassionate world has me wishfully thinking; If only people would be more compassionate!
• A post about gratitude reminds me to be grateful for my family.
• Seeing someone share a post about big dreams gives me a quick boost of confidence.

I share images like this in my Instagram and Facebook feeds. These images make people feel good. That's why we come to social media - to wash away the pain of the day. ​

We skim, scroll and scan through our news feed 
looking to feel better.

Here's the catch. It's a quick high that doesn't last.

When we flip through our social media accounts, we look at the world through blurry eyes...not really seeing people or our role in it. 
What's more, we look at it and say, "Yeah...

• If only the world would do more of that. 
• If only so and so read this and took note. 
• If only my schedule would let me feel that way or do that more.

Wistfully after a few minutes, we move away 
from the newsfeed and back to reality. 

Nothing's changed.

Re-read those three comments in italics above again.
Did you notice anything? They all they blame out there....on someone else, the world or a lack of time. We are in victim mode when we see them and feel like we can't have that. That victim mode is why we head back to work, unchanged. 

It's because we have not taken responsibility for change. Instead, we need to see the posts and ask what the message or lesson for ourselves in it:

• How can I be more compassionate to that team member at work who's driving me crazy?
• What am I grateful for about this overwhelming challenge I have to face today?
• What specific steps, even if they are tiny, can I take today towards achieving that goal that I so badly want, but struggle to move forward on?

Take the inspiration and message and the post and turn it back to yourself. Take responsibility for applying what you've learned. Indifferent skimming, scrolling and scanning are no different than numbing yourself out in front of the TV. It's passive. 

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3 ways to make your social media time make you feel better:

1. When you catch yourself mindlessly skimming, STOP! Walk away from the phone or computer!
2. If a post catches your attention, STOP and let a post sink in before moving to the next one. 
3. Make your share more meaningful by STOPPING and adding a comment about why you are sharing this. 

Your thumb needs a break. Stop more often when you are on social media, and you feel way better ;-) Make your social media experience active rather than passive. 

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When we look at social media posts and flip them back to action we can take in the moment, social media has the power to change our experience and that of those around us.

Ask this question
So next time you see a post that moves you, ask yourself:
How can I apply this message or lesson in my leadership today?

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Today's commentary has been brought to you by tomorrow's WEBINAR: 
Character Development Planning 101

It's not what you DO as a leader, it's the type of person your are BEING when you lead. 
Your Character Development doesn't happen by chance! You need to be intentional about it! Start by creating your Character Development Plan.