5 Ways to Use Social Media to Win at Life
A Facebook group can help motivate yourself. (Photo: twenty20/@ThePoliteMonkey)
Social media gets a bad rap for being time suck, a source of FOMO and even a catalyst for depression. But spending time on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and other social sites doesn’t need to be unproductive – nor detrimental to your mental state. In fact, these websites can actually be used for your benefit as forums for goal setting and execution. “Social media helps one ‘show up’ for him/herself – and his/her goal – by providing an outlet to share deepest desires and connect with others,” says inspirational blogger and life coach Jamie Eslinger, founder of ThePromise365.com. “And it doesn’t cost a dime!” Here are five ways you can start using these sites to your advantage to find more positivity (and productivity) in your social-media habits – and maybe even accomplish some great things in the process.
1. Find – or Start – a Motivational Group
Connecting with similarly focused people is a great way to stay inspired while moving toward a goal, DeWall says. By requesting to join a specific, closed Facebook group geared toward what you’re working on, you are better able to focus on your goal at hand and get support and advice from others while also maintaining your privacy. Not finding a group that’s tailored to your specific goal? Eslinger suggests starting your own. “Leading a group around your topic could be a great way to inspire others while keeping yourself on track,” she says.
2. Stay Accountable, Post Your Progress
You can also use status updates as a way of writing down your goals, an act that’s been proven to enhance goal achievement, Eslinger says. “By publicly announcing your goal to everyone you are connected with online, you are more likely to follow through than if you hold your dream in silence,” she explains.
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Try upping the accountability ante by using visuals too. Photos are a great way to mark your progress and celebrate when you reach a goal. “Run a marathon? Show a photo of your medal. Lose weight? Show a photo of your skinny jeans. New job? Show a photo of your new desk,” Eslinger advises. You might also consider thanking those who have supported you along the way by tagging them in your posts as well.
3. Position Yourself as an Industry Expert
When it comes to career-related goals, whether it’s building a solid reputation, expanding your platform or rising the ranks, LinkedIn provides a great opportunity to show who you are to a work-focused community and engage with like-minded professionals. “Post fun images around your topic of expertise: photos at industry meetings, your latest product launch or articles related to your line of work,” Eslinger says. “You can even post about other people’s products and events or books in your field that you admire. As long as you stay on topic, any post will help boost your credentials as a smart, informed expert.”
4. Create a Virtual Vision Board
Clarity is a crucial component of goal setting, Eslinger says, to the point that not having a clear picture of what you want and why could doom you from the start. A vision board is an important tool for zeroing in on what you’re working toward. That’s where Pinterest comes in handy. “Pinterest images can help further inform the exact details of your goals or promise,” she says. “Start a private board where you collect images that inspire and inform your goal.”
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You might also share a board with a friend who has the same goal as you to keep each other on track. For instance, if you’re trying to lose weight, you could create a private board with healthy recipes and ask him or her to contribute to it.
5. Ask for Support
The easiest way to find support for your goals on Facebook is to simply ask for it via a status update, Eslinger says. Be direct and really own your goal in order to get the encouragement you’re looking for. “Instead of posting ‘I need your support, something amazing is about to happen,’ say ‘I am about to reach my goal weight and just have 10 pounds left to lose. All encouragement appreciated,’” she advises. “Being clear is a major component to reaching your goals – especially for your support system, so they understand how to help you.”
The original article “8 Ways to Use Social Media to Win at Life“ appeared on LIVESTRONG.COM.
By Natasha Burton
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