The False Reality of Social Media
Stop the endless scroll that only harm your mental and physical health.
Avoid the Social Media Trap
Scrolling through social media wondering why everyone’s living their best life, except you? Constantly beating yourself up for not being like someone else or not having a fabulous vacation experience that some “influencer” (I hate that word!) you follow has been documenting for about a month? Hating your life because everyone seems to have more fun than you?
If you answere Yes to any of these 3 questions, we’ve got some work to do. But hey, don’t worry this will be a fun experience for you. (I promise!)
First of all, let’s get one thing straight. Social media is not real life. Is an illusion that we all pretty much agreed on. Of course, it doesn’t mean that everyone on social media is fake because that’s not true. But certainly, everyone who uses social media portrays their lives in a certain way and it’s quite normal. But at the same time we have to remeber that what we see scrolling through someone’s Instagram or Facebook account it’s only a small piece of their life documented in photos (usually heavily photoshopped photos).
The funny thing about it is… even if we all know that we tend to forget about it. Social media platforms give us the opportunity to be whoever we want and maybe that’s a problem. Because let’s face it, people who portray a perfect life on social media are definitely not showing the truth, at least not the whole truth. Nobody’s life is perfect all the time. We’re all going through something. So don’t let social media fool you. Use your social media platforms as a tool not a weapon to self-destruction.
#reallife Is Your Creation
As a society we have become lost in a fake world of our own creation. It’s kind of fun and scary at the same time. Maybe it’s time for a reality check… before it’s too late…
Life is not a vibe. Life is not a hashtag. And using #reallife under your latest social media post does not make it more real. Social media alter our perception of reality making us believe that having a beach perfect body or a new designer item is what we all should aim to. It’s not. It’s really not. Or at least it shouldn’t be.
That’s not real life. Instagram glam has nothing to do with real life. Nobody is always happy and nobody looks good all the time. Most people only want to show the good stuff portraying their life as perfect. But to do that, they need to highlight all the positives and successfully hide all the negatives. And like any other attempt to hide the truth, creating a false persona on social media profiles comes at a price. And if you have ever lied about something really important you know that lies are hard to keep straight. Lies suck and they always come out. So it’s really not worth it even kids know that.
Social media is an illusion we all tacitly agreed on. And until you’re completely aware that you should be fine. The problem only arises when you let your guard down and this fake online world sucks you in like black hole.
So please be a mindful social media user. Give yourself a reality check instead of chasing someone else. Focus on your life. Focus on your journey of self-improvement. Be authentic. Pursue your life’s calling and avoid all the unnecessary comparisons and illusionary competition with people that you’ve never even met in real life. And if you feel that something is missing in your life and you’re slowly becoming a little bored about your daily routine here are some smart and powerful ways to make your life more interesting, exciting and fun. Check them out!
12 Daily Habits to Make Your Life more Interesting
productivity
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/productivity.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/productivity.jpg?fit=533%2C800&ssl=1" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">1. Stop Procrastinating
“As it is not one swallow or a fine day that makes a spring, so it is not one day or a short time that makes a man blessed and happy...." "...these virtues are formed in man by his doing the right actions.”
Procrastination is a defense mechanism that is being activated to protect our ego when you’re struggling to get things done for some reason. And this defense mechanism if not being control becomes a habit. And when it becomes a habit it consumes our productive time. As a result, we’re doing a lot of stuff except the exact thing we should be doing at a given moment. We’re still on the move, we’re just not doing what we are supposed to be doing.
Ok, but what to do when procrastination became a habit?
Well, in my personal opinion the best way to break any bad habit is to replace it with a good one. So if you want to kill a procrastination habit the most powerful and effective way to do that is to adopt habits of a productive person. That makes sense, right?
So basically you need to choose a different path. Or in other words, train your brain to make better decisions and reprogram your mind to become a productive person. And this is how you can easily do it:
- Identify and eliminate Distractions to improve focus and performance
- Set clear and actionable Goals
- Get your Priorities straight
- Write an Intention Statement
- Create an Action Plan to achieve your goals
- Schedule time for Relax
- Track your Progress
- Celebrate your Achievements
2. Dream Big, Start Small but Act Now
There is this huge misconception about the motivation that creates action, but it’s actually the other way around. It’s an action that creates motivation.
Furthermore, the more you do the more motivated you become. It happens because the moment you start to notice your accomplishments your appetite for success growths. And what happens? Well, you’re doing something today that moves you closer to your goals.
So stop looking for excuses. Just move your b*tt. Accept that you don’t need to have everything figured out in life to take an action. You can create an amazing outcome without knowing exactly what you want to achieve. Life is an experiment you never know what results your actions will have but if you stay where you are you will never move forward and you will only get more and more stuck. So stop focusing on how and when your dreams will come true, just focus on here and now. And now you have to get unstuck and the only way to do that is to make yourself in motion. So stop indulging in this negative self-talk and take some action. It does not have to be something spectacular but it has to be something different from what you’re doing right now.
If you move, you’re not stuck - just keep this mindset. It sounds cliché, I know but it works. And remember that every step forward is a step in the right direction.
Release the expectations of now knowing what the outcome of your life is and take one step forward.
- Create an Action plan
- Work towards your Goals
- Take intentional action that will create Motivation
- Add 4 ingredients to your daily life that will keep you away from being stuck: Consistency, Persistency, Repetition & Commitment
success
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dreambigstartsmallactnow.jpg?fit=186%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/dreambigstartsmallactnow.jpg?fit=497%2C800&ssl=1" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 497px) 100vw, 497px" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">3. Adopt a Growth Mindset
Every life experience, good or bad, positive or negative comes with an important lesson. It might not seem like it sometimes, but there is always something you can learn from every situation of your life. But to be able to do that you have to adopt a growth mindset first. So instead of feeling sorry for yourself only because the things didn’t work out as planned, accept what you cannot change, embrace failure as an opportunity to grow and ask yourself what you can do to make the most of bad experiences and negative things to turn them into your advantage. I know what you think, easier said than done but the truth is, actually, that, your limits are only in your mind. Sometimes we feel that we failed to accomplish a goal only because our work produced a different outcome than expected. But you know what? In most cases a different result it’s a good sign because it means that life gives you a chance to discover new opportunities that you didn’t even take into account. So if your day didn’t go as planned take a piece of paper, and a pen, and write down all the positives you can find in this experience. The glass is always half full!
- Focus on what you can Learn from your current life situation.
- Face life Challanges
- Own your Mistakes
- Take advantage of unexpected Opportunities when they present themselves
- Cultivate Curiosity and love for Learning
- Be determined to turn Negative energy into Positive solutions
- See Problems as Opportunities
- The glass is always half full
- Accept Constructive Criticism and use it for your personal growth
4. Be Curious not Judgemental
“I know that I know nothing.”
This famous Socratic paradox is a starting point in acquiring knowledge. Most people‘s deepest fear is to admit that they don’t know something as if possessing all the knowledge of the universe was possible. And just like we all know that it’s impossible we shouldn’t be afraid of saying “I don’t know”. It’s actually a very humble thing to do and an incredible opportunity to explore, experiences and learn something new. So instead of being afraid of not knowing something cultivate a Beginner’s Mind. Practice being curious, be open to new experience, ask questions, observe, take notes and fuel your desire for new information. Every day you have an incredible opportunity to learn something new and use it to fuel your personal growth. Curiosity is the basis of true learning and self-improvement.
- Practice Self-reflection
- Ask Questions
- Get Involved in your community
- Don’t be Indifferent and Ignorant
- Get outside of the Society’s Box
be curious
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/boostyourselfconfidence-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/boostyourselfconfidence-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">Download Your FREE Worksheets!
be mindful
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/connectionwith-yourself.jpg?fit=258%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/connectionwith-yourself.jpg?fit=600%2C698&ssl=1" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">5. Be Mindful
Observe carefully. Have your focus on something you really want to achieve, set up your goal structure, make a schedule and stick to it. Remember that conscientiousness and perseverance is the key to success. If you find it difficult to focus, I highly recommend you to meditate. In my personal opinion guided meditations are the most efficient because they increase your mindfulness which itself brings focus, clarity, and peace. What is even more beneficial, practicing mindfulness through meditation improves both mental and physical health which is fundamental in creating balance in your life. The best way is to schedule your meditation on a daily basis. Find the best moment during the day, when you can focus only on yourself, make yourself comfortable and practice mindfulness through meditation techniques. If you find it hard to focus, don’t worry it takes time and patience.
Engage yourself with things you love doing, in relationships that empower you and surround yourself with positive energy. Because, if you do things that you hate on a daily basis and hang out with people you generally don’t get along with you will end up depressed and hopeless. Obviously, if you cannot change your situation immediately, make a plan, define your goals and then under appropriate circumstances realize them!
- Focus on the here and now.
- Bring more Mindfulness into your daily life HERE
- Listen and pay attention to others
- Stop Labeling yourself and others
"When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know; But when you listen, you may learn something new."
6. Disable the Black Filter and Go Beyond your own Limits.
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.
We often engage ourselves in negative, catastrophic thinking without even realizing this. Negative energy is built into a lack of confidence and low self-esteem. They get along really well and work to destroy us. Fortunately, without our permission, they will fail in their attempt.
Don’t trust your fear - fear is a really bad advisor because it’s anything but a pathological liar that keeps us stuck in negative situations, relationships and of course in the past. Remember don’t let your fear guide you or make life-changing decisions for you because you won’t be happy with the results. In many cases fear is just in your mind, it’s an illusion that has nothing to do with the real danger. So before you freak out, try to identify what kind of fear you are dealing with (imaginary or a real threat) first.
- Do what makes you feel uncomfortable (but you dream of)
- Get outside of your Comfort Zone
- Accept that Growth is painful and uncomfortable
- Create your reality with the power of Positive Thinking
- Look at Problems as Opporunities to grow and learn something new
- Train your brain to see Positivity even in a really negative situation
set your monthly intentions
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- Powerful and smart ways to manage your time efficiently and effectively HERE
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- The ultimate way to overcome procrastination and become a highly productive person HERE
- 10 powerful life-changing healthy morning rituals HERE
- 6 Simple Ways To Live A Healthier Lifestyle HERE
- How To Start Eating Mindfully HERE
- Put Yourself In A Positive Headspace HERE
- The science of motivation HERE
- 10 simple ways to bring mindfulness into your daily life HERE
- 10 powerful habits to boost your confidence HERE
- Ho to get unstuck immediately! HERE
create space for the new
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ratrace.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ratrace.jpg?fit=800%2C534&ssl=1" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">7. Create Space for the New
Self-reflection questions:
Life constantly alters our plans and goals to give us a new perspective, different opportunities to fulfill our destiny. Sometimes not knowing what will happen is the best thing we are experiencing. Why? Because it forces us to get out of our comfort zone. And let me tell you something. Great things happen just outside the comfort zone. So take a deep breath and make a one-step outside your comfort zone. Make space for new things and they will find you.
- Set yourself Challanges and achieve them.
- Try New things
- DIY like a pro
- Take Intentional Action and become insanely Motivated (Perpetuum Mobile)
- Be open-minded
8. Ditch Perfectionism
Perfection is an illusion, deeply flawed concept impossible in a real perfectly imperfect life. It’s a deception we keep telling ourselves because we are too afraid to accept the uncertainty of life and let go of the need to control anything and everything. So stop pursuing perfection and embrace the authenticity of the present moment.
- Progress is not linear
- Embrace your Failures
- Own your Mistakes
- Own your own Journey
accept failure
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/focusonfacts.jpg?fit=300%2C237&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/focusonfacts.jpg?fit=761%2C600&ssl=1" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 761px) 100vw, 761px" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">embrace your uniqueness
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/youshouldcare.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/youshouldcare.jpg?fit=533%2C800&ssl=1" data-lazy-sizes="(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">9. Embrace your Uniqueness
- Are you a human being or human doing?
- Are you living on autopilot constantly making unconscious automatic decisions or you’re trying to navigate your life with mindfulness?
- Are you living your life or just surviving it?
- Are you aligning goals with your life purpose or just chasing someone else’s dreams?
If you’re wondering why I am asking you these questions is because we tend to repeat the same old patterns (imposed on us by others) instead of realizing our own life vision. We are participating in this “rat race”, constantly comparing ourselves, our achievements, our challenges, our experiences to others wasting our time and energy. Not to mention that this comparison trap causes this never-ending feeling of not being good enough. Because there is simply no end to the cycle. And the truth is that you don’t need to go through your life in a prescribed way. You really don’t have to live the life everyone else is (or seem to be) living. Don’t try to satisfy other people’s expectations because you will lose (or waste) your chance to conceive the best possible life for yourself. Stop pursuing perfection and someone else’s dreams. Instead, identify your life purpose and take intentional action to fulfill it. Escape the rat race, uncover your passions and embrace your authentic self. Own who you are and speak your truth.
- Compete only with yourself
- Create a Clear Vision for your life
- Observe others, Get Inspired but avoid coping other people’s lifestyles and life choices
- Be Authentic
- Everyone is different and has Unique set of characteristics and talents (embrace you uniqueness)
- Own who you are
10. Accept and Embrace Change
“The only constant in life is change”
Life is like a kaleidoscope, everything changes, nothing stands still. Sometimes when something incredibly beautiful happens we try to write everything down or create a mental picture to keep track of time. But still the moment we’re living now will be gone in a flash. Just like a dream experience, whatever things you enjoy will become a memory. So instead of desperately trying to freeze an ideal moment in your life let yourself to truly experience it without worrying about what happens next. Don’t resist changes because it will only create pain and sorrow. Instead accept that everything flows, embrace change and take advantage of the current situation.
- Fix what you can fix
- Change what you can change
- Stop whining about the things you’re not willing to change
- Let go of what you cannot control - letting go will free you up
keep pushing forward
" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sleepstrollwork4-scaled.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/holisticlifebykate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/sleepstrollwork4-scaled.jpg?fit=683%2C1024&ssl=1" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7">11. Journal
The world around us is an endless source of inspiration. So open your eyes to the beauty around you, open your mind to the new things and live the present moment to the fullest.
Practice being curious, be open to new experiences, ask questions, observe, take notes and fuel your desire for new information. Every day you have an incredible opportunity to learn something new and use it to fuel your personal growth. Curiosity is the basis of true learning and self-improvement.
- Cultivate a Beginner’s Mind.
- Cultivate Self-reflection on a daily basis
- Journal for emotional health (difficult emotions and unwanted thoughts)
- Show Appreciation, and express Gratitude
- Unlock your creative Potential (embrace creative chaos)
- Don’t go anywhere without a Notebook in your pocket or purse because inspiration is everywhere.
12. Embrace your Inner Child
Your inner child is an infinite source of creative potential, spontaneity, honesty, and joy in your life. For this reason alone, connecting with your inner child gives us this incredible opportunity to connect with our intuition, higher self and live a fulfilling and purposeful life. So, take your inner child by a hand, take a deep breathe and prepare yourself for a brand new chapter of your life. Something magical is about to happen…
- Listen
- Accept
- Embrace
- Heal
- Love
your inner child…
embrace your inner child
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P.S.
Stay Positive
Be Mindful
Own who you are and you will be free.
xo Kate
2 thoughts on “12 Daily Habits for Living a More Interesting, Exciting and Fulfilling Life”
There’s increasing research and attention around the mental health effects of social media, especially around the way people compare themselves and their lives. I think we do it without realising despite knowing the reality, that what we see on social media is not the whole truth and that it’s merely what people want you to see. We probably all do it, but to differing degrees. I do it in not showing just how bad (awful!) I look in photos most days or just how bad I feel with pain and fatigue most days, because I don’t want to seem like a downer or complain too much. At the extreme are the ‘influencers’ who make their lives appear picture perfect, all.the.time! You’re absolutely right, nobody’s life is perfect like that, and definitely not all the time.
I think you make a really good point with how it’s action that creates motivation. I often find that particularly true when you’re feeling really stuck, and it’s not until you push yourself to make a small start with something that you start to feel a little more inspired and motivated. That said, this post is hugely inspiring to read so this is a great place to start. I love your emphasis on being mindful and having a growth mindset, embracing your individuality… so powerful! Another incredible post, Kate 😊
Caz xx
Social media has good and bad sides like any other thing… everything depends on how you use it. If you use it mindfully it becomes a great tool to connect with like-minded people, build your tribe, creating new life opportunities, spread awareness on an important issue, gain creative inspiration, gain a new perspective on something you thought you had already figured out, learn something new or just relax and have fun. Social media is great but only if you use it wisely.
If you scroll mindlessly through social media profiles of top influencers (gosh, I hate that word) you most probably feel like a cr*p. Why? Because these top influencers are ALSO extremely rich and famous so the truth is MOST people cannot relate to that. If someone is sad because they cannot afford a wealthy lifestyle… I really don’t know what to say to them. Because there is more to life than money. The most valuable things in life cannot be bought. You cannot buy happiness, love, health, authentic human connection, consciousness or truth… people tend to forget about it and it’s exactly what makes them so severely depressed.
Life is not about Instagram glam, wealthy lifestyle, new designer item… Life is not a vibe. Mindless consumption leads to severe depression. Why? Because mindless consumption is an addiction and like any other addiction it’s nothing else than creating an inner mental prison… and it’s really not a fun place to live in.
Social media is an illusion of reality. But, you know, the funny thing is we created this false representation of how the world really is and now this false reality filled with fake measurement and personas is starting to take over.
Social media are of our OWN creation and they reflect PERFECTLY human nature. We create this false/distorted representation of reality and then we feel bad about how this online world does not correspond with real life. It’s like believing in your own lies and then feel bad about betraying yourself. That’s insane and so real at the same time.
Social media, if used mindfully can be a big tool for personal growth and self-development. But it can easily become a tool to self-destruction if you’re not paying attention to it. We can use social media to create or to destroy just like any other thing people use daily (knife, car, meds to give an example).
We should all focus on making an appositive change because as human beings we have an amazing opportunity to do that.
TAKE CARE CAZ!! Have a great day!! 💕💕💕💕💕💕