With a show of hands, how many of you find it hard to stay present? For the record, we have our hands up real high! We know it’s far easy to get caught up in the future. Thinking about future content, a future house, maybe even planning your future family.
We know to an extent, content creators have no choice but to think about the future. Consistency has to be maintained, posts have to be made, and brand deals have to be secured. But too much attention to the future can significantly inhibit your ability to focus on the here and now. Ironically, appreciating the present and learning how to convey it to your audience is part of the key to success on social media.
We love social media (obviously), but we also love taking care of mental health, so we highly encourage you to practice balance. Stick to your content creation schedule, yes, but don't let social media and future goals consume your every waking thought.
If you're guilty of living for the future, don't feel singled out - we have all been there. Today is the day to change your ways! Here are three reasons you should live in the now, and some practical steps to take each day as it comes.
Create a free account to keep reading
Sign up access to these free premium features:
· News about algorithm changes
· Exclusive, platform knowledge
· Top tier brand negotiation tactics
· Learn how to master every platform
· Personal branding optimizations
Reason #1: You learn to live each day to its fullest
Every moment of every day, you're given a chance to make a lasting memory. Each day of your life has the potential to be monumental, but only happens once. If you’re overly focused on what comes next, how will you enjoy the present.
We know as content creators this can be hard since you need to document your present to share in the future. But give this a try…instead of living for the content, focus on living the memory you will be proud to go and share later. Yes, you may still be creating content, but if the content is an overflowing of how much you cherished the memory, you will not only create better content, but have a richer experience.
Another great options is scheduling out “content free” times. Perhaps you schedule an outing with loved ones where no phones are allowed. Maybe you schedule an hour a day where you aren’t allowed to think about your social media. However it works for you, give your brain a mental break, and focus on the day in front of you!
You may just find your content quality and overall mental mood increase from this simple focus switch.
Reason #2: You replace worry with contentment
With the future comes uncertainty. When we’re so caught up in the unknown (aka the future) it is literally impossible to be content in the present. This is particularly true for content creators.
Content creators not only have to worry about what to upload next but also how they compare to other influencers in their niche. It can turn into a never-ending cycle of worry.
To break the cycle, we highly encourage you to get organized. If you have scheduled times in your day/week to worry about future content, you're less likely to think about it literally all the time.
By taking even just a few minutes daily to be present and appreciate your life for what it is, you will feel all the more content with where you are at.
Contentment leads to a clearer head, and a clear head means great content!
Reason #3: You get to know yourself
What do most (if not all) great content creators have in common? They know “their why.” They know who they are, why they are creating content, and what they stand for. If you don’t understand these fundamental questions about yourself, how do you expect to create quality content?
What do this have to do with living in the present? Well, if you are so wrapped up in the future and the “what ifs” you will miss out on precious time to get to know yourself now. Take time for yourself. Connect with you. What do you stand for? What do you love? How do you want to be seen through your content? Take this information and use it to your advantage.
Conclusion
We know, as content creators, it can be particularly difficult to be present while still consistently sharing your life with your audience. But don't get discouraged - you can find a balance!
As you take steps towards that balance, we hope you enjoy more mental clarity. We also hope you find deeper enjoyment of life, both documented in your content and the life you choose to cherish alone.
How do you stay balanced between content creation and living in the present? Let us know!
