Social Media Got You Down? It Had Me Too

I entered the summer with a commitment to savor. The pace of my days were such that something had to give. Not only was I using my time ineffectively, I was flat out social media crabby.

All of my activity began to feel like an obligation. It took a few lash-outs for me to really see that I wasn't enjoying what I was doing and I made it the fault of others <not a pretty side of me.>

Bottom line: I lost my spark.

So, short of shutting it all down with the press of a few strategically placed DELETE keys in a moment of regrettable reaction, I gave myself the permission give it up. I gave myself permission to step away from the blogs, let the cobwebs form on Tweetdeck, let that perfect speaking opportunity pass me by and permit Google+ to evolve without me.

Once I knew I could give it all up . . . I realized I didn't want to. 

I was so stuck on the mechanics of what I was doing <insert pictures, post, edit, comment, retweet, approve group members, prepare proposals, arrange speakers, update friends, neglect blogroll, update profiles, encircle people> that I had lost the why of it all. 

I am not completely selfless and without ego so I'd be lying if I said I don't like it when my posts are retweeted and my blog subscribers increase or I am asked to speak, sit on advisory boards, etc. or that I worried you would forget about me if I stepped away and technology would pass me by. 

But that wasn't the source of the spark.

The one thing - through it all - that holds meaning for me is bringing out potential in others. The spark for me is providing something that enables others to be that much better or reach that much further. Now, throw in the chance to work shoulder to shoulder with smart women I respect and admire.

There, now the sparks really begin to fly. Here's to clarity and focus and a little less crabbiness all around.

Photo credit iStockphoto

Comments

[Alan Hill]

Good luck friend - I wish you success on this step of the journey.
When I got laid off in 2007 my wife told me 'you're a much nicer person now."
That taught me sometimes focus is not such a good thing.

[Will]

Nice reminder about the basis of success...especially in social media...helping others! Get that down and success will follow.

[Eleanor]

It's always good to step back once in a while to give you some breathing room and regain perspective. It's great that you reconnected with the reason why you do what you do with your blog and everything else online.

[Lisa Rosendahl]

Alan, I can't image you being anything but nice; sometimes change is good, 'eh?

Will, thanks for stopping by and for the comment. Helping others - it really does come down to that in just about anything doesn't it?

Eleanor, nice to "see" you. Perspective is one of those things that sometimes seems to just slip awat in the night, isn't it. Thanks for stopping by.

[Recruitment Software]

Wow! I hope you find meaning in this decision you've made. People are really getting hooked to social media sites. In a way, I hope they see those sites the way you do, not as a way to destroy others.