How Social Media and Analytics Robs Us of Dreams
"'What' not 'How'" and "The Joy Thief"
Comparison is an act of violence against the self.
The Vanguard
The era we’re in, as it always is, presents new challenges and pitfalls we must overcome and avoid. Unfortunately there’s always the vanguard, the point men, that go ahead of all of us who often fall into those traps before we learn to avoid them.
Within the concept of time we all take our places out front in one form or another. After all, there is nothing after us yet. That comes later. So we’re at the front as of now.
One such challenge is the hyper-focus on analytics and comparison. These are useful tools without a doubt yet they can destroy us before we even begin if we let them.
Let’s use the example of a miter saw. An exceedingly useful tool when used properly but dangerous if you’re not paying attention. They are exceedingly deadly if, perhaps, someone decides they want an up-close view of the wood being cut.
Nowadays there are few people who would risk such a view and for good reason. There are countless horror stories of circular saw accidents, table saw tragedies, miter saw misery and so on.
It appears obvious we should avoid putting our hands or our fingers on the portion of the wood directly behind what is currently being cut. After all, the blade is cutting the wood while also pulling it in.
Sure, we guide it but there are times pieces get sucked in and shot out the other side. If you’ve used one long enough you’ve come to expect it.
I would argue all of this is only obvious now due to what we have learned from our trailblazers. We could have and perhaps should have known from prior experience and understanding, but the totality of human knowledge currently accumulated cannot be known by everyone at all times going forward.
For instance, we know a piece of wood must be secured in place when using a hand saw or it will roll or move with the blade. It may not do it immediately but likely will eventually, depending on the size. And the only reason it won’t move is if the size itself serves to hold it in place.
Therefore we can predict that the wood will move with a circular blade. As a miter saw and a table saw use a circular blade, we can make an educated guess that the wood will travel in the direction the blade is rotating by virtue of the teeth and friction.
I’m confident many made this assumption and remained safe. Yet many did not or many became complacent, even careless. Complacency kills, after all.
The Application
Now to the main point, the application of what we understand as true. Currently it is known that social media is, like, just the worst. I mean, it’s truly awful.
That’s only an opinion though. Social media can have good qualities. It does have some, I’ll admit. it connects family and friends over great distances. It allows the sharing and interaction with photos and allows people who are unable to be around certain family members or friends to follow along and feel a part of events at times.
This only goes so far, sure, but it’s there. Utilized properly social media truly is a blessing. We also know some pitfalls within social media. The obvious is the sexualization of children and the hyper-sexualization of our girls.
Add in a proliferation of sex trafficking and sex crimes and allowing kidnapping to become as easy as tricking someone with a direct message. Those are big problems but hopefully you’re already aware of those and can keep you and yours safe.
The danger I intend to address today is the hidden thief within social media and analytics. Comparison is important, it is even vital at times. Yet it is a thief. I have annoyed a good friend of mine incessantly over the last few months with this message on repeat.
Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy
As far as I’ve been able to find, Theodore Roosevelt is credited with this phrase. I didn’t dig too deep, so take it for what it is, a maybe. There may have been others prior who said it, perhaps he never said it at all.
I don’t care that much, however. That doesn’t make it less true. Comparison is the thief of joy. Social media, perhaps some fashion magazines, analytics regarding how your profile is doing compared to the mean and many other things have compelled us to focus mainly on how we are doing compared to how others are doing.
Should that be our focus? I submit that it shouldn’t be. Everyone is different so everyone will perform at a different level. Of course some comparison is useful, but it should not be the focus. We should not allow that to distract us from what it is we are doing nor should it overtake our “why”.
For one, if you’re focused on “how” you are doing in any undertaken endeavor of yours, you’ll never get off the ground. The “woe is me” will take over. But why should you compare yourself, a green horn, a small fish in a large pond, a newbie, wet behind the ears; why should you compare yourself to those who have been on the path you’re walking down far longer than you have?
That’s passion suicide. That’s robbing yourself of the joy you assumed was coming or the joy you felt as you took your first steps. Never again will that come to you if the focus is on the “how”.
Again, this does not mean “how” should never be taken into account. It only means that shouldn’t be the focus.
The focus needs to remain on the “what”.
What are you doing?
What are you accomplishing?
What have you done so far?
What are you going to do?
What have you learned?
What have you earned?
What will you become?
What will you know?
What will your impact be?
What is your name?
What is your quest?
What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
Those are the questions that need answered as a focus. How you are doing will come in time. Be patient. Focus on the quest. Focus on the what. And you needn’t worry so much about the how.
Because you will have avoided the trap 99% of the others who are attempting the same path you’re on keep falling into. Don’t allow comparison to steal your thunder. That shit is yours. Keep it.
Love,
Dad
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