Three Ways to Find Clarity in a Noisy Social (Media) World

What is the first thing you do when you wake up? Check all your social media? I am often guilty of this habit. I check LinkedIn, see what Instagram is up to, and occasionally end with looking at Facebook.

The other morning, I was scrolling through LinkedIn and I found myself thinking, wow there sure is a lot of content on how to “do this,” “be that,” “succeed this way,” “make more money by doing this,” etc. In an incredibly noisy social media, opinion-filled world, how do we stay focused on what really matters, and moreover how do we actually determine even what matters?

Here are three ways I’ve found sound advice or earned clarity when feeling absorbed by the chaotic land that is the internet.

Take the Old-School Route

If you can believe it (insert sarcasm), before the internet there were several successful people. Instead of referring straight to your favorite internet guru, find someone in your network that is doing what you want to do and reach out. People by nature are flattered to hear that their advice and experience is of worth to another individual. Even studying what others are doing is a great tool. I’ve used this method throughout my career and it is my first go-to when I am looking for trustworthy advice. Reach out, connect and ask real and tough questions to help you succeed personally.

Create Time for Yourself

Self-care is absolutely crucial to your success. Taking time for yourself each day to tune out the noise, even if for one solid minute, allows your mind to be free. Psychologists agree self-care is effective against all kinds of external stressors. Our world is an overstimulated capsule of information — it is important to break away from that every once in a while. That time could mean a great workout, reading a book, meditating, or even just grabbing coffee for yourself. Whatever it is for you, commit to making the time.

Don’t Take Shortcuts

It takes action, not passion, to understand where you want to be. Trial and error is what brings your intentions to life. When you make the choice to “go for” what you want, you will feel scared, there will be uncertainty if it’s going to work out, but you will be rewarded for pushing forward in your pursuit. It takes passion to elicit action, but without action there will be no results.

Asking for help, taking time for myself and staying focused on the action plan are all things that have helped me immensely. It is easy to be torn in several directions with the amount of information we have access to. Taking a step back and diving deep into how to personally guide yourself and accomplish what you want in this life will certainly pay off in the long run. So, try today, turn your attention towards something new.

Lindsey Rainwater, also known as Lindsey RainH2O, is a sought-after business advisor, founder, writer and keynote speaker to the fitness and wellness industry. For more information about Rainwater, follow her on Twitter @LindseyRainH2o.