The Adult Participation Trophy
Social media can get a bad rep based on the person explaining their experiences with it, but the truth is you choose who you’re friends with and who you follow so the content you’re most exposed to is based on your choices. Not something most people will be honest about, but when people share with me the negative things they see I’m quick to add that you can control that if you really want to. Social media is a tool and not designed to “run the show” but be put to work for you. All social media isn’t filled with false hopes and dreams of grandeur. I find it quite refreshing to get a knowledge nugget I can consider in my everyday life or just good news in general. So many of my friends, family, and social media family (that’s what it feels like some of them are) are working on crushing goals and really trying to live the best life.
With that being said, I felt it was necessary to address the idea of the adult participation trophy. We already know what that is from a child perspective, but what does it look like for adults? I’m pretty sure it’s the same thing. Showing up for anything should not make someone feel entitled to a trophy. As a former athlete, we all got certificates and only the best on the team received a trophy for their achievement. Social media (which is why it was introduced first) has made the trophy syndrome very prevalent for adults. Many people want more than a well done for doing the minimum when they show up to life. You went to work and paid your bills....congrats, but that is what you’re supposed to do as an adult. You work hard making sure your children are cared for well....you guessed it, something we are supposed to do. Don’t get me wrong, I love posting birthday pictures of my children or just a moment in time because I recognize that they’ll grow up and we will never get this time again. However, I refuse to gauge likes and followers on any of that nor do I expect people to shower me with accolades because I’m doing the best job I can as a stay at home mom. Me sharing is just that and truthfully I understand the connection between being an online presence and getting sponsorships so I’m willing to be more interactive because I’m working on creating something for myself and family. For me, it is work and strategy instead of validation seeking for continued snapshots of my everyday life. I don’t mind giving likes for friends and others as well as clapping, but the idea and desire of wanting be lifted up for showing up has to stop. I know I don’t have to go into details because we all know someone like that or at some point we’ve been that person. Truth is, I had to just unfollow and/or mute them so I didn’t get frustrated when they would complain about this or that thing not being recognized enough. One of the best realizations in life is to just do the hard work and live out your dreams. Anything that’s supposed to get attached to it will.
I know this sounds so silly, but the truth of the matter is there are so many people attempting to look great for pics but not becoming great at their craft. I can’t tell you how many hours I spend looking at other people‘s blogs, listening to podcasts, and checking out their videos so that I can grow and become the me I dream of. I don’t want to look the part without actually having the stuff because I know at some point someone will come for me and I want to have substance when they arrive. Instead of a pat on the back I’m working towards receiving checks so for now, I’ll be okay with just a certificate because when I get the trophy I want it to be because of the hard work and dedication Ive exhibited on a consistent based that has caused me to stand out. Do you ever feel like there’s this “look at me I _______” society that has been created by social media... What’s your thoughts on all of this?