Finding Motivation to Stay Encouraged in this Social Media Age: SELFISH to SELFLESS
BY MRS B FINESSE, M.S.
Neuroscience also demonstrates that giving and volunteering release oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. These hormones boost our mood and block cortisol, known as the stress hormone.
In today’s world of social media, where comparison is the norm, finding motivation while staying TRUE to ourselves has become increasingly challenging. We are constantly bombarded with images of people living their best lives, achieving their goals, and reaching new milestones. The pressure to keep up with the Joneses can overwhelm us and push us into selfish behavior. But there are ways to motivate ourselves and stay grounded without losing sight of what truly matters.
The Trap of Selfish Motivation
Too often, we get caught up in the trap of selfish motivation. We focus solely on our own success, measuring our achievements against others, and striving to outdo them. You keep looking to see if you got more Likes and more Followers which continues to dictate if you feel accomplished throughout the day. This type of motivation can lead to an unhealthy obsession with personal gain and result in neglecting those around us. According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, people who prioritize their own success over others’ well-being often have lower levels of empathy and compassion.
The Power of Altruistic Motivation
Instead of focusing solely on our own success, we can find motivation through altruistic actions that benefit others. According to research, individuals who engage in acts of kindness experience increases in happiness and well-being. Altruistic motivation not only benefits those we help but also has a positive impact on our own well-being. By helping others, we create a sense of purpose, community, and interconnectedness. This can lead to less stress and greater life satisfaction.
Actions to Foster Altruistic Motivation
To foster altruistic motivation, there are actions we can take daily to support others and enrich our own lives. Some examples include volunteering, mentoring, donating to charity, and expressing gratitude to those who support us. By shifting our focus from ourselves to others, we can achieve greater happiness and better mental health.
Balancing Self-Improvement and Community Service
While altruistic motivation is powerful and fulfilling, it’s important to balance self-improvement with community service. There’s nothing wrong with striving towards personal goals and betterment, as long as it’s done with an awareness of its impact on those around us. Self-improvement can lead to greater self-awareness, improved mental and physical health, and enhanced confidence, which can translate to better quality service toward others. Remember it is SO important to always have a reason to get up in the morning, having the mindset to LIVE your life not just for yourself but to make an impact positively on others!
In the age of social media, finding motivation can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. We can foster altruistic motivation by focusing on helping others, nurturing relationships, and building community connections. We can also balance self-improvement with community service for a more balanced approach to motivation. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that allows us to strive toward our personal goals while staying grounded and connected to those around us.
Remember Finesse Family that time is something you can’t get back so make sure to STOP wasting it and START investing in yourself by Faithfully Innovating, be Inspiring, Naturally Effective and Seek Success Everyday!
Comment below if you have experienced the pressure of Social Media.
Sources:
- Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Study: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-37991-019
- Benefits of Altruistic Actions: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7348070/
- The Impact of Gratitude on Mental Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3010965/