In the social media age, we can sometimes feel pressured to compete with our friends and post everything regarding our achievements.
Then, when things don't happen the way we hoped (or when we simply change our minds), we feel obligated to give everyone an explanation.
Life is hard enough. You don't need the added pressure of explaining why something did or did not work out.
Here are five reasons why you should hold off on announcing your next move until it's a done deal.
1. Things happen you can't ever anticipate.
There's nothing like leaving a job interview and knowing you nailed it. You answered every question perfectly, you blew them away with your creative ideas and you even negotiated a salary that's perfect for you and the employer.
You're excited and telling all your friends and family at this point, right?
Then, the heart-wrenching email comes, saying, “Unfortunately, we have decided to go with another candidate who is a better fit for this position."
If that doesn't crush your heart, I don't know what will. Many times we have friends and family who will pick us up and reaffirm our worth. But on the other hand, it doesn't make the sting any less worse.
We dread telling everyone we just weren't good enough for the position. If you can't handle telling people your lows or don't want to explain why you didn't get the job, keep your lips sealed until your signature is on that contract.
2. You'll have to answer the “when?”
When are you moving to New York? When are you starting your new job? When are you buying a house? When are you taking the next step in your relationship?
The “when” questions will slowly drive you insane. You'll want to hide out or completely disappear from social media until you can figure out when these goals of yours will come to fruition.
While people think they're being helpful by constantly putting you on a timeline, they're actually just increasing your anxiety levels. Again, keep it on mute until you have answers to when these things will happen.
3. Critics will only send you negative vibes.
In the words of Keri Hilson, “Jealousy's the ugliest trait.”
Not everyone who follows you on social media wishes you well. Some people hate to see you doing better than them.
They will discourage you, make you feel like your dreams are unattainable and they'll send you negative vibes.
Make sure you're only telling your goals to people who will help you get there.
4. Your competition will steal your ideas.
There is competition in absolutely every industry, creative or otherwise. You know that feeling when you say a joke but someone else says it louder, thus making the room erupt in laughter?
Or that feeling where you tell someone an idea of yours and they go and do something similar? Imagine that, but your dreams are on the line instead of credit for a joke.
Please protect your ideas. You're going to be furious when you see the other person doing extremely well with your vision.
5. Everyone doesn't need to know everything.
Just because it's not on social media doesn't mean it's not real.
Some accomplishments you can keep to yourself. You got a raise a work. You killed your presentation. You even lost three pounds this week.
Guess what? Your accomplishment is no less of an accomplishment because you're the only one who knows about it. We have to learn how to feel validated even when there's no one around to quantify the success through likes and virtual praise.
We don't have to prove anything to anyone. Call it a personal win and continue to move in silence.
