Intro
In today's social media-driven world, viral content seems to be the ultimate measure of success. However, for aspiring photographers and content creators, the pursuit of virality can be a double-edged sword. I recently experienced unexpected virality with one of my posts, but to my surprise, it left me feeling unsatisfied. In this blog post, I want to share why my true goal was not achieving popularity but rather making a meaningful impact. I believe that having a genuine and internally-driven goal is crucial for anyone seeking success in their chosen field.
The Quest for Impact:
When I created the content that went viral, my main objective was not to gain millions of likes or followers. Instead, I aimed to inform and educate upcoming photographers on the do's and don'ts of the field. Drawing from my own experiences, I wanted to provide valuable insights that would guide them towards becoming professionals and achieving financial success.
The Pitfalls of External Influences:
In life, it is easy to fall into the trap of setting goals based on external influences such as societal expectations, peer pressure, or social media trends. If our primary objective is to amass followers, likes, and shares, we may end up feeling frustrated and disheartened. External factors like algorithms on social media platforms are beyond our control, making it difficult to measure success solely through popularity metrics.
Focus on What You Can Control:
To find true fulfillment and success, it is essential to shift our focus from external validation to internal growth. We must concentrate on what we can control, such as the quality and quantity of our content, the number of photoshoots we take on, and the genuine connections we build with our audience.
Quality Over Quantity:
Rather than obsessing over the number of likes and comments, we should prioritize creating content that provides value to our audience. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can foster a community of engaged individuals who genuinely learn from and engage with our work.
Setting Realistic Goals:
The key to maintaining motivation and perseverance is to set realistic goals. These goals should be deeply rooted in our passion and purpose, not influenced by fleeting external measures of success. When we establish meaningful internal objectives, we can stay focused on making a lasting impact rather than chasing temporary popularity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the pursuit of virality should not overshadow our true purpose as content creators and photographers. By prioritizing impact over popularity, we can achieve fulfillment in our work and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Let's remember that genuine success lies in setting realistic and internally-driven goals, creating valuable content, and connecting with our audience on a deeper level. So, let's focus on making a lasting impact and find peace in knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of those we touch.
