I’ve been wanting to share about this topic for awhile, and I figured if it’s been on my heart for awhile, then there’s probably a reason why. This past spring, I went through a time that I just felt so BLEHHHH. I know there are people who are reading this who are thinking, “me too, girl,” or maybe even “that’s me riiiiiiight now.” I know that most creatives {or just people in general} go through times and season that lack energy, motivation, and pep.

I could sit and chat about the good and bad effects of social media for hours, but for today, I’ll just share this. I realized in this time period of BLEH-iness that the online world was taking such a toll on me. I was second guessing everything I was creating, and I was always looking at what competitors were doing. I felt drained because it was a constant comparison game, and the pity party in my head told me I was losing.

I realized that at that point in time my inspiration and creative ideas were coming from other photographers in the industry. While, I believe it’s great to stay in the know with what your competitors are doing, I knew that as a creative, I needed to be…CREATIVE. I couldn’t expect for my business to be different or more creative than others if I was following the same path they were!

So, I headed to my Instagram, and I literally unfollowed every photographer that I was following. Instead, I begin following graphic design, flower shops, fashion, and interior design accounts. Perhaps other industries were reaching their target in a unique way that photographers had yet to discover. I ended up doing this test for about two months, and I am so happy I did. I learned more about my creative side, and what I truly did and didn’t like. I discovered different marketing tactics and communication methods.

So why am I sharing all of this?

Good question!

I know I’m not the only one that has had someone copy their work or ideas. It’s very tough to be on the receiving end of it. You see someone local who is using the same tactic, idea, event {you name it} that you created, and it’s just so frustrating. You’ve put so much work and focused your creativity into something to set yourself a part. Then, someone else is reaping the benefits of it and claiming it as their own.

Once again, why am I sharing this?

I believe all creatives would greatly benefit from unfollowing those in their industry for a chunk of time. In that time, they can refocus on what they are truly drawn to, and they can discover their creativity again.

Yes, I know this might seem silly, but if you are a business owner that is looking for GROWTH or being DIFFERENT. You can’t keep looking at those directly to the side of you. When I was younger, and I was training for track and cross country, my dad always told me to never look back when you race. Not only does it let your competitor know that you are nervous, sweating, and unsure, it pulls you away from your focus – finishing strong. I think that applies in the creative space as well. If you’re always looking to the side or to your competitors, you will likely be passed or left-behind. Focus on your own race.

I challenge you to go to your social media channels and unfollow those “racing competitors.” It’ll be tough to not have their ideas as a crutch, but you will grow your own creativity!

xoxo,