Monday Motivation | The Responsibility of Influence

As much as we hate to admit it, there’s some sort of adrenaline that comes with growing followers, likes and views. It feels like “success” to us since we typically measure success in numbers. The goal for many on social media is to get a ton of likes and be labeled as an influencer, a status that comes with many benefits. You want the opportunities that come with it, the clout, the gifts and the acceptance. It all seems so intriguing. What is there not to desire about being liked by the masses? Being included in everything fun and exclusive? In 2018 alone, I’ve gone from just sharing my thoughts and opinions with you all here, to what feels like finally being noticed by others publicly on a grand scale. Although it’s exciting, I don’t want to forget why I’m here and what I’m here to share. I understand that as my numbers and views grow, so will the chances that I have to make an impression on others.

We find value in co-signs from strangers and likes that we feel like we’ve earned when in reality it means so little. We go out of our way to post photos, often pushing our limits (i.e. more skin, more designer bags and shoes, more champagne) to be in alignment with we we think will warrant more of a reaction and even allow likes to mean more to us than what they’re really worth. Social media can so easily position us in a place where what we’re doing, wearing and sharing can effect the lives of all of the women watching. Now more than ever, I recognize the power of positioning, especially on a platform where anyone can make themselves and their lives look picture perfect. It’s so important to discern not just what we put out for others, but also what we encourage when it’s put in front of us. Cosigning nonsense is just as bad as promoting it.

I don’t take my “influence” lightly, and you shouldn’t either should you be lucky enough to be put in that position. At this point, I don’t care how much flat tummy tea is going to pay me – I’m not selling the women I’ve worked so hard to build trust with a dream because I’m in a position to where what I say can actually spark a difference in someones life. With your platform, what are you sharing? As in influencer, you’re in a position to really pour into the people watching you and the people they’re sharing your posts with, both negatively and positively. In fact, influence should be treated as a responsibility. Let it be your responsibility to find the best way to communicate truth, helpfulness and inspiration with those watching. Don’t be swayed to put your opinion out there in exchange for gifts or money. Instead, do it to have a positive domino effect on the women who follow you and take the time out to read and interact with what you have to say.

The higher you climb, the louder your voice – but don’t make light of your audience of 500 or 5000. What messages are you clearly creating with your platform? This Monday, take into account how your actions, photos and words could be directly affecting those you influence and take responsibility for your impact.