Ted Talks Daily – How to self-promote without shame | Fixable

Intro

In this episode of “Ted Talks Daily” titled “How to self-promote without shame | Fixable,” Francis Fry and Anne Morriss, top leadership coaches, share actionable insights to create meaningful change in the workplace. They discuss the importance of reframing tasks and how shame can be a motivating factor. Additionally, Chris Duffy, a comedian and writer, explores the challenges of using social media authentically. He seeks to find a balance between growing his career and maintaining his mental well-being. Join them as they provide valuable advice and perspectives on self-promotion and social media usage.

Main Takeaways

Reframing Tasks and Overcoming Avoidance

• Francis Fry admits to avoiding a task for three months that only takes four hours to complete.
• Coaching suggests snapping out of avoidance and framing the task as taking four hours regardless of when it’s done.
• Reframing tasks before attaching a catastrophic storyline to them can help enjoy them.
• Dishwashing is a task that cannot be reframed.
• Shame can be a motivating factor for completing tasks.

Authenticity on Social Media

• Chris Duffy struggles with using social media authentically while feeling conflicted about its impact on his well-being and the world.
• He aims to find a way to use social media sustainably without feeling gross or embarrassed.
• Chris identifies as a professional comedian and writer who tries to connect with people through humor.
• The limited and time-bound nature of performing on stage feels different from the permanent footprint of social media.
• Social media in 2023 is the lowest cost distribution channel.

Approaching Social Media with a Different Perspective

• Using social media as an extension of the canvas to make the audience better, smarter, and more connected.
• Focus on promoting others instead of self-promotion.
• Consistently put out content focused on other people.
• LinkedIn has narrow norms on what you’re allowed to do and say.
• Social media measures our craving for love with likes.

Finding Joy and Freedom on Social Media

• Being in multiple boxes makes you more interesting.
• The message stays constant, but the vehicle changes.
• Getting an outsider’s perspective on creative pursuits can be helpful.
• Mental reframing is necessary to change the way we approach social media.
• Social media can be viewed as creating a short-form experience for the audience.

Summary

Reframing Tasks and Overcoming Avoidance

Francis Fry shares her experience of avoiding a task for three months that only takes four hours. Coaching suggests reframing tasks and snapping out of avoidance by framing the task as taking four hours regardless of when it’s done. By reframing tasks and avoiding catastrophic storylines, one can find enjoyment in completing them. However, some tasks, like dishwashing, cannot be reframed. Shame can also serve as a motivating factor for completing tasks.

Authenticity on Social Media

Chris Duffy discusses the challenges of using social media authentically. As a comedian and writer, he tries to connect with people through humor. However, he struggles with the impact of social media on his well-being and the world. Despite this, social media remains a low-cost distribution channel in 2023. Duffy aims to find a sustainable approach to social media usage without feeling gross or embarrassed.

Approaching Social Media with a Different Perspective

Social media can be viewed as an extension of the canvas to make the audience better, smarter, and more connected. Instead of focusing on self-promotion, it is recommended to promote others and consistently put out content focused on other people. However, platforms like LinkedIn have narrow norms on what can be said and done. Social media often measures our craving for love through likes, but it is important to approach it with a different perspective.

Finding Joy and Freedom on Social Media

Being in multiple boxes can make individuals more interesting on social media. While the message remains constant, the vehicle of expression may change. Seeking an outsider’s perspective on creative pursuits can provide valuable insights. Mental reframing is necessary to change the way we approach social media. By viewing it as a short-form experience for the audience and posting different types of content, a wider audience can be attracted. Finding joy and freedom on social media comes from creating content that isn’t solely focused on self-promotion.

Conclusion

Self-promotion without shame and using social media authentically are challenges many individuals face. By reframing tasks, overcoming avoidance, and approaching social media with a different perspective, it is possible to find joy, freedom, and meaningful connections. Remember to focus on promoting others, consistently put out content that adds value, and seek outsider perspectives to enhance creative pursuits. Embrace the opportunities that social media platforms offer while maintaining authenticity and mental well-being.