Living the best you can, in a world of limited resources, is a daunting prospect. It’s a tough balance to achieve: you have to strive for personal success and comfort, while also adhering to the principles of social responsibility. Without having all five fingers in the pie, many of us find ourselves stuck in the middle, uncertain of what approach to take. To address this issue, there is a need for more robust solutions that allow everyday people to strive to do the best they can in a socially conscious way.
One common barrier to achieving a better quality of life is social media. Social media’s pressure to project a perfect image into the digital world often creates a sense of unrealistic expectations and constant comparison. It feels almost impossible to step away, as social media has become an important part of how we communicate and connect. Fortunately, there are steps people can take to reduce the negative impacts of social media. First, set boundaries. It is easy to get caught up in the perfectionism of social media – dedicating too much time or spending too much money – when it comes to portraying one’s ideal self. Setting boundaries on how much time or money you are willing to invest in your digital presence can help make sure that social media is used in a healthy way.
Second, use social media in a way that plays to your personal strengths and interests. Not everyone enjoys posting hundreds of pictures on Instagram, or broadcasting thoughts through Twitter. Instead, use it as the platform to explore your passions, share your insights, and connect with like-minded people. Remain focused on using social media to authentically express who you are, rather than what the culture dictates.
Finally, don’t forget that other forms of communication exist. Talking with friends and family face-to-face, whether in person or via video chat, is just as valid and powerful. Doing this allows us to experience and appreciate other forms of social interaction more than any other virtual medium.
Aside from social media, there are other proactive ways that everyday people can promote social justice and help others live the best they can. Promoting financial literacy is one great way to do this, as it has been found to be a key factor in economic development. Establishing community banks, credit unions and financial literacy programs helps to empower people in underserved communities with the knowledge and skills needed to make wise financial decisions.
Additionally, encouraging entrepreneurship is another way for people to contribute to a better quality of life. Through mentorship and seed funding businesses, people can provide the resources and support needed to individuals and communities to develop. Not only does this promote economic independence, but it also strengthens the local economy and a sense of trust between local citizens.
Finally, engaging with the local community is also an important way to support and promote those around you. Through volunteering and/or donating to charity organizations (which, in a digital era, can be done virtually), people have the power to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Whether it’s through providingon-demand help or organizing educational initiatives, each small action has the potential to spark big change.
Living the best you can in the limited resources of society is difficult. Social media, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community engagement are all tools that can be leveraged to make positive changes in how people live their lives. Each one is as unique as every individual. The key is to learn how to combine these qualities within oneself, to turn the small actions into lasting strides, and, ultimately, strive to seek out solutions in living the best life one can live.