I am getting questions from people in my span of care about social media. People want to know how to work in Twitter or Facebook to their ministry or work with helping people. Honestly, I have had these same questions of myself. I felt like I was taking a shotgun approach with no real masterplan. How much time is wasted this way!
Some say social media is the incremental, consensual relinquishment of personal privacy. Others say it's a great way to lean into community and be a better person for it. I believe somewhere between these two extremes lies the answer. As in most cases, balance is the key.
Here are 4 habits you need to develop if you are making social media a part of your equation:
Know your objectives ahead of time. What do you want to accomplish with your life? What is God calling you to do? What is the unique expression of your gifts, talents, and passions? Build a masterplan around your calling. That's the big rock. Social media outlets are the pebbles that fill in around the big rock.
Set boundaries ahead of time. If you're not careful, you will easily chew up a couple hours in one sitting as you go from one Facebook status update to Twitter updates, to Ning, to Google, to... Decide how much time you are going to spend on the various social media outlets. Pick a block of time. If necessary, get a kitchen timer and stop when it goes off.
Preserve your integrity. Watch what you put out there. If you're going away on a trip, it may make more sense to wait until you return home before you let the world know what you did. Be discriminating in your communication. When you do post things about yourself, be yourself. Be authentic.
Protect your morality. Surround yourself with accountability partners. I have built this into my life and I'm working at making it even more robust. It's amazing how much better I feel when I know I have a few honest relationships who are watching out for me. Get software to help you too. I use Covenant Eyes, an online watchful eye that records my every online movement and sends a report to my accountability partners. (Serving Strong is an affiliate of Covenant Eyes. If you enroll using the Promo Code: ServingStrong, your first month is free. Check it out.)
Do you know of any more habits? Share them in the comments field. I certainly could use more insight from you. We all could. Staying on top of social media is part of Serving Strong!
By the way, if you decide to engage in social media, Serving Strong can be part of your equation:
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