We’ve all heard the annoying song. But what is a selfie really, if not a digital mirror of sorts. Well, a mirror that gets shared on Instagram, Twitter, and if you are enough of a public figure, criticized by politicians everywhere. But now and then, for instance at a crossroads in your life, or attending some kind of conference in your field, it’s not a bad idea to take one, and take a look at yourself. I had that opportunity this weekend, as I am both at a crossroads in my life, and was attending a conference.
What do you get when you take a selfie? A real look at yourself in a number of ways.
Where am I now? A selfie not only shows you, but it shows where you are. Of course, many times that is a bathroom, be it a public one or your own, or perhaps the White House or the Oscars depending on your celebrity status. But it is a good question to ask yourself: where am I in my career and my life? A true assessment of your current situation can make it much easier for you to move forward.
Am I happy? Look at your eyes in your selfie: Are you happy? Sad? Two-pitchers of Bud Light drunk? You see your selfie reveals not only where you are, but how you feel about where you are. Which tells us that way too many people are happy about their bathrooms, or their living rooms are so messy they’re afraid to show them to us. Whatever you discover, know that if you are not content where you are, it may be time to move on to something else.
How do I present myself to others? The open shower curtain and rack of hair products behind you in your selfie may reveal more about who you are than you think. Your choice of beverage, or the photobombing stoner behind you may reveal something you don’t want others to see. Is this the image you want to show to the world? If it isn’t, you may want to look at change.
A conference is a great learning time. Returning to the “real world” reminds us we all have work to do. So let me get back at it. But first, let me take a selfie.
