2020 has been a calendar year like no other. Our lives changed very quickly in which remote working has become the norm. We’ve spent much more time online and the lockdown has meant we’ve spent a lot of time looking for new things to do. I’ve learned a lot over the past year and a few changes to my mental diet has given some much-needed inspiration in these difficult times.
Podcasts
This is a topic I’ve discussed numerous times on my blog which has changed my life for the better. One of which includes The High Performance podcast which features guests from the world of sport, business etc. who give insight on how they overcome difficult moments. It has given me a weekly dose of inspiration and has given me the curiosity to explore, such as, listening to other podcasts that co-presenter Damian Hughes has appeared on to get more insight into his ideas and adopt a more positive approach to life. For example, in his appearance on The Coach Gerald Lami podcast, he discusses how two teachers who spoke up for him after he was suspended from school made him take heed on the people he surrounded himself with, as well as, acknowledging the importance of humility and self-awareness
The Diary of a CEO is another good one. It is hosted by the founder of Social Chain Steven Bartlett where he provides upfront and honest advice on social stigmas and advice on the simple steps we can take to make our lives better. Whether he is flying solo or has a guest on the show, you can always rely on him for weekly inspiration. He gives us a fly on the wall on his life stories and breaks down barriers on taboo topics such as relationships and money.
Mental diet and social media usage
This podcast gives us a good segue into our next topic. On one of the episodes, Steven illustrates the fact that social media is a free platform that can allow us to be a fly on the wall on the world’s smartest minds and tap into their ways of thinking that can change our lives for the better. However, he expressed his frustration that most people use social media for the wrong reasons e.g. believing fake news, following high profile people that glorify hedonism and so on.
Changing the content I consume has improved my mental health and has made me more informed about different ways of thinking. One of which includes the importance of taking responsibility with anecdotes that help me to challenge my thinking and approaches to life. One interesting account I follow on Instagram is @LiquidThinker, it is run by Damian Hughes who posts a daily inspirational quote that a lot of us can resonate with, every post is inspirational and draws in our attention on how we could have a more positive outlook on life. Damian’s page has plenty of interesting messages and following him has made me embrace the benefits of social media a lot more.
All in all, 2020 has taught me a lot with regards to the online content I consume. I’ve got a lot of fascinating insight and anecdotes from Damian Hughes that have made me more self-aware and informed on better ways to approach life. Also, it has broadened my knowledge of social media by adopting new methods to my use of social platforms that have enabled me to reap the benefits. The Coddling of the American Mind from Jonathan Haidt illustrates the effect on how the majority of people believe that there’s only right or wrong on social media and that their news-feed becomes an echo chamber. It compares people sniping at opinions they disagree on with increased peanut allergies in children because of a lack of exposure.
The Real Talk blog 