It's always easier to point the finger at someone else instead of at ourselves. And while we may think we have a valid scapegoat the truth is we have the power to overcome our circumstances regardless to how horrible they might seem. But it starts with changing your perception of yourself and what you're capable of achieving. You have to recognize your self worth and see yourself as someone who deserves to have a life of happiness and fulfillment. It doesn't matter where you came from or what happened to you. . .it's about where you want to go and how only YOU can make that happen.

I know I am not the only person guilty of looking at Instagram and coveting things I see. Whether it's a cool outfit, a trip to a fabulous place or even a maple bacon glazed doughnut.

And sometimes this covetous behavior can lead us to comparing our own lives or what we perceive as a "lack" of something to those people we follow on Instagram (or other social media sites).

Know this: every post you see on social media is well orchestrated (for the most part) people take photos to share the BEST of their day. If they are having a great hair day, cute outfit or awesome meal they take photos to memorialize it and perhaps strike up a little envy. But that is not their life EVERY SINGLE DAY.  And so what if it is? Have you looked around at your own life lately? Take stock of what's awesome about your own life and even if you aren't documenting it for the world to see, be grateful and cherish those moments instead of wishing you had someone else's life. Focus on your own paper! Not to mention, anyone can buy a maple bacon glazed doughnut! 

I'm sure I will upset some people with this post but I'm only doing it because I love you. If you are a business owner or you are trying to build a business or brand, you have got to budget for some higher quality photos.

I'm not talking about your profile or personal picture. I'm referring to images of your products and images that you're sharing on your website and social media.

It really irritates me when I see awesome, inspiring quotes on a blurry or pixelated image. And then you have the nerve to put your website or logo on said image, really? Or someone who does hair, events or sells accessories using images taken with their camera phone in horrible light. It really makes the product/service look unappealing. 

Here is a simple rule of thumb: If you are getting a photo printed it should be around 300dpi (dots per inch) if you are using it online it needs to be around 72dpi.  Also make sure the orientation of the image works for the platform that you are using.

There are a TON of free, quality stock photography images that you can get online. And if you are using photo's of your own products/services then you need to either invest in a good camera or have a professional come out and take photo's for you. I love camera phones just as much as the next person but they are not all created equal and they could be hurting your brand more than helping it. 

I am a loner. I've always been a loner. I actually prefer to work alone. Why?  Because teams are often unpredictable and my Taurean nature thrives on being in control of the outcome.  Teams also mean dealing with different personalities and attitudes and politics and a bunch of other stuff that can stall productivity.

However teams also mean you get different thoughts, opinions and ideas which are critical for lasting success.  While I might think I am the best thing since sliced bread it's always good to have another perspective. Case and point: I have done the majority of the work for publishing my book on my own however I did enlist two pre-readers and I paid a professional editor to do line by line editing of my manuscript.  And I have NO REGRETS!! 

I've read my story, What Was Missing at least ten times and each time I found a minor error or something that didn't sound right. I realized I needed another pair of eyes to take a look at the story and the feedback has been nothing short of amazing!  I'm making changes based on their suggestions and it is really strengthening the story. Letting go and allowing others to help me on this journey has been such a great feeling.

The moral of the story: Even if you are a solopreneur, it is okay to admit that you need help from time to time. It will not only help expand your thinking but it can result in a better product. 

I think the concept of social media is wonderful. I think how some people use social media is horrible.  I believe it was conceived to connect people all over the world and to allow people to share information instantly. 

But it has become more of a platform for people to hide behind anonymity and tear down others online. As well as a place for people to create a faux life that others want to emulate. 

The problem? Some of us are too attached to social media and too concerned about getting "likes" and comments as if it some how validates us in real life. I think we need to take a step back and put the whole idea of being social in perspective:

1. While there are some genuine connections made online, the majority are not real and those people aren't paying your salary or your bills. Stop spending so much time online looking for validation. 

2. Spend face to face time with your family and actual friends. They are the ones who matter.

3. Re-examine your reasons for being on social media. Is it to make connections? Build a customer base? Sell products? Focus on what you're trying to achieve and don't let social media consume your life.