Closet of Chaos

written by Kirsten Caldwell

Social media has begun a wellness movement, you’ve probably seen all the matching-sets, palates, yogurt bowls, stair masters, Stanley cups etc; and you’ve recognized that these all fall under the umbrella term/phrase: “lock-in”. The face of it is positive: influencing young adults to upkeep their health, put forward their best effort, and become the best version of themselves. However once you keep scrolling you notice a uniformity in these ideals of success.

Is it possible that we as a generation (gen-z) have pedestalled the social media standard of beauty, fitness, and style? Instead of searching intrinsically for who we are, we strive to become a social media version of ourselves? And when that version doesn’t actualize, we take it out on ourselves for not being compatible?

Later I will discuss the negative implications of bandwagoning onto the social media lifestyle, but first I want to address this “lock-in” social media genre thats been influencing us all to have a fitness regime.

“Lock-in” insinuates a period of being locked out: a plateau that many reach when the fitness regime collides with responsibilities or they simply have no will left.

So, why do we keep locking out?

The physique is at the centre of health and fitness content: flat tummies, large biceps, big boobs and buttocks. Its imposed onto us to want these things, especially if you’re a chronic engager of social media. But this health movement is starting to penetrate deeper than appearance, its becoming more and more about morality.

The gym-lifestyle is suddenly so important. Reaching the same appeal of a well-paying job, getting married, or having a happy family; gym-going is now a pillar of success.

Research suggests desire imposed by external influences or guilt and shame is not conducive to long-term commitment; Which negates everything floating around on the internet doesn’t it?

Intrinsic motivation (the enjoyment of an activity absent of an end goal) is found to sustain a goal for much longer. For example, a person who receives mental reprieve from physical fitness is probably more consistent than a person who feels they have to go. But its not the only motivation that will keep wind in your sails: Identified regulation, the attachment of a goal to personal meaning, is the middle ground between intrinsic pleasure and discipline. Not everything stimulates passion, and you cannot force devotion through discipline, therefore establish it within your self-standard that this activity serves a purpose.

However,if you do not enjoy the gym you do not have to go! (you really only need 2-3 45 minute progressive overload sessions a week to prevent muscle deterioration). And its better that way so you can invest more time into the things you truly enjoy.

How social media vision boards distance self-actualization.

How are we meant to find ourselves if we follow the crowd? If we adopt the same fitness routine, same gym clothes, same aesthetic, how do we become who we really are?

Viral content doesn’t emphasize the importance in trying the things you’re bad at, being apart of your community, or having a hobby. Remember those? Hobbies used to tell us all about a person. We’ve ditched them, there are obvious economic factors involved (everyone working to meet the rising costs); which makes activities without extrinsic gain seem trivial, a waste of time. How could dedicating time to figuring out what you enjoy doing be an investment?

Believe it or not the most successful people aren’t extremely disciplined they are just incredibly aligned with themselves.

“The only way you can do great work, is if you love what you do.”

~Steve Jobs, Apple founder

“My professional inspiration has no separation from my personal inspiration…”

~Richard Branson, Virgin Airlines founder

“Do what you love in life.”

~Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder

“Work is its own motivator”

~Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors

Things to establish within your conscience:

  1. Have a personal definition of success.
    • this is probably the most important, set your own goals, stop looking to social media to see what everyone else labels as success, figure out what activities will extract the version of you hidden within in your depths.
  2. You won’t achieve everything in your twenties.
    • To clarify, you can. You can achieve every goal you have set for yourself currently but what I mean is self-actualization takes time, and the pathway towards that isn’t glamorous. Therefore slow down, its okay that everything’s not going your way right now.
  3. Be patient.

I hope this offered a perspective that alleviates the pressure trying to mold you into something you’re not. Remember the path you are on is the one made for you!

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