Just a Tip #138: Going Viral (w/ Karen X. Cheng)
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Today, I talk with creative director Karen X. Cheng about all things social media. We dive into the strategy behind going viral, facing online burnout, and even discuss our advice for creatives. Listen here:
The Dunning-Kruger Effect vs. Imposter Syndrome
“Your taste can outpace your ability.”
The Dunning-Kruger effect states that people with low ability in a task tend to overestimate themselves, while those with high ability think the opposite. Similarly, Imposter Syndrome typically affects high-achievers who feel undeserving of their accomplishments.
In both cases, confidence directly corresponds with competence. But you don’t need to view your perceived inadequacies as a bad thing. If performance reflects the energy you exude, then you might as well fake it until you make it. There is no greater power than a head held high and the determination to try your best.
Transitioning Careers
“The first time is the hardest.”
Society forces us to adopt certain labels. Oftentimes, the ways we identify ourselves show up in our social media bios, in introductions, or even on resumes. That’s why ending a chapter in our professional lives can feel like we’re losing a part of ourselves, too.
Suddenly, one of the labels you’ve used to describe yourself no longer applies. And it can be a scary thing searching for a new identifier. But the first time you change careers is always the hardest. You can and will find that next thing that suits your talents and needs better. And if after a while you decide that thing no longer serves you? That’s okay, too. There’s no limit to the things you can try in this life.
Advice For Creatives
“Don’t take anyone’s advice that seriously.”
If there’s a single piece of advice creative types should follow, it’s not to take anyone’s advice. Everyone has an idea of what works for them. But what generic words of wisdom don’t account for is differing experiences, strengths, backgrounds...the list can go on. You can appreciate the advice someone has to offer, but at the end of the day, what worked for them doesn’t necessarily apply to you.
Make your own rules. Allow your interests to guide you. The best thing about art is that it’s subjective. At its core, there is no one right way to do it.
a takeaway from this episode that can be used as a phone background or for wherever you need it:
listen to more Just a Tip:
Episode 137: Diving Into Dreams (w/ Meli De Los Santos)
Episode 136: Answering Your Q’s
Episode 135: The Next Chapter (w/ Joanna Franco)
