You are one post away from changing your life. And I don’t just say that for effect.
For the longest time, I was terrified of social media; not because of trolls or strangers on the internet. No, I was scared of people I knew seeing me “try.” The thought of people from high school sending my videos in group chats paralyzed me. I didn’t want to be a punchline. So, I allowed that fear right in the driver’s seat. It decided where I could go, how small I should stay and ultimately, the ceiling of my dreams. That’s what fear does when you hand it the keys—it slams the brakes.
But recently, I heard something that I wish someone had whispered in my ear years ago:
“A professional athlete never makes fun of a beginner joining a gym.”
Read that again.
The people we’re most afraid of judging us? They’re not posting. You know why? Because most likely, they want to be, but they’re too afraid. And there is nothing an insecure person fears more than watching someone go for it when they are frozen in self-doubt.
Here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter how you get into the room. If you’re in, you’re in. Period.
Do you know how many rooms I’ve gotten into because of a TikTok account about…public bathrooms?
No, really. I’ve been invited to all sorts of events, parties and galas; I have even been featured in publications from The New York Times to The Kelly Clarkson Show—all because I had the courage to start posting. Never in my wildest weirdest dreams would I have imagined one quirky passion project changing my life and New York City! But here we are. Social media works, Divas. And it’s not too late for you!
To any artist reading this who wants to put themselves out there but feels blocked by fear, judgment, or cringe, allow me to present:
A Diva’s Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started on Social Media:
- Take the cringe and put it in a box on a shelf.
I mean literally. Picture every critical, condescending, cringe-inducing thought swimming around your brain and fold each one up. Now grab your mental duct tape (or in my case, a full on straightjacket) and seal that box shut. Then put it aside. When the cringe comes back—and it will—you’ll know exactly where to put it.
- Just. Start. Posting.
You don’t need a five-tab spreadsheet or a brand consultant to begin. The most important part of posting is posting. That’s it! Not perfecting or strategizing. Let it be messy. Let it be random. Let it be you.
- If posting about your art feels too vulnerable, post about something else.
Don’t want to show your face just yet? Cool. Make a page about vintage tea sets. Share your favorite movies. Start a sock puppet news network. I’m not joking! I started Got2Go with zero expectations and zero identity– I just needed people to know where to pee in NYC. You never know what’s possible!
- Buddy up.
Doing this alone is hard. Like, staring-into-the-void hard. Encourage your friends to post, too! Or find one trusted confidant you can text for support when you spiral after pressing “publish.” My advice? Choose someone who wants to see you win. They’ll talk you down when you start saying things like, “I think I should delete everything and move to Vermont.”
- Know that cringing later is a normal part of the process!
In fact, it’s a good sign. If you don’t look back at your old posts and think “yikes,” you probably haven’t grown..
So listen—if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start that account, post that video, or share your weird little talent with the internet…
This letter is your permission to try!
Your audience is out there. Your room is waiting. Now go post something. And tag me when you do!
Your fellow Diva,
Teddy
