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Are you being brainwashed? This was a question I found myself asking last week as I faced a flood of social media opinions, psychological triggers, and conflicting advice. It made me pause and reflect on how easily we can become overwhelmed by external voices, to the point where they cloud our own judgement and intuition.

The reality is, in today’s world, we are all being influenced—some might say brainwashed—on some level. Whether that’s good or bad depends on how we navigate it. So, let’s talk about how we can stay true to ourselves while absorbing the information around us.

The Pressure of Social Media

Last week, I found myself scrolling through social media—something I rarely do. Within minutes, I was bombarded with messages:

  • You should make more art! Stop making excuses!
  • You shouldn’t price your art that way—do it this way instead!
  • Galleries are a scam; you should sell independently!

Everywhere I looked, there were strong, conflicting opinions. And while everyone is entitled to their viewpoint, the sheer volume of these messages can be exhausting.

The problem is that when we hear too many opinions at once, we start to question our own path. Should I be making art every day? Am I selling the right way? Should I be doing what they’re doing?

When Advice Becomes Overwhelming

It’s not just social media. I’m part of a mastermind group where we all share strategies and what’s working for us. It’s a brilliant space for learning, but if I’m not careful, I can fall into the trap of thinking I should be doing that too!. The pressure to keep up can be immense.

In a world filled with so much information, it’s easy to lose sight of what we actually want. This is why I’ve had to develop strategies to filter through the noise and stay focused on my own goals.

How to Stay True to Yourself

1. Get Crystal Clear on Your Own Vision

One of the most powerful ways to avoid being swayed by external noise is to have a clear goal. When you know exactly where you’re heading, it becomes much easier to filter information and ignore what doesn’t align with your vision.

When I consume content, I ask myself:

  • Does this help me achieve my current goal?
  • Is this relevant to my journey right now?

If the answer is no, I move on. Staying intentional with the information I allow in has been a game-changer.

2. Be Open—But With Boundaries

While I focus heavily on my goals, I also allow room for exploration. Sometimes, we don’t know what we don’t know. There might be alternative ways of working, creating, or living that could serve us better, but we have to be intentional about discovering them.

For example, I’ve been questioning the traditional school system and the way I live my personal life. I know there are different ways of doing things, but they feel unfamiliar because I’ve been conditioned to follow the norm. So, I make space to explore new ideas—without letting them overwhelm me.

3. Pay Attention to How Things Make You Feel

When I come across a new idea or way of working, I check in with myself:

  • Does this excite me?
  • Does this align with the life I want to create?

If something sparks curiosity, I journal about it, reflect on it, and consider how I might integrate it into my life. But if it triggers stress or self-doubt, I let it go.

Are You Being Brainwashed? Ask Yourself This…

I laugh when I say brainwashed because it sounds so dramatic. But in reality, it’s just about recognising when external influences are clouding your judgement and disconnecting you from your intuition.

Take a moment to reflect:

  • Are you making decisions based on what you truly want, or based on what others say you should want?
  • Are you feeling inspired, or are you feeling pressured?
  • Are you overwhelmed with ideas to the point of inaction?

If you’re feeling lost in the noise, take a step back. Refocus on what matters to you. Seek out the voices that align with your path, and let the rest fade into the background.

At United Artspace, we’re passionate about helping you take back your power. Our goal is to provide guidance, but you are the one in control. Your life, your art, your decisions—on your terms.

You don’t have to follow every piece of advice. You don’t have to do things the way others do. There is always a way to shape your life in a way that feels right for you.

So, as you navigate the endless sea of information, remember this: Trust yourself. Stay aligned with your vision. The right path is the one that feels true to you.

 

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Have a great week & take care,

Michelle xo