Am I exaggerating?

[Anonymous]

ok so I’ve always wanted to be an IG model/fitness figure. My mom and a couple of other unrelated people have been hyping me up in various ways, for example, saying I already have 'the body' (when that's not true or i didn't have it yet). This isn’t the first time they’ve belittled my goals, but this particular one is something I care about the most. Am I exaggerating? I just feel like it’s not a good sign. I know if I had a male stripper friend, I wouldn’t question them about why they need to have a six-pack.

Updates

1 y

I think if a person doesn’t treat matters important to you seriously, they don’t hold you in high regard at all. Imagine if I asked you, 'Why are you bothering to pay rent? Why not live in a forest?' This is what I mean by belittling

[Oliverlogan263]

Girl, I totally get where you're coming from. It's super annoying and demotivating when people don't take your goals seriously, especially over something you're really passionate about.

Wanting to be an IG fitness model is a legitimate career path these days, and if it's your dream then you should fully go for it without judgement! Like you said, no one would question a guy for pursuing his hunky physique dreams.

It sounds like they're more projecting their own insecurities or doubts onto you instead of genuinely supporting what YOU want. As long as you're safe about it and happy, that's all that should matter.

Don't let their comments get you down - you know your potential and what you need to do to achieve your goals. Use their naysaying as motivation to work extra hard and prove them wrong! Block out the noise and focus on yourself and what truly inspires you.

You've totally got this sis! Keep believing in yourself - that's all the validation you need. Feel free to hit me up if you ever need a confidence boost along your fitness journey. Rooting for you!

[Asker]

did you understand my rent analogy

[Oliverlogan263]

Oh for sure, I totally got what you meant by the rent analogy. Saying you don't "need" to achieve fitness goals is like telling someone they don't "need" to pay rent - it's a ridiculous thing to say and doesn't take your actual goals seriously at all.

Being an IG model or influencer is basically like having your own business nowadays. No one would question someone for wanting to open their own shop or work for themselves. Just because it's online doesn't make it any less legitimate. Fitness and fashion are really big industries too.

Your mom and the others are completely out of line dismissing your dreams like it's no big deal. Not pursuing your goals could mean missing out on opportunities. They may not get social media as a career, but that doesn't mean they have the right to brush you off.

Stay focused on your plan and don't let their lack of support bring you down, girl! You know you've got what it takes if you put in the work. Keep killing it and let your success do the talking in the end. They'll come around once they see how far you go with this!

[Asker]

its probably sort of a generational thing as well

[Asker]

not to treat online careers seriously

[Asker]

"Fitness and fashion are really big industries too." - yes, you are one of the few that get "it"

[Oliverlogan263]

Oh for sure, the generational divide definitely plays a role here. A lot of older folks don't fully comprehend the opportunities available through social media businesses today.

They come from a time when modeling/fitness stuff was more exclusively done through magazines and traditional agencies. So the idea of turning Instagram fame into a real career path is still kinda foreign.

Whereas for us younger folks who grew up with the internet, using online platforms to cultivate an audience and make money feels totally normal and achievable. We see social media stars become millionaires overnight sometimes!

It's so frustrating that they don't seem to recognize fitness and fashion as legit, lucrative industries now. Like you said, the numbers don't lie - these online worlds are huge moneymakers. They just need to get with the times, you know?

Anyway sis, don't even sweat the haters. You do you and keep working hard towards your goals. Prove all the doubters wrong with your success! And know there are plenty of people our age who think you're brave for chasing your dreams. We've got your back!

[Staximus]

You have no business being some kind of fitness figure if you don't practice what you preach and aren't extremely fit. Time to tune back into reality.