One thing I have come to learn and accept is that we need to have a growth mindset. This mindset will help to future-proof any technology disruptions in a fast-changing world.
I have come from no internet to internet, from pager to smartphone, from internet to social media, and now we are stepping into the world of AI. One thing is clear: technology evolves by the week and is on an exponential trajectory. It enormously impacts us, and entire industries shift before we have time to adapt. Looking back, I was laid off twice in my career, changed my career path several times, and each time evolved with new skills learned. Yet, I still survive and stay resilient.
We have also seen some people seem to easily surf the wave of constant disruption while others find themselves overwhelmed and outpaced. So, what’s the secret behind it?
They stay connected, but not in the casual, social way you might think. That’s why the concept of staying connected is so important for cultivating this growth mindset.
This isn’t about networking over coffee or collecting LinkedIn contacts. This is a strategic form of connectedness—where there is an intentional purpose to try to keep track of things. That is how I slowly discovered this strategic way of staying connected. It helps a lot in my growth mindset, and I will share this in this article.
Why Staying Connected and Growth mindset is critical Now
Most people underestimate the importance of staying connected to cultivate a growth mindset. A growth mindset is not some war cry or lip service: you tell yourself you will have this mindset and strive.
Most people may think it means scrolling aimlessly, liking photos, or watching viral cat videos. Let me share my perspective. I see the social channel algorithm as a tool—one that can be trained to become a personalized radar for future trends.
The Pace of Disruption
According to McKinsey, nearly 50% of current work activities could be automated with existing technology. AI, automation, and platform shifts are reshaping industries from manufacturing to marketing.
What does that mean for you? If you’re not proactively tracking tech and culture changes, you’re not just uninformed—you’re potentially obsolete.
Staying connected isn’t about being online all day. It’s about intentionally designing your digital environment to alert you to the right signals.
The Algorithm Isn’t Your Enemy—It’s Your Growth Mindset Tool
How Algorithms Usually Work
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn run on algorithms that serve you content based on your past behavior and preferences:
- What you’ve liked
- What you’ve watched all the way through
- What you’ve commented on
- What you’ve clicked and shared
In short, the algorithm reflects who you are, not necessarily who you want to become.
So, if you’ve been watching home renovation videos or scrolling fitness routines, the algorithm will serve you more because you like or prefer them. I’m not going to lie; I used to be scared that social media channel algorithms would track my behavior.
But I have a different perspective now. To cultivate this growth mindset, I need to know what is happening worldwide or in the trends. I need to be faster to understand what people are doing or thinking.
So that is where I start to think, what if you could train the algorithm to our advantage?
How to Hack the Algorithm for your growth mindset
Here’s the shift: Instead of letting the platform decide what you see, you guide the platform on what to feed you. Imagine if you are keen to start a business, you want to learn about the tech behind it, you want to know about your competitors, and you want to learn about possible red ocean or blue ocean possibilities. Why not let the platform intentionally serve you what you need?
This is not about gaming the system. It’s about using the algorithm’s natural behavior to your advantage.
1. Intentionally Search Keywords That Matter
Want to understand AI agents? Search “agentic AI” on Facebook or TikTok. Type “tech trends 2025” or “digital transformation” into LinkedIn.
Search is the beginning of reprogramming your content feed.
2. Follow Thought Leaders in Emerging Fields To Nurture Growth Mindset
Start collecting influencers. Identify influencers and experts who are at the cutting edge:
- AI researchers
- Tech founders
- Web3 developers
- Sustainability innovators
- Future-of-work analysts
Follow them across platforms. Engage with their posts. The algorithm will notice and begin feeding you related content.
3. Save, Screenshot, and Download for Learning Keeps
In modern times, you need to get into the habit of collecting screenshots. See something valuable? Save it, screenshot it, or download the video.
This builds your knowledge vault and signals to the platform that this type of content matters to you.
4. Click on Relevant Ads (Yes, Really) – Growth Mindset tip!
This might sound strange and counterintuitive, but intentionally clicking on the right ads can teach the algorithm your preferences. Personally, I love all my competitors’ ads because I need to understand what they are doing in the same space that I am competing in. Of course, the ad publisher will not like it because it would probably cost them if you interacted with their ad without the intention of buying.
Click on ads related to:
- Online courses
- New productivity apps
- Business intelligence tools
- Futurist newsletters
You’re telling the system: “Feed me more of this.”
5. Engage with Curiosity, Not Passivity
Don’t just consume—interact and research! Leave comments or bookmark.
You can do this small research and brainstorm with your AI chatbots daily on your mobile. This is what I do. It is so convenient now that a virtual assistant allows you to brainstorm together. For instance, I did that on the side while waiting for my wifey, who was going shopping. 😊
The New Definition of “Staying Connected” For Your Growth Mindset
In the new world, we cannot afford to stay comfortable in the well. We need to constantly climb out and nurture our growth mindset; for that to happen, we need to stay connected. And that will means being plugged into a digital ecosystem that helps you:
- See what’s next before it hits the mainstream
- Understand which tools are shaping the market
- Spot shifts in consumer behavior and work culture
It’s not about being everywhere. It’s about being strategically connected.
Why This Growth Mindset Hack Matters Now
With AI accelerating across industries and job functions, those who stay curious and plugged in will thrive. A Harvard Business Review study found that curiosity is one of the most critical leadership traits in a world of rapid change.
But curiosity does not work in isolation. It needs to be fed, and that’s what this growth mindset hack does.
Waiting until the wave hits isn’t a smart strategy. It’s reaction mode. As someone who has gone through retrenchment twice, I have learned that the only way to future-proof is to have a growth mindset. A growth mindset helps you be curious, prepare, learn, and unlearn.
The goal is to stay a few steps ahead, not scramble to catch up.
If you want to:
- Future-proof your career
- Start a side hustle in the right niche
- Pivot to an industry on the rise
Then, staying connected and intentional about your feed isn’t optional. It’s survival.
Summary: How to Hack Your Social Media Feed to Stay Connected
Here’s a quick recap of how you can take the algorithm into your own hands:
- Search with Intent – Use platform search bars to trigger new types of content.
- Follow the Right Influencers – Curate a list of experts and trendsetters.
- Save and Collect – Build a habit of archiving valuable insights.
- Click with Strategy – Train the ad algorithm by clicking on growth-focused content.
- Engage Actively – Comment, share, and message to boost signal strength.
The goal? To turn your social media feed into a personal listening tool—tailored to your ambitions and future readiness.
Final Thoughts
By now, we can all acknowledge the potential dangers of social media addiction or digital overwhelm. But we do not really discuss the opportunity to use these platforms as smart assistants or social listening tools in your lifelong learning journey.
This growth mindset hack is about taking control of your feed. Do not passively consume what the platform gives you; instead, actively program your algorithm to deliver ideas that help you adapt, grow, and stay ahead.
The world is super connected now. You must start listening now because some of tomorrow’s breakthroughs could already be trending somewhere.
And smart people? They’re already watching.
Related read: Learn how career stacking is key.
