🍴A 3-question gut check

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I was scrolling through my posts the other day, looking for inspiration, and came across this one.

On paper, it performed well.

• 14 reactions

• 1 profile view

• 1 save

• 7 comments

• 556 impressions

But, after reading it again, it felt flat. 

The main message was there, but it lacked that punch that gets people to act.

I told people what to do, but I didn’t tell them how to do it.

That’s the fine line between a post that’s good and one that’s great.

People don't just want advice. They want something they can actually use.

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🪞This is where The Mirror Test comes in handy. 

It’s your gut check of sorts.

Before hitting Publish, read your post and ask these three questions. 

1. Would I want to engage with this?

If it doesn’t grab you, it won’t grab them.

Does your post make you want to share your opinions, send a DM, or save it for later?

If it doesn’t, it’s likely missing that action step.

2. Am I only telling them what to do or am I showing them how to do it, too?

Add an example to show your reader what it looks like in real life instead of leaving it as a theory.

3. Is there a story, example, or question I can add that makes this feel more human?

A detail, a feeling, or a question at the end pulls people in closer and encourages them to share their experiences.

That's what turns an idea into action.

So let's run my original post through The Mirror Test and make some changes ⬇️

Updated Post:

Remove the scaffolding between you and your audience.

Let them see YOU.

If you’re not sure where to start, try one of these:

1. Share a hobby you enjoy.

2. Tell a story about failure or a perspective-shifting conversation that changed how you see things.

3. Talk about something seemingly small that makes a big impact in your day, like your deep work playlist or morning coffee routine.

4. Talk about a piece of advice you once ignored, but now understand and follow.

The more your audience sees you as a person, not just a professional, the stronger your connection becomes.

Here’s a plug-and-post template you can use this week:

Prompt: [Pick one of the four topics above. Set the stage by sharing details that drop the reader into the scene.]
What it taught me: [This is the takeaway from the story/lesson you’re sharing. Give them a behind-the-scenes look at what’s going through your mind.]
Why it matters: [Tie it back to your audience’s world. What’s the takeaway they can feel or apply?]

🪞The Mirror Test:

Let’s see if it passes The Mirror Test…

Question 1 (Would I engage with this?): The original had a good idea, but didn't have that, "I want to comment" feel. The upgraded version gives people more to work with.

Question 2 (Am I showing, not just telling?): The plug-and-post template at the end walks them through exactly how to structure it.

Question 3 (Is there a human detail?): The prompts invite personal stories, not just professional advice. That's what pulls people in.

It’s your turn now.

Go through your previously published posts, pick one, and run it through The Mirror Test.

Make your changes and repost!