It’s hard to believe that as of yesterday, I’m 6-weeks social media free. The surprise isn’t from this time passing by so slowly or feeling cravings to get back on, it’s the lack of both of those things.
The first few weeks without being on Instagram I thought about it, a lot! I still thought about what content I could create, what conversations were happening without me, even what some of my favorite accounts might be posting. I feared that the ways I would get inspired before wouldn’t come to me and I would be lacking in creativity. But just the opposite has happened.
In my time away from social, I’ve started creating more art in my free time, something that has been missing in my life since I was an art student in college. I’ve made more time to meet with people 1:1 and gain new connections in my business as well as learn new things for my business. I’ve spent time writing, and dreaming up what the next iteration of my brand will be. All without the “inspiration” of social media.
The Things I Miss
Instagram was my main social platform and I miss following some of my favorite accounts and seeing what they’re up to and how they’re doing life. I miss meeting new people on the platform and giving advice where I can. But most of all I miss the social currency it gives me to be in the know and has more resources to offer friends, family, and connections.
Do any of these things outweigh the benefits of leaving social? No. But it doesn’t mean that I’m not tempted to get back on some days.
I considered going back to social in January with an account only for my art as a way to challenge myself to create more and to potentially sell products. But as for this business, I still don’t think the time dedicated to the platform is worth the return on investment, so at this point, I don’t see myself going back to social for this business. (And honestly, I’m not convinced I’ll get back on for any of my personal business ventures.)
30-Day Social Media Detox
I recently created a new email opt-in for a 30-day social detox for business owners. By no means do I think that everyone should get off social. I know for a fact that it helps some businesses and is their main way of bringing in new clients. If that’s you, then great! Keep at it. But for the rest of us, you might just need a little break from social to get re-inspired or to re-think if it’s worth being on there at all.
Sign up here to start your free social media detox. It’s a weekly email to get you thinking and help you build intentional practices in your business. Maybe even help you find a little more of that work-life balance you’ve been looking for.
