Choosing a different pace: Life and business beyond social media

Today, I did something I’ve been talking about for the past year. I published my last post on Instagram and, in the next day or two, I’ll delete the app from my phone. I never use Facebook anyway, save for some wishful Marketplace searching, so I figure it’s safe to keep that one on there.

But Instagram? Well, I’d be lying if I told you that it hasn’t consumed hours upon hours of my life already. I’ve found myself numbing out on it during particularly long or mundane days as the most ‘on deck’ parent to our two young lads. I’d scroll and search for some unicorn of a post or reel that would, I don’t know, satisfy the ‘itch’, and then expect that I’d suddenly be ready to close out and put my phone away after finding it. Spoiler: I never would find it. Addiction doesn’t work like that.

I also have the growing feeling that we’re just not meant to see so much all. the. time.

I could go on and on about why I don’t like social media and why it doesn’t sit well with me, personally, but I’m aware I may sound like a judgemental cry-baby and it’s not the vibe at all. I fully realise that just because I have these feelings, not everyone does, and while I feel like it’s robbing me of a decent chunk of my life, others feel like it adds to their life in many positive ways.

Last year I lost count of the number of times I said to friends and family ‘Oh, I would delete the apps in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for my business!’. You get the distinct feeling, as a small business owner and creative, that if you’re not visible on social media and posting regularly you’re as good as dead, and the fear of that stops you from thinking critically.

The fact is, I’ve never been very good at it and I’m OK with that. I’m not into strategy or trends or controversial takes. I am into sharing beauty and joy and knowledge, but I could never really wrap my brain around how to create engaging, algorithm-friendly stuff that felt in alignment with who I am. I take my hat off to those who can.

Most of my work has come from a little stint of Google advertising I did last year and I’m now getting word of mouth referrals and clients returning for additional work, so I’m not sure why I’ve held onto this idea that Instagram is critical for the growth and success of my business (err, maybe all those social media experts yelling it at me from Instagram? Ha).

I’ve decided I want to reroute the time and energy I was putting into Instagram into some different channels and avenues that, I think, might give me more bang for my time buck. I also have some big ideas I’d like to get stuck into this year, so hopefully this decision will free up that time and energy to get started.

Anyway, the moment I decided, late last year, it was the best full-body yes of a feeling! I instantly felt lighter, clearer, extremely excited, and motivated. I even made chia puddings for the next day’s brekkie and baked black bean brownies AS I was cooking dinner, which is definitely not the norm for me! If only I could harness that power at dinner time every day.

My favourite song of the moment, ‘Bless the Telephone’, came on during my kitchen high and I took it as an extra little sign that a bit more of an analogue life is the life for me. I realise he’s singing about a phone, but it sure as hell isn’t the smartphone.

The line ‘I’d like to hear your voice again’ is so lovely (don’t you think?) and has reminded me to actually start calling friends this year. Who knows… next might be a landline phone with one of those extra stretchy cords.

Over the last couple of months I’ve been posting a big bank of testimonials, job mockups and a little series of videos I had already made in the hopes that, for anyone who does find me on Instagram, there’s enough there to be able to get a good feeling of the kind of person I am, my skills, and what it’s like to work with me.

I hope you’ll join me in some way, shape or form this year, whether it be working together, signing up for my newsletter (I’m hoping to start posting monthly) reading these blogs, connecting with me on LinkedIn, or mentioning me to a friend who is feeling a little blergh about their space and might need some help.

Here’s to slowing down, quietening down, rerouting energy, realising dreams, and being present. May (what’s left of) this year be good to you and yours.

Fiona 🌞