This resonates. hard. And I think it will for many people.
A couple of months ago, I took the plunge off of Instagram- which I was primarily using for my business and to promote my work. It was effective, but the anxiety of "needing" to post and keep up appearances was depleting me.
Some told me that it was career suicide. Others couldn't see how the platform was any different and was a bit hypocritical to bounce over to a different platform. Ironically, I've had more business come to me since being off Instagram. And I don't feel chained to it. I feel more in control and am learning the skill of saying "no". The tricky thing in transitioning to Substack for a reprieve is it still feels like muscle memory to keep checking it- but, I don't feel the same pressure to "like" everything I see. The visual noise is gone.
Thanks so much for your comment Steve. Really appreciate it. Looks like we both got off of Instagram around the same time. Having kids helps because I can't stand the mindless scrolling in front of them, so it's given me a good reason to set a model that I want repeated. And your comments re: the same habits coming up on Substack resonate as I've had similar internal conversation many times. But it does feel like less of a game and easier to step away from. Thanks again and cheers from Denver.
I’m happy I found this on notes. This is a well thought out, balanced perspective. One that I will undoubtedly carry with me each time I plunge into the social element of this platform.
This resonates. hard. And I think it will for many people.
A couple of months ago, I took the plunge off of Instagram- which I was primarily using for my business and to promote my work. It was effective, but the anxiety of "needing" to post and keep up appearances was depleting me.
Some told me that it was career suicide. Others couldn't see how the platform was any different and was a bit hypocritical to bounce over to a different platform. Ironically, I've had more business come to me since being off Instagram. And I don't feel chained to it. I feel more in control and am learning the skill of saying "no". The tricky thing in transitioning to Substack for a reprieve is it still feels like muscle memory to keep checking it- but, I don't feel the same pressure to "like" everything I see. The visual noise is gone.
"Slow social" feels like a great anthem.
Thanks so much for your comment Steve. Really appreciate it. Looks like we both got off of Instagram around the same time. Having kids helps because I can't stand the mindless scrolling in front of them, so it's given me a good reason to set a model that I want repeated. And your comments re: the same habits coming up on Substack resonate as I've had similar internal conversation many times. But it does feel like less of a game and easier to step away from. Thanks again and cheers from Denver.
In Dao De Ching, there's a saying:
Slow is smooth; smooth is the way of nature...
Love that.
I’m happy I found this on notes. This is a well thought out, balanced perspective. One that I will undoubtedly carry with me each time I plunge into the social element of this platform.
Appreciate you Leo! I know this place will change in good ways and bad ways. Just hoping the former outweighs the latter.