The last time my wife Julia and I posted on Instagram or Facebook was February of 2017, and honestly, we are more content than we have been in years.
I’m not writing this post so you can sit there and think “wow, Char is awesome because he quit social media.” I want you to be inspired by the freedom I have experienced from being “away.”
Being a professional photographer, I always felt pressure to post something captivating; to constantly connect and interact with my audience creatively. Every single day I felt the push to wake up and post something epic. The hustle of our culture was telling me everyone is on social media now more than ever, so that’s the best place to meet them!
Is it really the best way to connect, though? I’ve been relating with people face to face and cultivating meaningful relationships for years. After quitting social media, I realized those real connections with people will always remain more impactful. Social media “likes” and “comments” are like sprinkles on top of ice-cream; they are a tiny addition to the overwhelming richness of a tasty dessert. However, I found that eating a bowl full of sprinkles made me want to puke.
I was keeping up with the hustle and bustle, posting interesting content, gaining more followers, engaging more people, but I was also becoming more anxious. ‘Why didn’t that photo get as many likes as the one before? I feel like that’s a better demonstration of my work, but I guess people want to see more epic waterfall pics.,.’
Something had to give, and following my wife’s inspiration and encouragement, we both left social media behind. I can say for myself:
1) I have gained at least an extra hour each day to cultivate deeper connections, or to nap.
2) I am more present. I’m super excited to serve each and every one of my clients in every capacity; I’m also more present when at home with friends or traveling because I’m not constantly thinking “ooo what epic moment should I share with the internet today?”
3) I am more purposeful in my business relationships. Instead of shot-gunning out to the internet and hoping to land on someone’s newsfeed, I’m calling, emailing, and meeting face to face with wonderful people who I want to work with.
4) I am more focused. When I set my mind to something, I no longer have social media to immediately distract myself, and I’m getting more work done in less time.
5) I am more content. I am no longer comparing the worst parts of my life to everyone else’s highlight reels.
I hope this encourages you to think more about social media, it’s impact on you, and the way you engage with your life (or business).
(Photo taken outside of Auckland, New Zealand in December 2018) Why I Quit Social Media.
