I find that it’s easier to stay in my own lane and focus squarely on doing my personal best in every area of my life, celebrate my own small wins and the successes of those in my immediate circle. In this case, ignorance really is bliss.
It’s easier to be present and focused
Removing myself from social media had made me realise how scarily scattered and distracted I really was. Instagram-induced brain fog was affecting my ability to listen properly to my kids (and everyone else) and focus on projects that required cognitive work.
I’ve also reclaimed my awe and wonder – the ability to sit and marvel at the mass of stars in the sky or ponder deeper topics. Life feels less harried and I’m not having to work hard to access presence and stillness.
My business is still alive
Strangely, I received more client inquiries in the first week of my digital detox than ever before, which I attribute to the universe supporting my intuitive decision to focus on my wellbeing over what other people think.
I also believe that shifting focus from posting on social media to developing my ideas into cohesive articles and connecting with people in-person has been hugely beneficial both personally and professionally.
Whether I choose to return to social media or not, I can at least rest assured that it’s not the cornerstone of my marketing plan.
I’m enjoying beautiful moments without feeling compelled to share them
I’ve discovered the delicious satisfaction of savouring a holiday, career win or precious moment with my kids and not feeling pressured to document it or use the event as a selling point for my personal brand.
Just sitting with a beautiful experience now feels like a nourishing stew compared with the sugar-hit of a few likes trickling in after I present the filtered image to an online audience.
What now?
After all this goodness, will I ever return to social media? The answer is…I’m not sure.
Right now, I’m still pondering whether the meagre benefits of having a social media presence for my business are worth the effort of trying to stave off built-in addictiveness of apps that, truthfully, need us more than we need them.
I recently read a quote (in Digital Minimalism, by Dr Cal Newport) by American TV personality Bill Maher that has lodged in my mind and refused to leave:
“The tycoons of social media have to stop pretending that they’re friendly nerd gods building a better world and admit they’re just tobacco farmers in T-shirts selling an addictive product to children. Because, let’s face it, checking your “likes” is the new smoking.”
While this sounds extreme, it’s also hard to refute. Social media started out as a vehicle for connection, inspiration and support but, in my experience, it’s like a once-helpful robot that has now gone rogue – unbeknownst to us.
If my experimental digital detox has taught me anything, it’s that if we don’t examine our use of social media and ask how it contributes to our deepest values, it will own us. In too many ways, it already does.
Geordie Bull is a relationship coach + NLP practitioner who helps women with relationship and parenting issues, confidence and self- worth. She is also a journalist and blogger who writes regularly on the topics of emotional wellbeing, parenting and motherhood on her blog at www.geordiebull.com.au.
