It’s day 3… how am I doing?
Although I’ve been thinking about the experiment from before the first of the month, I didn’t really do very well the first couple of days. August 1st was a Sunday. I hosted a tag sale with a neighbor and most of the day was screen-free by accident since I was moving boxes and sat on my porch waiting for customers.
After a long afternoon, I brought the boxes back in and slumped down on the couch. I found myself scrolling my phone, probably Instagram although I can no longer remember, while Elliott fiddled with a puzzle we had out on the dining room table.
“What do you wanna do? I’m tired.” I asked Elliott.
“I dunno, we could watch Rome?” (The show we’re currently working through.)
“Meh. Yeah, ok. Fine.”
“Oh wait,” he remembered, “isn’t today the first of the month? Meaning… the first day of your unplug experiment?”
“... Er, yeah… I guess. Whatever though, I’m tired. I’ll start tomorrow.”
Famous last words…
Three days later I roll my eyes at myself… but this kind of thing happens a lot when we’re trying to start a new habit. I’ve done this many times with other goals like waking up early (I’ll start tomorrow), working out (I’ll start tomorrow), and eating healthier (I’ll start that tomorrow, too).
So, I think that’s a pretty good indicator of where I was starting with this experiment, and why I’ve been thinking about this for months and not taking any action. Not watching TV, and not scrolling on my phone is the harder choice. Watching and scrolling are easy. They fulfill my need to feel entertained in the moment and require absolutely no effort. Easy and fun entertainment at the click of the button.
So what’s the problem, you ask?
The main problem is that I never actually feel satisfied by these activities. If anything I’m more irritable and tired afterward. They’re easy, but not restful. Also, social media gives me serious FOMO. I’m affected in a way that I can’t quite describe, but in the end I know it’s not how I want to feel. Perhaps inadequacy is the right word?
Can I really get rid of Social Media?
Photo by Kerde Severin from Pexels
As an entrepreneur I don’t think I can, or want, to fully eliminate social media. It can be used effectively as a marketing tool without taking over my life. I also like the ability to reconnect with people I’ve met on travels or during different times of my life without having their direct contact information. I think there’s a difference between “content creation vs. content consumption.” I think there’s also a way to balance using social media without being all-consumed. Or maybe I’ll let it go in the end? I plan to explore this throughout the month as well, and figure out how to manage some kind of balance.
For now, I’m really just focusing on awareness. What am I doing and why? Just how often am I looking at these social platforms?
So all in all, the first two days were pretty minimal. But it really has me thinking. How do you go from 0 to 1? From idleness to motion?
Sincerely,
Lana
Lana Kitcher is a Productivity and Efficiency Coach, working with entrepreneurs and business owners to “Do Less, Better.” Lana has a passion for helping founders use work hours more efficiently so that they can make time and space for the joys of life.
Lana is also the founder of Bird by Bird, an online community for women starting their businesses. Connect with Lana on Instagram @LanaKitcher.