It was October of 2019, and I found myself grappling with a significant decision. The weight of choosing the right post, the perfect picture, and crafting the ideal caption had consumed my morning. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t shake off the inner turmoil. That day, I made an unusual choice—I didn’t post anything. The next morning, the same sense of unease lingered within me.
Then, something profound happened. It felt like a divine whisper urging me to step away from social media and “Focus on your family, and I’ll bring the world to you.”
The suggestion seemed preposterous. As an author, speaker, and consultant, abandoning social media was practically unheard of. But I decided to heed the call. That December marked my final post on Instagram. I didn’t delete my account, but I certainly stopped using it. A quick fact check: search for MR_TRW on Instagram, and you’ll see that my last post dates back to December 31st, 2019.
Initially, the prospect was daunting. How would I showcase my work, speeches, or thoughts to the world? I took a bold step and removed the app from my phone, eliminating the temptation to check or post on Instagram. It was akin to breaking free from an addiction. Surprisingly, after just 14 days, I didn’t miss it. And after 30 days, it barely crossed my mind.
This isn’t a discourse on the pros and cons of social media. Instead, it’s a reflection on my journey through a social media detox. Here are five invaluable lessons I’ve learned during my five-year hiatus:
Dressing For Authenticity:
Have you ever found yourself choosing outfits based on past Instagram or TikTok posts? Guilty as charged! For years, I tailored my attire to avoid repeating outfits in consecutive posts, driven by the desire to maintain a certain image. However, over the past five years, that pressure has vanished.
Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind:
Posting frequently used to prompt a flurry of texts and calls from acquaintances wanting to “catch up” simply because they’d seen my latest post. However, stepping away from social media resulted in a decline and, in some cases, a cessation of such interactions. Initially disconcerting, I embraced the freedom to be present in the moment rather than handcuffed to my phone.
Cultivating Original Thoughts:
Have you ever conversed with someone whose words seemed like a mere echo of books, quotes, or YouTube videos? That was me. Consumed by motivational snippets and soundbites, I unintentionally parroted the ideas of others. Stepping away allowed me to rediscover and express my authentic voice.
Prioritizing Mental Health:
The anxiety of posting, obsessing over likes, and constantly seeking validation took a toll on my mental well-being. The fear of judgment extended beyond social media, influencing real-life decisions. Freed from the burden of seeking external approval, I experienced a profound sense of liberation.
Focus On Creation:
Spending hours immersed in others’ lives left me with little time or energy to nurture my own endeavors. By reclaiming that time, I’ve been able to devote myself wholeheartedly to my family, career, and creative pursuits.
Since 2019, my life has undergone remarkable transformations, like:
- From being a party of one, I’ve embraced a joyous family life with my wife and our three children.
- I’ve also released my third book, “DIG: Discover Your Depth, Determination, and Destiny Through Adversity.”
- We have embarked on a significant relocation from Los Angeles to Colorado.
YOUR PURSUIT OF GREATNESS
Two questions to ponder:
- What have you relinquished in the past 5-10 years that have profoundly enriched your life emotionally, mentally, and spiritually?
- What changes have been weighing on your mind lately—actions to initiate or habits to break—that could propel you higher in your personal or professional journey?
Embrace the journey of self-discovery and transformation, for therein lies the proper pursuit of greatness.
