Hey there friends and fellow social media enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my journey of growing my author platform and why I decided it was time to schedule a break from my phone. Buckle up, because it’s been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. And guess what? I’m still trying to figure it all out. So, let’s dive right into the challenges I’ve faced and the steps I’m taking to find my balance in this social media jungle.

Too Much Too Soon

When I first stepped into the social media scene, I went all out. I was everywhere, spreading myself thin across numerous platforms. But guess what? I quickly realized it was a recipe for burnout. Lesson learned: focus on one or two platforms that align with your goals and target audience. By honing in on these, you can devote more time and energy to creating quality content, engaging with your audience, and building meaningful connections. Quality over quantity, my friends!

The Validation Trap

If you’re reading this, maybe you’ve also fallen into the validation trap. No worries, I’ve been there too. But let me ask you this: what if I told you that happiness doesn’t hinge on social media? What if I told you that real fulfillment comes from within, not from seeking external validation from strangers in the form of likes and comments? I know it may sound wild, but hear me out.

I found myself starting to get caught up in the validation game. I began wasting countless hours mindlessly scrolling and chasing likes. Time I could have spent writing. It was a slippery slope, and it was draining, I knew I needed a change. That’s when I stumbled upon Clapper, an app that flips the script. It’s all about the community on Clapper, not mindless scrolling or chasing validation. It’s a place where you can find your tribe, connect with genuine people who truly get you. Let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for me. No more trying to “hack the algorithm” or conform to trends. It’s about embracing authenticity and connecting with real folks. Moving forward, I will be minimizing time spent on the other apps and will focus more on the apps I enjoy. You’ll still find my quote posts and reels on insta and Facebook, but the real engagement will be on Twitter and Clapper.

Embracing Imperfect Progress

I’m no expert, but I’m making progress, step by step. Here are a few steps I’m taking so that I can have a more healthy relationship with Social Media.

• Taking breaks from my phone: Setting boundaries and taking scheduled breaks from the screen. We all need some digital detox, so we can unplug and recharge.
• Finding my true voice: Embracing my quirks and letting my authentic self shine. No more pretending to fit into a social media mold.
• Focusing my engagement on two platforms, rather than trying to keep up with every Social Media App under the sun.
• Embracing the chaos: Social media can be a wild ride. Instead of striving for perfection, I’m learning to embrace the messiness and laugh at the unpredictable moments.

Conclusion: As an indie author navigating this digital world, I’m on a journey. It’s not always smooth sailing, and I’m still finding my way. But here’s the thing: progress beats perfection any day. Life is about more than the number of likes on a post. It’s about the connections we forge, the experiences we cherish, and the love we share. So let’s break free from the validation trap, embrace our true selves, and cultivate meaningful relationships both online and offline. Together, we can reclaim the purpose of social media, as a tool for genuine connection and rediscover the joy that comes from within.

Cheers to that!