I'm not the only one that has spent too much time on social media this year, right?
RIGHT?!
It can be easy to fall into a trap of endless scrolling, or for those working on their author platform - productive procrastination.
We tell ourselves excuses - I need to see what other authors are doing. I should check on my friend's WIP. This pretty picture will help grow my following! etc etc etc
If you are procrastinating on social media instead of writing, here are the five ideas that helped me break the habit these past two months. Before you jump on Insta, think through these questions.
1. Will you be tangibly closer to your goals after you spend an hour on social media?
ie. Will your word count be higher or your revision plan finally come together?
If the answer is no or you feel guilty after closing the app, then you know that spending less time would help you out.
2. Do you have something you feel compelled to share right now with your followers?
I like to go on social when I feel called to share a message. Then afterward, I spend about 10-15 minutes connecting. If you don't have something to share, then wait until you do before you sign on.
3. Will you learn something through this social media session?
If you've got a live sprint or live training to attend, that is a great use of your time. Especially if it is a training or themed show that will help your platform. Prop up your phone and write or brainstorm while you listen. Listening to a live stream will keep you from jumping around, so you will keep yourself from endless scrolling.
4. Do the accounts you follow inspire you?
If you aren't excited to see what the people you are following are doing, then why spend so much time scrolling? I've come to follow many accounts just because I enjoyed the pretty pictures... only to unfollow a few weeks later. It isn't personal... Except it is! If I don't know them by name after a few weeks or haven't felt compelled to keep reading their captions because they don't share information about books, writing, their feelings or life, or anything else but a few emojis - then why am I investing my time in them?
Don't continue to scroll if you aren't feeling all the feels! Sounds silly, but if you aren't connecting with who you are following then why utilize your time mindlessly double tapping content?
5. Are you having fun?
The crazy thing about mindlessly scrolling is that it isn't fun! It has become an easy habit, something many people do without thought. When I think about it that way, it's easier for me to disconnect and spent my time more productively or on something I enjoy more.
I hope these questions help you disconnect for a little while. I feel more at peace when I focus my social media time on content and people that light me up.