I love Instagram.
As a people person, it was my sweet spot—a place to connect, catch up, and learn from the perspectives of others.
Instagram was where I’d scroll and leave with a pearl of wisdom or a fresh take on an old idea.
So why did I leave?
Because no matter how I felt going into the app, I always left feeling… less.
It Was Subtle, At First
I didn’t want to believe it.
My feed wasn’t full of flashy reality TV stars or toxic headlines. It was motivational speakers, spiritual leaders, and people trying to make the world better.
But somehow, after every scroll, I felt like I wasn’t enough.
Less capable.
Less worthy.
Less everything.
I didn’t understand it until I started digging deeper. And when I did, the culprit became obvious:
Comparison.
Comparison: The Quiet Thief
There’s a verse from James 3:16 that hit me hard:
“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
Here’s the truth: jealousy is rooted in comparison.
You can’t be jealous without looking at what someone else has. And social media is basically a buffet of comparison served daily.
Even with good intentions—surrounding myself with inspiration and wisdom—it was working against me.
All I could see was how far I still had to go.
How much I wasn’t doing.
How much better everyone else seemed to be.
Motivation or Madness?
Ironically, all those motivational quotes and spiritual insights? They were backfiring.
Instead of inspiring me, they were making me feel like I’d never measure up.
It sounds crazy, but it’s true.
And yet, I wrestled with leaving Instagram for years.
The Failed Strategies
First, I tried to limit my time. I set timers, used digital well-being tools, and promised myself “just 10 minutes.”
It didn’t work.
Then, I moved the app into a hidden folder to make it harder to access.
You already know how that went.
Finally, I deleted it from my phone altogether.
That was the turning point.
What I Gained by Letting Go
It’s been a year since I last posted on my personal account and six months since I left my business account.
Letting go of the business profile took longer—I was convinced you couldn’t grow a business without Instagram.
But here’s the thing:
I feel so much better.
Gone is the fogginess. The endless questioning of my purpose. The hopelessness that came from looking at what everyone else was doing.
Instead, I feel clear-headed. Even if I don’t always know what’s next, I know who I am.
And here’s the wild part: I’m more productive than ever.
Turns Out, Minding Your Own Business Is a Superpower
When I stopped looking for external validation and started focusing on my own work, everything changed.
I’m writing more.
I’m meeting more people in person.
I’m putting my work out into the world without waiting to feel “ready.”
It’s invigorating.
I’ve realized that getting out of your own way doesn’t just mean quieting your inner critic. Sometimes, it means removing the external roadblocks that keep you stuck.
What’s Blocking You?
For me, it was Instagram.
For you, it might be something else.
That thing that wastes your time.
That thing that clouds your thoughts and makes you feel small.
That thing that keeps you from dreaming big.
You know what it is.
And here’s the truth: it’s hard to let go.
It requires grace and patience. But it’s worth it.
Imagine What You Could Do
Imagine waking up clear-minded and focused.
Imagine creating with joy instead of comparison.
Imagine moving forward without anything standing in your way.
Whatever that thing is for you, start letting go today.
I’m rooting for you.
Now go drop-kick whatever’s between you and your purpose.
