30 Days of Chaos: My Journey Back into the Social Media Wild

Being a content creator these days is no joke. The first thing I sort of knew but really learned through experience is that being a creator is a full-time job. It’s humanly impossible to do everything at once. Creating content, managing a community, reaching out to clients, and still somehow finding time to actually create art or take photos? Yeah… I have no idea how people do that without completely losing their minds. It really does feel like being a content creator becomes its own job, and if you’re not careful, it can drain all your energy.

So, Why Create Content?

Good question. If you’re going to pour your time into content creation, there better be a reason, right?

• Find your voice

• Build an audience

• Market yourself

If you don’t have something to sell, promote, or share with your audience, it can feel like a lot of effort for no return. Content creation needs to serve a purpose, otherwise, it’s like being stuck in a never-ending cycle of posts and updates that go nowhere.

“Create a Month of Content in an Hour” – ahah well NO

Okay, let’s get real: we all have seen some coach selling you class on how to “create a month of content in an hour”. NOPE. The problem isn’t coming up with ideas—it’s actually crafting them. You’ve got to set everything up, edit, make it look nice… that takes TIME. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about making that idea come to life, and there’s no shortcut for that.

People often don’t realize how much love, effort, and time goes into creating something. If it were that easy, we’d all be done in an hour and wouldn’t need social media managers or strategists. Creating content is a learning curve, and each post teaches you something, so you will absolutely change you mind, voice, style, ideas, everything, along the way!

Facing the Fear of Putting Yourself Out There

I feel like every post I did, I came closer and closer to find my voice. It was actually really fun to see what I liked doing versus what I hated. At first, I felt exhausted just putting myself out there; it drained all my energy because I was horrified by the idea of being seen. But after a couple of weeks, I was like, “Oh, I don’t care anymore!” Talking in front of a camera? Sure, why not.

When you finally feel confident speaking in front of a camera

I only managed to do half of what I originally planned, but honestly, that’s a win for me. Better than doing nothing like I had been doing for years! So, I’ll take it.

Another lesson? Focus on one platform at a time. I tried doing too much, and wow, did I underestimate how long it would take to set everything up (like the podcast—so many steps before it’s even live!). Everything takes longer than you think, but it’s all seeds being planted for the future.

1. Blogging – Surprisingly Enjoyable

Blogging? Super fun, mostly because I love writing. Plus, having ChatGPT to help organize my thoughts? Lifesaver. Blogging can feel a bit abstract at times because there’s no instant feedback—no likes or comments right away. But when I checked my stats and saw 1,000 visitors a day after so many months of total void? YES! And my services are right there on my website!

I’m definitely going to focus more on blogging and maybe even dive into some affiliate content—because let’s be real, passive income is the dream!

2. LinkedIn – Surprisingly Chill

I thought LinkedIn was going to be super intense, but it’s actually pretty chill. It didn’t take up much mental space, and for me, it’s more about being present and consistent. LinkedIn is all about networking with potential clients or getting speaking gigs. The pressure is way lower than Instagram, and the content moves at a slower pace. I tried to share blog posts there, but I think I will just rewrite them directly in Linkedin with Chatgpt help, so it is easy content recycling, we like that!

The big takeaway? LinkedIn is more about showing up regularly than creating perfect posts every time. It felt manageable, and I didn’t feel like I was being pulled in a million directions.

3. Facebook – The Social Media Cemetery?

Everyone’s just arguing or sharing memes from 2012. BUT—Facebook groups can still be useful. I do see value in spending time helping others in these groups, and it’s a slower, more relaxed way to connect with people. So, while it wasn’t my favorite, I wouldn’t write it off completely.

Is Instagram Still Worth the Effort for Creatives?

4. Instagram – A Complete Rat Race

Instagram was A PAIN. I don’t enjoy it, I procrastinate every time I have to post, and it feels like a never-ending grind. This is where you have to post the most but get the least back for your effort. It’s time-consuming, addictive, and feels like a rat race, honestly. The pressure to post polished content all the time? So exhausting.

Sure, the instant gratification can feel nice. When people comment, “Wow, you’re doing things with your life!”—it’s cool. But the downside? It’s like a sugar rush. Take a break, and suddenly everything feels way too intense when you come back. The endless comparison, the scrolling—it’s draining. I’m seriously considering limiting my Instagram time to 10 minutes a day. The return on investment just doesn’t feel worth it.

Plus, let’s be real: when I post, I also end up scrolling way too much. Instagram is like a perfectly designed drug, and I’d rather spend less time on it. I’m even thinking about letting go of Instagram altogether in October… who’s with me?

5. Threads – So Much Negativity

Threads were… intense. I was TERRIFIED to post anything at first because there was so much negativity, and it really hit my confidence hard. But after a while, I started feeling more comfortable and realized it was good practice to put myself out there. Still, the negativity? Not fun. I had people starting arguments or saying the exact opposite of what I was saying just to create drama. I learned to protect my energy and not engage too much.

when you try so hard not joining an argument on Threads

6. Podcasting – Love It, But…

Interviewing people for my podcast? Love it. It’s a fantastic way to connect with others, build relationships, and grow your network. Plus, it’s been great for improving my speaking skills and getting more comfortable with my French accent.

But the technical stuff? Not as fun. I procrastinated so much on editing—it killed my vibe. Recording is awesome, but I really need a solid workflow to make podcasting sustainable.

7. Newsletters – The Hidden Gem

Newsletters were, hands down, the scariest. I have a small list that I’ve barely used, but here’s the thing: no algorithms, no endless scrolling, just direct communication with people who actually care about what I’m doing. I decided to send some love to my email list by offering a 15-minute call to help them with their creative business questions. It worked!

Newsletters are old-school but so sustainable. If you want to escape the social media grind, this is where you want to be. Come join my little corner of the internet—trust me, it’s worth it! (it is in my footer, just scroooll down a tiny bit!)

8. TO DO NEXT : Pinterest – Better Than Instagram?

I used to link my blog posts to Pinterest a few years ago, and had a VERY succesful account there (like hundreds of thousands of reposts every months kind of successful yes). I think now is the perfect time to get back into it. Pinterest is less of a rat race than Instagram, and the time I spend there might actually be more productive on the long run.

9. TO DO NEXT : YouTube – The Next Challenge?

I’m a big YouTube fan, and I have friends who’ve seen real success on the platform. I love the slower-paced videos, and I think YouTube would suit me well. The technical aspects make me a little anxious, but I’m thinking maybe simplicity is the key. And honestly, between cranking out 20 Instagram reels or 2 YouTube videos a month, the time commitment is probably the same. So why not go for YouTube?

Final Thoughts: Social Media is a Learning Curve

Social media is all about the learning curve. You have to keep posting, experimenting, and figuring out what works. And when you’re posting a lot, it helps you not obsess over each individual post. You just keep moving forward and creating the next thing.

It’s not about perfection or instant success, I knew I was not going to build an audience of millions of people in one month—it’s about getting comfortable with the process, putting yourself out there, and finding the platforms that feel most natural to you.

In Conclusion?

After one month of trying most social media platform (let’s not talk about Tiktok :D), I realized you don’t need to be everywhere at once. Focus on the places where your energy feels most aligned, and don’t be afraid to slow down and prioritize your well-being over likes and follows.

Feeling overwhelmed by social media as a creative? Let’s talk! I offer mentoring sessions to help creatives navigate their online presence, build sustainable strategies, and get back to doing what they truly love—creating!

Sending you plenty of love,

Bisous bisous,

Pauline