Oh Instagram, You Have Me Quaking In My Boots!
I’ve just set up an Instagram account.
You probably already know because you’ll have had a notification from some randomer called lucyathomeblog with only 1 sorry picture on her account, and no followers! Haha.
But here’s the problem – I hate new things!
I hate trying new foods. I hate visiting new places. I hate trying new activities. And now I’ve discovered that I also hate opening new social media accounts (okay it wasn’t much of a discovery because I could have told you this before I even started!)
I don’t know why I suddenly took the plunge this evening. Perhaps it was a sugar rush from the ridiculous amount of Krispy Kreme donuts I’ve just consumed! But the idea popped into my head and I decided to just go for it before I talked myself out of it.
Because, you see, I’m very good at talking myself out of things.
Twenty minutes after my moment of bravery, and I feel sick to my stomach. My palms are sweaty, my heart is racing, and I’m questioning my entire back catalogue of life choices.
The problem is, I’m afraid. Terrified, even!
I’m terrified of doing “it” wrong (whatever “it” is). I honestly can’t tell you what terrible thing I think is going to happen, but I just know that I’m scared of it.
I’m worried that I’m going to make a fool of myself.
I don’t know how Instagram works. I’m not sure what the etiquette is if someone comments on one of my photos. What if my photos are really rubbish compared to everyone else’s? What sort of thing should I include in my bio? What if I accidentally click on something I shouldn’t?
Perfectionist
I’m a perfectionist. I always have been.
And I’m scared stiff of failure.
It’s paralysing.
I seem to have this idea that I should know how to do stuff; that I should already be an expert. It’s not arrogance. It’s just that I have these ridiculously high expectations of myself. I can’t be seen to be unsure because then I’ll be vulnerable. I might make a mistake and Lucy HATES making mistakes. So instead I just stick with what I know – my areas of expertise.
Nothing new. No branching out. Safe and secure.
I guess you could say I self-limit my life…
…It’s actually pretty painful to acknowledge that and write it down.
Sitting here, in the comfort of my living room, it seems ridiculous that I am getting so worked up about a web application. What am I so afraid of? I’m trying to ask myself the question; trying to pursue that train of thought so that I can write it down and let you know.
But instead, my brain shuts down, blocking my line of enquiry.
Don’t question why, it says, just trust me – this is too scary for you. You can’t do it. You’re going to look like an idiot.
I am trying to remind myself that this is exactly how I felt when I set up my little Twitter space just 11 short months ago. I went through all the same questions and anxieties…
But this time I feel more exposed because people know my name and will see me get it wrong. Whereas before, I was an unknown so there were no expectations and I could make all my mistakes in blissful anonymity!
I’m frustrated that I don’t know what I’m doing. I feel like I’m back at square one again.
Conquer the fear
But today I triumphed over the fear! Lucy At Home finally has it’s own Instagram account, and 12 lovely followers (thanks guys!).
Yes I feel sick. Yes I am desperately fighting the urge to grab my phone, delete the account, and run up to bed, pretending that nothing ever happened!
But I’ve done it.
Please be patient with me – I’m undoubtedly going to make some Insta faux pas! This is all new to me, and as much as I like to tell myself that I should know what I’m doing… I totally don’t!
“Winging it” would be a more accurate phrase!
Any help, tips, advice, suggestions, and follows (obvs!) GRATEFULLY received! Thanks.
Love, Lucy x
Hello there! I know what you mean…..I only joined Twitter last week and I have NO idea what I’m doing!! It’s terrifying and daunting….although blogging is newish to me so all of this is quite daunting tbh. I’m enjoying it but the learning curve is so steep at times. I found you on Instagram and have followed you. X
Thank you for the follow. I will follow you back too. I’m glad it’s not just me who gets stressed about this stuff!
You brave woman, you! Well done – not just for joining Insta but for conquering your fears and stpping out of your comfort zone. Sorry I can be of zero help since I’m Insta-less as yet (not on Pinterest either but THAT I am going to join… soon… hopefully). All the best, you’ll rock the Insta-sphere!
#BlogCrush
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Nicole 🙂 I’ve always said Pinterest would be my next move but then I spontaneously decided to do Instagram instead (which is totally unlike me – I usually research things to death before I make my move!)
I’m so excited you joined!!! #BlogCrush
Joining something new is always scary, but I’m ok because I’m not a perfectionist and I’m happy just learning as I go along. For a long while though I believed Instagram was about posting photos as they happened…instant photos? apparently I was very wrong because the big accounts have themes and the photos are all perfectly edited. Ah no, not for me, They might look pretty but I’m just pottering along posting my instant photos. Good luck with your new account, I’ll go and follow you now.
Oh yes I haven’t been scheduling my pics. Just point, shoot, post! Haha. And thanks for the follow 🙂
Firstly I can be of no help becauae im useless as all things new and techy!! But well doen for putting yourself out there! I know what you mean about the fear of the new and the unknown. Its hard when its basically yourself that you are promoting! Great post and Im sure it will inspire others! P.s iv heard its all about those hashtag things
I’m totally going to crack Instagram this weekend…probably…maybe….I hate new things too!! #blogcrush
Hehe you should definitely go for it! I’m actually really enjoying it now (now that I’m over the terror of it being all new and unfamiliar)
Hi Lucy! So exciting to see you have taken the plunge and joined IG 🙂 I’ve added you! My IG is @jintoki .. I haven’t changed the handle like I had on Twitter because this handle is special to me and I didn’t want to lose it, even after starting Her Life Is Love. I look forward to seeing your posts! #blogcrush
Thanks, Paula. I’ve followed you back too.
I think we’re all pretty much winging it to be honest. I am learning the value of #s – they link your photo up to other photos that all use the same # (hashtag) The tricky part is finding the right hashtag groups. Also how many hashtags you use per photo is also a grey area. Too many. Not enough. Who knows.
We’ll all get there in the end I’m sure. Or not.
#blogcrush
Haha phew – it’s not just me that has all these questions. I’m hoping I’ll pick it up as I go along
My perfectionism makes me obsess over instagram, sometimes I think it would be easier without it but I find it quite a good way to promote my blog so I keep persevering! #BlogCrush
I’m following you 🙂 I have to admit I don’t understand completely how Instagram works! I often try to get the perfect picture but then remember life isn’t perfect and neither is my blog or it’s content. So I try to make my instagram reflect this.
#BlogCrush
Coming back for #blogcrush
Aww bless you for feeling so anxious. I have to confess when I set-up my new blog account last September I was also anxious. I’m still not sure I know the etiquette – I just do the best I can and try to interact with people as much as poss. I’m still really rubbish at hashtags!
But, I was super excited to see you join and follow me so I was right over to your profile. This very evening the site of your toddler’s legs from under a cot made me chuckle 🙂 Look forward to more pics!
#BlogCrush
Aaaw thank you so much, Angela. I’m so worried about offending someone or committing some major Insta-sin! Eek! But I’m glad my photos have been okay so far 🙂
I’ve just started following you. I love Instagram but definitely don’t understand it! I just post what I think are lovely images and hope for the best Have fun #blogcrush
I’m actually really enjoying being creative and looking for photo opportunities, now that I’ve had time to find me feet a bit
Off to find you now if I’m now following you already. Don’t be a banana – you can’t ‘do it wrong’ – unless you set yourself a crazy ambitious goal I suppose… As I often remind myself, blogging/social media should be fun so please try not to stress! 🙂 And look up hashtags, they def help open you up to other followers, just be nice back (which I know you would be!) #blogcrush
Thanks so much for the advice, Kimberly. I definitely need it! Eek!
Hey Lucy, I’m the same as you…love everything to be perfect and high expectations of myself! But I have had to accept that that is not realistic, and social media is very new to me as well! So sorry no tips but I look forward to seeing and supporting your insta-career! Ps Great news about the NHS discount!
Thanks, Nat. And yes – I’m super excited about the discount! Hehe!
Sorry I forgot to add #blogcrush !
Well, I just followed you so you have 1 more follower! I still have no idea about instagram and whilst I love it I think I’m pretty rubbish at it myself to be honest #blogcrush
Hehe thanks Tracey 🙂 Every little helps!
Yay, welcome to Instagram..it’s my favourite social media ever and it’s really not scary at all, promise:). I am of course following you and really enjoying your pics, don’t worry about ‘doing it wrong’ , it’s your account so as long as you’re posting what makes you happy and commenting/liking on what YOU want then you’re not doing it wrong. The best way I found new followers was to search relevant # and check out the other people using those #, if I like their feed I give them a follow and like a few of their pics..more often than not I get a follow back. Also, insta is a great way to boost your traffic so I’d recommend promote new posts on their with a relevant picture too, it works for me :). Good luck lovely and congrats on stepping out if your comfort zone xx #BlogCrush
Thanks for the advice, Wendy. I haven’t really been organised enough to promote my posts on there yet. I will have to remember to do this!
I love Instagram. It’s my favourite social media channel, mainly because it’s so easy to digest. There’s a downside too that people tend to only put polished pictures of their perfect lives on there so always remember it’s all a smokescreen!… I try and keep it a bit more real. Off to give you a follow 😉 #dreamteam
Thanks for the follow, Fran 🙂 I feel like I’m starting to find a rhythm now and I’m enjoying the push to take more photos. Thanks for the advice
I’m not sure I can offer much advice, since I’m new to Instagram too and can’t really get into it, but good luck! So many bloggers love it – I’m not sure what my problem is. I know how intimidating it can be to start a new social media channel, but I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it in no time. #DreamTeam
I generally don’t have a clue about these thins amd constantly hit up my go-to bloggers/twitter lovelies for advice and guidance either under the # Doofus, babybrain or tech fail!!! I think your account looks lovely but I totally understand the perfectionist angle, it’s a toughie! #dreamteam
It’s great to be able to ask other bloggers for advice and info. I love being part of the blogging community! Also, thank you for your kind words about my account – it’s just the encouragement I needed
I’m probably not the one to ask, but here’s my advice: put a link to your blog in your bio, find some people to follow that seem remotely interesting, posts some pics that you think others might find remotely interesting. If there is more to it than that, I missed the memo! #dreamteam
Hehe thanks for the advice! I will do my best! 🙂
I with you on this I have a Pinterest account and I am clueless what to do with it I also hate failure very competitive love this post Instagram you will get there it was bit daunting at first for me now I love it #dreamteam
Hi, I’m getting a tad better at IG my pictures are far from the best but I’m slowly learning. Glad you made the most of your NHS discount, they doughnuts look delicious #dreamteam
Oh yes the doughnuts were DELICIOUS!
Well done for conquering your fears and trying something new. My IG pictures aren’t all that compared to some of the other beautiful ones out there, but I do love a good browse.
Yes I’m really enjoying looking at everyone’s photos. It’s amazing how addictive it can get! Hehe
I love that you’ve joined! And I loved your donut pic and all your lovely pics since! I’m still relatively new to it but you soon get to the point where (if you’re like me and don’t include your little’ s faces – if I remember rightly?) You’ll have to remind yourself to capture a few actual photos of them that aren’t just the back of their heads. My gallery is 98% back of head captures. They’ll hate me for it when they’re older haha. Thanks for sharing with #DreamTeam x
Yes I’m a back-of-the-head photographer too! Thanks for your advice to keep taking proper photos too 🙂
I feel that way about Twitter… I tweet… that’s about it! I have no idea if I’m doing any of it right haha! As for Instagram – I love it, but I’m not sure that I fit the mould very well because I’m less about the polishing and more about the snotty noses haha!! #ablogginggoodtime
Oooo I’ve been loving your IG pics this week – I hadn’t realised you had only just taken the plunge! Good luck xx #ablogginggoodtime x
Aaaw thank you so much. Hopefully that means I’m on the right track then
Ooh, I love Instagram! Well, I do when I actually remember to update it :p You have such a lovely Insta account Lucy, I’ve just followed #ablogginggoodtime
Louise x
Aaaw thank you, Louise. That’s a lovely thing to say. I will go and take a look at yours too
I totally get this feeling, I was the same when I first joined, but now I’m loving it. I don’t religiously post every day, just when I have a nice pic I want to share, and that works for me. I’m following you and from what I’ve seen so far you’ve got it cracked x
#DreamTeam
Thanks, Alana 🙂
I love this! Don’t be scared just be yourself 🙂 I just started posting photos and keep doing so, dont have loads of followers but it’s a nice platform for sharing some photo love and seeing some lovely photos from others. I’ve just followed you too! Lot’s of us have no idea either so let’s so this together! 🙂
Hehe I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s winging it!
I think we are all winging it. Enjoy posting your photos and don’t worry if you mess up we all do now and again. #ablogginggoodtime
Good advice!
I didn’t like instagram to start with because of the constant unfollowing but now I just ignore it and am working on my feed, interaction and hosting #funseekingkids (which thanks for joining by the way!) and I’m enjoying it much more. there are a lot of fab accounts with stunning photography out there! Good luck, you’ll be fine! #ablogginggoodtime xx
The unfollowing thing keeps knocking my confidence so I’m glad it’s not just me that it happens to! The standard of photography is amazing too! I am learning loads and loving it!
well done lovely and welcome to IG it’s awesome. If you want to build it read the post by toby and roo. really helpful
Thanks for linking to #ablogginggoodtime Don’t forget to join us again next week!
Thanks for the advice 🙂
I’ve just followed you! #ablogginggoodtime
Thank you, lovely 🙂
[…] started as a quick note jotted down beneath an Instagram post has developed into a deep feeling of happiness and contentment. I feel so blessed to be able to […]
[…] you will know, I joined Instagram a couple of weeks ago. After initially freaking out about being out of my comfort zone (!), I’m starting to really enjoy it. One of the photos I posted this week was of my little […]
[…] just signed up for Instagram (or Insta for the cool […]
[…] hard to believe that I have been on Instagram 4 months already. At the beginning, Instagram totally freaked me out! I hated being a beginner and not knowing how it all worked. But here we are, 4 months later, ready […]