Why I’m Choosing Joy Over Algorithms
Reclaiming connection, creativity, and the simple pleasure of showing up as ourselves.
We hear it all the time:
"You have to be consistent."
"You need a strategy."
"You have to post daily to grow."
And yes, there is truth in all of it.
But somewhere along the way, amidst all the strategy and structure, it feels like something precious slipped through our fingers.
The joy.
The spontaneity.
The simple pleasure of being social.
Social media started as a place to connect, share, inspire, and be inspired.
A place where creativity could roam free.
Where conversations sparked new ideas, and where showing up didn't feel like another checkbox on a never-ending to-do list.
But now?
For many, it feels like a chore. |
A pressure.
Another "should" looming over our heads.
And while strategy absolutely has its place (I'm a strategist…trust me, I get it!), I want to offer a gentle reminder today:
We don't have to sacrifice joy for growth.
In fact, I would argue that the more we strip away the joy, the more disconnected our presence becomes.
And the less magnetic we are, no matter how perfect our strategy might look on paper.
So what if we permitted ourselves to be a little messy?
What if we posted not because we had to, but because we wanted to?
What if we engaged without an agenda?
What if we created because it lit us up, not because it fit neatly into a "content pillar"?
Imagine what our spaces could feel like if we let ourselves be — unapologetically, imperfectly, joyfully.
Imagine what it would feel like to:
Share a story that made you laugh out loud.
Post a reflection that moved you, even if it's "off-topic."
Connect with someone new simply because their energy resonated with yours.
Because here's the secret:
When you bring the joy back, the growth follows.
Energy is contagious.
People can feel when you're lit up by what you're sharing.
They can feel when you're genuinely connecting versus ticking a box.
And in a world that is craving more realness, your joy becomes your strategy.
I’m not just sharing this with you as a "nice idea."
I'm also practicing it.
Over the past few weeks, I've intentionally relieved myself of the pressure to show up. I've posted what feels true in the moment, connected with others without overthinking, and allowed my creativity to lead the way.
And you know what?
I've felt lighter.
Happier.
More connected.
More me.
And yes, the engagement, the connections, even the growth... they've been following too.
Not because I'm forcing it, but because I'm enjoying it.
Another shift I made?
I started writing here on Substack.
Not to "grow a list" or "build a funnel," but to simply share my raw thoughts.
To lift the pressure I felt elsewhere.
To create a little corner of the internet where I could just be and, in the process, connect with people who genuinely resonate.
It's been healing.
Liberating.
Reminding me why I fell in love with sharing in the first place.
So today, I'm choosing to show up a little differently.
Less pressure.
More presence.
Less performance.
More play.
And if this resonates with you... Maybe you can join me?
Let's build our businesses.
Let's grow our platforms.
But let's not lose ourselves in the process.
Let's bring the joy back.
✨ Because that's where the magic truly happens.
I'd love to hear when was the last time you felt the joy in showing up?
Feel free to share your reflections in the comments or hit reply if you'd like.
After all, it is our stories that always make this space even more special.