Jeans: Topshop (similar here and here); Hoodie: H&M (similar here and here); Coat: Club Monaco (similar here and here); Shoes: Gucci
This is a blog post that’s been on my mind for a while. It’s going to be long and slightly rant-y, but I wanted to share it anyway because I believe in being candid with you guys. A few weeks ago, I started feeling really stuck. I was fed up and frustrated with the blogging/Instagram industry.
Blogging and Instagram started off as a creative platform, but has morphed into something which is unrecognizable. Everything is about fighting the algorithm, posting the same kind of pictures, and selling out. What happened to individuality? What happened to staying true to ourselves? I know that we all have to worry about paying our bills, but seeing people work on the most ridiculous campaigns? Like guys, we are better than this. That was never what it was about! Why are we selling out?! It’s like we’re on a self-destruct mission to prove everyone who has accused bloggers of being unauthentic right. And I say ‘we’ because this is OUR industry which WE collectively need to protect. I’m not hating on anyone, I’m just calling it like it is.
Now I’ve touched on this topic before, but it feels like the entire industry is enslaved by the algorithm. I catch myself obsessing over how my pictures are doing and feeling deflated when I compare the engagement to last year. I almost have to slap myself to remind myself how stupid I sound. What used to be a platform that brought people together has become a competition. With the overriding belief being that our worth is determined by a bunch of numbers. I could draw parallels to high school, but the sad part is we’re all adults and know better. Lately, I’ve grown so disenchanted with it all. I’m changing things up and basically posting whatever I feel fit instead of worrying about how many likes I get.
From a creative perspective, I stopped feeling stimulated. For months, I kept shooting pictures at the same locations because they felt safe. So I’ve been experimenting with different locations to find that spark again. I’ve also been taking more risks with my style. Things began to feel monotonous, so I started pushing my own boundaries (which are totally different from someone else’s).
In a way, I feel like I’ve been finding myself again. So instead of continuing to write blog posts for the sake of it, I wanted to take a step back and hit refresh. I’ve been spending my time brainstorming instead of creating. Thinking about what it is I want to achieve. Bottom line is I want to inspire you guys. Inspire you to travel, to find your style, get your dream careers, and do the things that bring you joy. I have some exciting projects planned which have been the result of this bubbling frustration.
I suppose what you can take away from this is that if you do feel stuck creatively, the best way is to change things up. Comfort is a sign of plateau, so do things that challenge you. And most importantly, if you’re feeling frustrated, do whatever you need to do to let it out! Writing this post was something I needed to do in order to move on and share positive, exciting content.
And I’m #SorryNotSorry if I ruffled some feathers along the way.
Love the outfit!
Vanessa x | http://www.springlilies.com
This look is so cute! I really love your coat.
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
Amen! You know how I’ve been feeling the same kinds of frustrations for a while now. But at the end of the day, we can’t just give up on all this work we’ve put into it. We just need to work harder to spark the creativity once again!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Love your outfit and thanks for this post. Right now I am trying to forget about the algorithm and stop writing posts for writing sake and just let my personality and me shine through. Can wait to see the projects you have lined up.
http://www.pearlsandpencil.com
Blogging has truly become a numbers game. I’m personally a bit fed up of algorithm and the fierce competition. It’s often hard to stay true to yourself.
Her Hive
I feel exactly the same as you. I’m wondering why Instagram is now only about business and not about creativity as it was supposed to be. Engagement has dropped significantly, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry… I miss this old friendly Instagram!
http://violettedaily.com
Love this post – thank you so much for sharing! I’ve been feeling the exact same way (and actually just did a blog post about it myself). It’s such a hard place to get out of but I’m so excited for your risk taking attitude and to keep following along!
xo – Marianne
http://www.thematimes.com
Love the honesty in this post babe! It’s a conversation I’ve been having a lot lately too and I think it’s important to discuss it with peers. The way it all works has changed so much and we can’t try to get back to how it was no matter how much we try, so all we can do is push ourselves to be happy with what we create and do it for the fun we used to! I’ve always loved your content so much and cannot wait to see what you create with a refreshed mindset – keep doing you and we will all be following!
Ashleigh x
http://www.ashleighdmello.com
This HAWT look, indeed, got me stuck!! You look awesome here!!
Love
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/little-black-dress/
Thank you for writing this post! I feel so stuck lately and I am soooo sick of talking about numbers and algorithms!
What used to inspire me and make me happy is so draining these days.
I hope like you that i can change things up and get my mind straight again.
I sometimes feel that way too: that people keep creating the same content. It’s nice to see that someone still care about creativity and originality.
VVEEKEND 101
love this post dear! I recently feel the same way! thanks fro sharing your thoughts! Also I love this coat so much!
Hugs, Mary
http://www.marypolka.com
Great post and you made some really good points here. Hope you have a great day and I love this look.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
i love this!! blogging should definitely be fun & explorative xx can’t wait to see what you do next!
http://angelebaby.com
Your outfit is super beautiful and the coat looks so warm. In terms of ig, don’t stress about it so much. You are not alone with the decrease in engagement, everyone in the industry is feeling it. Given it’s happening to everyone, it’s still a level playing field 🙂 I know it sucks, but there are always other platforms you can build up and spend time on. I am so glad you are feeling inspired more lately.
Adrianna | http://mimamochi.com/
Great look! <3
http://www.meriwild.com
You read my mind!! I’ve been wanting to write a post like this but just haven’t found the right words to say! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s like everyone forgot the real reason why there’s blogging and the creativity that Instagram used to provide. I am glad you are feeling refreshed! I’ve always been a fan of your content!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Totally get how you feel. Just keep being authentic and doing you! I love your photos, outfits and overall content. 🙂
Catherine X
http://www.thestylesynapse.com
I totally agree, it’s so difficult not to see social media (instagram especially) as a competition. I’m constantly comparing likes, picture quality, follower count, etc to other accounts and it’s just not healthy, yet for some reason I get a kick out of doing it? It’s so strange how we’re all so hooked in! Really enjoyed reading about your perspective xx
|Georgia Megan|
Such a well written post. It can definitely be a numbers game, but it’s important to stay upbeat and post what you love. Gorgeous outfit by the way. Love your style 🙂
Love, Lindsey
http://www.thenomisniche.com/
Wow, wondeful post, love it! ♥
I would be very grateful for clicking the links in this post 🙂 Maybe follow for follow, too? 🙂
http://veronicalucy.blogspot.com/2017/06/black-bodysuit-yoins.html
I feel the same way, girly! Love this post and your outfit.
I’ll be taking / Sharing my thoughts about the same subject on my blog soon. 🙂
Xx, Raysa
Love your honesty. Thank you so much for sharing. So glad you’re feeling refreshed. Your pics are beautiful and your style is effortless.
Xx
Nikki
http://www.nikkilivinglife.com
Thank you for the honesty that is this post. I’ve been feeling like this for a while. I hope we all find that spark again soon <3
Jackie at Something About That
Great post babe..love seeing your honesty and openness when it comes to this subject 🙂 Being in this industry can definitely become frustrating at times and it’s always so important to continue to find ways to motivate yourself and express your creativity.
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com/hide-large-pores/
Uggh I am SO tired of the “algorithm” and I think you’re one of many people who’s feeling totally burned out with it. I’ll be curious to see how many bloggers start focusing on other platforms.
District of Chic
Oh my! I very much can relate; in fact, my next post is on this subject! I’m still in the process of figuring out what the viable alternative is.
Thanks for sharing. Glad I’m not alone :/
Funmi x
http://www.funmialabi.co.uk
This hit home to me – it’s exactly what I’ve been going through the last few months. I felt this sense of doom whenever I felt like I wanted to write – because I had to, not because I wanted to. Working with unrealistic rules and strict guidelines on how a blogger should write a post, promote, style and work just crushed my individuality- and it’s something I’m slowly beginning to reclaim.
Thank you for speaking out, it makes me (and I’m sure a lot of other bloggers!) feel like they’re not alone.
Imogen // http://www.faux-silk.com
I love this post, Siffat. I totally agree with your thoughts. I don’t know how some people do it that they grow so far and constantly and I decided not to care anymore. Life has much more to offer than worrying about Instagram. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. :-)) you do inspire us and I love reading your articles.
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Such a pretty and wearable outifit.
Love the coat.
xx
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zn7IqrAY1I44bRuN6dH-Q
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Love your look!
Federica
http://www.federicadinardo.com
Beautiful look, great pics 🙂
Kisses!!
http://www.alasdeangel.net
Excited for your projects!
Have a lovely day!
Great look by the way 🙂
x Sandra
http://www.morestylethanfashion.com
I could have not said it better myself, I think we are ALL feeling it right now… x
Man, I feel like this is a blog post I could have almost penned myself, word for word. I agree wholeheartedly and don’t love the way things have become. Nor am I proud of myself when I get upset over how my stats are compared to last year. I mean, big deal. I gotta keep on keeping on and doing it for the love, not the numbers.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
I think you took the right approach here, darling: have a rant, decide what’s that you want to achieve, change the things that don’t work and move on. I think the competition is greater than ever as literally anyone can participate, but that doesn’t mean that if you are passionate about what you do and show that passion, people aren’t gonna keep on following you, because that’s what we like about bloggers. We see their spark, I definitely see yours, keep it shining girl! Happy Wednesday
Saida | She talks Glam
I have been falling out of love with Instagram recently and I have been having similar thoughts regarding authenticity vs numbers. It’s definitely up to all of us to retake it to where it was.
XoXo,
Tamara – LoveofMode.com