Why I Deleted Instagram | Stoke-Ness
What will you do this year?
That’s the question on everyone’s mind right now and whatever you do, I hope you choose the biggest adventures you can think of. Failure isn’t as big as you think it will be and the safe options aren't as secure as you imagine they are. You know this already, right? Now get out there and do what you know you want to.
In this month’s issue, I share why I deleted the Instagram app, my new favorite place to be in the winter and a book to start your 2020 habits off right.
Be stoked (and happy 2020),
Isaac
Who I'm loving on Instagram
Deleting the Instagram app from my phone
Alright, I promise I’m not doing this to be shocking or different, but I deleted the Instagram app from my phone for (almost) all of December.
Yes, you are right, I do make my living primarily from my exposure on the app.
I didn’t stop posting or responding to comments, I just didn’t do that from my phone for all of December. After reading this post from Digital Minimalism, author Cal Newport, I wanted to try something to curb my instinctive reaction to grab for my phone as soon as there was a lull in my life. I found that I was using my phone for over 5 hrs each day. Most of that time was on the Instagram app consuming and not creating.
Since I find I’m most happy when I am creating, not consuming, I deleted all social media apps from my phone for the month. I still checked in on my laptop when I needed to engage.
Here was the challenge from Cal Newport-
“Use your smartphone only for the following activities: calls, text messages, maps, and audio (songs/podcasts/books).”
It was incredibly refreshing and I think I will keep the app deleted going forward and only have the app on my phone when I really need it. (You don’t need to delete it for the challenge, but I wanted a barrier between me and my reaction)
Give it a try if you want more time for you and less time for your phone.
Buy Cal Newport’s book HERE
Photo/Video Technique
My Favorite Editing App - VSCO
Nearly every photo I have ever posted (928 photos) on Instagram has been polished with the VSCO.
Have you ever noticed that your photos look amazing on your laptop, but then you export them to your phone and they look lifeless and flat? That is a sad fact of the small screen.
The best way to combat this is VSCO. It will add the depth back into your photos and help them pop like they did when you finished your laptop edit.
There are a ton of preset filters on VSCO, most of them based on real film looks. My favorites are E1, E2, E3. I also use C9, K2, and KU1.
Give them a try. I only use between 1 and 5 on the strength slider. Less really is more here. Slide it to where you think it looks good, then back off a little more.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
New Places
Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding
I grew up snowboarding and skiing at resorts while my older brother was always trying to convince me to hike in the backcountry with skins and take runs in the “wild”. I wasn’t into it then, and man did I miss out.
There is something so special about hiking through the mountains on 10 feet of snow and getting to slide back down again. It’s both the most peaceful and most exciting way to experience the mountains.
You will need a backcountry ski or snowboard setup to “skin” into the mountains and some good winter gear. I paid $200 for my split board and a new setup will cost you around $1500. It’s best to go with a guide or make friends at your local outdoor shop to learn the ropes.
Once you are up there you will find a whole new world that is as beautiful as it is addictive.
Photos by my friends Alex Strohl, Joey Schusler, and Taylor Burk
Gear
$100 Motorcycle
My favorite purchase of 2019 was my 1977 Suzuki PE250 dirt bike. I bought it for $100.
Now, that is an insanely good deal (the gas tank sells for $200 on eBay), but you can still find deals for under $500 yourself.
My bike needed some seals replaced in the engine, but I was able to do that work with minimal tools in my garage by following instructions on a forum. Now that the bike is running I have about $280 into it and a near-perfect running bike.
These old two strokes are insanely simple, reliable and more powerful than the old 4 strokes. On top of that, it looks cool as heck. There really is no reason why you shouldn't buy one yourself.
Here are some tips if you want to get one:
Buy one from an older (40 +) person. What kills these bikes is inexperienced riders who don’t know how to maintain them. If you buy one from someone who is a grandpa, they most likely ride and maintain it like a grandpa too.
Get a 2 stroke. They are more powerful per pound, lighter, and less complicated. Unless you want to do some serious road miles (then you should get a road bike ;) the 2 strokes will be more fun.
Get one with a headlight and taillight. These are called “enduro” models and can be licensed for road use easier than the models without the lights. They also can be ridden at night and look better in photos.
If you are an adult, look for a model that is at least a 125cc or above. Lower than that and it will be underpowered and not as fun.
If you are not mechanical at all, spend money upfront for a nicer bike. The goal is to ride these things, not work on them.
Winter is the best, cheapest time to buy a bike. Get one now and you will pay about 50%.
Let me know if you get one and share some pics. I love seeing old bikes!
Photo by Rod Trevino
Music I'm Diggin'
Costello Ave by Trails
My friend Alex Stohl showed me this track in late November and I haven’t stopped playing it since.
It’s orchestral with a driving beat and is equal parts stoke and inspired. With no lyrics, it’s the perfect running or workout song to get you revved up.
I like it so much I am thinking of using it as the outro song to all my Youtube videos in 2020. What do you think?
10/10 would recommend.
Give it a spin on Spotify here. (or hit the play button above)
Videos, Movies, and TV
It’s Alive with Brad Leone
I found Brad Leone on the Bon Appetit Youtube channel about a month ago and haven’t stopped watching yet.
Give this episode a watch and you will see what I mean. The blend of Brad’s super likable personality and the zany editing style make it addictive and will have you at least snickering to yourself if not outright laughing in public.
I’m not into cooking shows, I’m also not into most of Bon Appetit’s other shows, but Brad Leone is one of the internets greatest stars right now.
Watch it HERE (or click the play button above)
Reads
Digital Minimalism
I mentioned it earlier in the email, but this book is just what you need for the New Year.
Get your time, your life back from your addictive phone and start being present again. If this sounds like what you need then buy this book or listen to the audiobook and start 2020 fresh.
Cal Newport talks about why and how to create a life without letting all of the technology we all use take over every waking second.
10/10 would recommend.
Buy Cal Newport’s book HERE
Or borrow the audiobook by using the Libby app HERE for free
Be stoked and have a great month,
Isaac
