2d • Micro-Experiments
Self reflection about my Instagram micro-experiment (May-July 2026)
Before proceeding to define the next micro-experiment for me, I wanted to look back at my micro-experiment from May-July about creating an Instagram account (@notjustfrites) and sharing nice places in Brussels and surroundings.
First, I had to let go of trying to learn everything about Instagram before posting and instead learn as I went. This forced me to do it (otherwise I bet I would still be busy studying all about Instagram and still not have posted anything). So I had to let go of perfectionism, and it worked out fine, to my surprise.
I had to create something from scratch and was alone on board (Colleen kindly supported me in the background, like a nice mentor or an unbeatable cheerleader). I created this by myself and was sole responsible. It showed me I can do it and that it is not that hard, after all, to be the captain and the only member of staff. I got super kind feedback, kind comments and even local ‘stars’ liking some of my postings. So I had to let go of getting directions, of getting a strict frame to work with. I could do whatever I wanted. So this gave me more self-confidence: yes, I can do it and even enjoy it.
The micro-experiment gave me evidence that I still need recognition (so nice to get positive comments on your posts or to have local ‘stars’ see your post). What fed me emotionally was talking about a topic I love (yes, food, restaurants, and all the nice things I have tried out) and getting recognition from followers, as well as receiving a lot of kindness from shop owners, restaurant owners, and staff. They started to glow with happiness when I explained why I was filming their place and what my account was about. They were happy to be visible and considered, and I was happy to have made a human connection, to see their genuine smile, and to get the sparkle back in their eyes. We are still humans who need connection and recognition (not just online orders or being scapegoats for customers to vent their bitterness about life).
And I noticed that I need regular appointments to make things happen. No deadline, nothing happens. Here, I pushed myself to post once a day (I had a short break during the 1st heatwave, as it was too warm to go out and film). Yes, once a day is my personal ‘appointment ’, thinking that my audience was expecting a new post. Hmmm, ‘perfectionism’ is creeping back in.
So what did I learn from all this
· I managed even without mastering the topic. “Just do it and fix later”.
· I managed well alone (without a manager, without a detailed framework, clear process)
· I need human connection, a sense of belonging and some recognition
· I thrive when I can contribute to make the world a better place.
· I loved sharing about my passion
· It did me good to go outside of my comfort zone. I felt alive and excited when working on this challenge.
· Letting go of (some of) my ‘perfectionism’ was a relief. My videos are not perfect, so what? Nobody seemed to care except me. I accepted to let go thanks to Colleen’s guidance.
Although I will continue with the Instagram account, I now need to think about the next micro-experiment using Colleen's latest pdf template.
I hope your micro-experiments are progressing well too.
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Self reflection about my Instagram micro-experiment (May-July 2026)
Leaderboard (30-day)
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