Breaking Free: Lessons from Instagram and a Life of Brave Change

In this episode of Brave Moves, I explore how one of the biggest social media success stories — Instagram — can teach us powerful lessons about adaptability, courage, and letting go of what no longer serves us.

Most people don’t know that Kevin Systrom, Instagram’s founder, originally created the app as a check-in platform. It wasn’t until he pivoted to focus on photo sharing that Instagram became what we know today, a global phenomenon. That pivot didn’t just change his career; it changed how we connect with the world.

Hearing that story reminded me of something I talk about often, the sunk cost fallacy. That tendency to hold on to something just because we’ve already invested time, money, or energy in it. Whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a dream that no longer fits, we often let our past investments keep us stuck in the present.

To bring this lesson home, I share the story of my dear friend Melissa, who began her career as a nurse, then became a doctor, and eventually found her calling in palliative care. Her journey wasn’t easy; it came with stress, uncertainty, and plenty of brave choices. But it also brought deep fulfillment and purpose.

Her story, like Kevin Systrom’s, reminds us that it’s never too late to change direction. Time is going to pass anyway, so why not use it doing something that lights you up?

We don’t need to let fear or past effort define our next chapter. Sometimes, the bravest move is to say yes to ourselves and let our past be the teacher, not the predictor, of what’s next.

Key Takeaways:

• Kevin Systrom’s decision to pivot Instagram’s focus changed everything.
• The sunk cost fallacy can keep us stuck in unfulfilling situations.
• Investing time in a career doesn’t mean you can’t pivot or start fresh.
• Melissa’s story reminds us to follow our true calling, even when it’s hard.
• Change, while scary, is often the key to living with greater purpose.
• Time passes whether you take action or not — so make it count.
• Brave moves create ripples of inspiration in others.
• Your past is a teacher, not a limitation.
• Saying yes to yourself is where real transformation begins.