Folks, I have to do this before moving on with another topic of discussion. Okay, I have a bit of trickle over from last Friday’s post, Back to Natural Basics (in Content Creation): Focus on the Right Stuff. And, I thought I’d share it with you briefly today. So, I’m interrupting today’s regular “Lessons Learned” programming to finish up on some thoughts from last Friday.
“Real Talk” will now commence . . .
Hey, I’m just gonna be real honest with you right here and now. I tried out YouTube to see if I had an affinity for making videos. And, I found out that I don’t. I just don’t enjoy making YouTube videos. (I really, really tried to make myself appreciate the process, but it’s just not that “thing” that makes me come to life.)
It’s fair to say that I’m totally out of my comfort zone with YouTube. And don’t get me wrong here — there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being out of your comfort zone. Functioning outside of your comfort zone let’s you know that you’re not naturally inclined in a particular area or need to put some work into that area of focus in order to get to a level of comfort at it. We all face this phenomenon. It’s one of those inevitable occurrences in life that you might as well welcome; because ready or not, they will come.
And let’s just say that you may fall into the category of individuals who desire to get better at that “thing” that’s currently making you uncomfortable. I mean you actually want to get proficient at it and do it some justice. Then, good for you. Areas of discomfort can become comfortable with a little time, effort, diligence, consistency, and perseverance.
But, wonder if that area of discomfort is something you really don’t want to become all that comfortable with? What then? Well, let me continue on with my baby rant about making videos to give you some insight on how I’ve decided to answer this question for my own personal creative journey.
I’ve come to the harsh reality that I’ve given YouTube a serious try; and at this particular moment in my life, I really don’t want to give it any more attention. Hence, the reason for inactivity for several months now. I JUST DON’T. I have no desire to continue making myself engage in a process that I don’t have the heart for. Hopefully, you see where I’m going with this discourse.
I simply don’t have the heart to make videos; and therefore, my mindset is not conditioned to put in the time, effort, diligence, consistency, and perseverance to make creating videos a comfortable process.
I think this would be an excellent time to take a hard right and pivot back to my post (highlighted above) from last week. That post’s content had everything to do with focusing on “the right stuff” in content creation or in any endeavor you choose to focus your attention toward. And “the right stuff” is made up of what you’re good at, what you enjoy doing, and what’s most important (for you and others).
Now, you may not have all three criteria working for you when starting out with a new process you’re trying to pursue, but you sure need to have at least two of the three “right stuff” criteria working in your favor. And one of those criteria has to involve the whole enjoyment of the process.
You’re not going to go all out or go long-term with a process that you can’t find any enjoyment in. And if somehow you feel like you can program yourself to do so, you’re heart or mind (I use these terms interchangeably) is not going to be in it. You’ll just be going through the motions emotionless, because it’s that uncomfortable “thing” you have no desire to truly invest yourself in . . . it’s not your passion project . . . it’s not your purpose-driven calling.
So, the paragraph above just described where creating videos falls in my overall journey in content creation. I’ll NEVER say NEVER, because I may be actively back on YouTube one day when the heart calls, but it won’t be today, tomorrow, or the foreseeable future. My YouTube channel is still out there . . . alive and well and highlighted here on my blog as well.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how thankful I am for the experience to put out content on the YouTube platform. I’m proud of what I’ve created thus far and equally appreciative of the lessons learned by embarking on such a journey. I’ve learned a lot, A LOT about technology and about myself. And one thing I learned is that my time is valuable (and your time too) and much better served in the area(s) in which I enjoy.
Now, I bet you want to ask me about writing. Don’t you?
Really, go ahead and ask me. You know you want to.
Certainly, you know I’m going to tell you whether you ask me or not.
It’s like this: writing is my passion project. It’s my creative forte and where I rest most comfortably. And, I’m not saying that I’m necessarily at a proficient level in writing by any means, but I’m willing to become the best writer I can be. Why? Because writing is where my heart resides and my mind’s wholeheartedly in it. So, I don’t mind being out of my comfort zone from time to time if that means that I’ll become a better writer. And, I don’t mind investing my time, energy, and money into a process that I intrinsically enjoy for the sheer privilege of participating in it.
And here’s the deal. If you don’t have that aspect of enjoying what you’re doing as a foundational piece of the creative pie, then I think you do yourself and others a great disservice. In other words, how are you able to adequately provide value to others in what you’re doing? And if you don’t thoroughly enjoy what you’re doing, then how are you going to truly get proficient at it? By this time, I’m sure you’re noticing how the three criteria of “the right stuff” play hand-in-hand with each other.
So, to see if I’ve been effective in getting the main point of this blog post across to you, I thought I’d give you a little pop quiz.
Question: What should your creative and/or newfound endeavors focus on?
Answer: _______________________________________________ (YOUR TURN)
