The Reality of The Content Game

Content creation is an interesting game, but for most people, it can get boring really quickly.

The initial excitement wears off after you’ve shared the ideas you’re most passionate about.

But the hardest part is overcoming the frustration that comes from the lack of results in the initial phase.

In fact, most creators never make it past this phase. They quit way too early.

The most common pattern I notice during my coaching and consulting sessions is that people have the wrong expectations. 

Some of them are successful founders and CEOs, but they simply don’t understand content marketing or brand building.

There’s a massive gap between what they think is required to succeed and what is actually required to succeed.

Even those who understand what’s required often fall short on execution.

Let’s face it, understanding something and actually doing it well are two different things.

If you’re into fitness, you’ll notice the same pattern with people joining the gym expecting to get in shape after a few weeks.

The result? Disappointment.

So they either quit or start looking for shortcuts (supplements, weird diets, steroids, etc.). They end up wasting time, and often doing more harm than good to their bodies.

The ones who thrive are usually the most committed and the most disciplined.

Their mindset stems from understanding the game and having the right expectations along the way.

They’re not time-wasters who dabble in the latest wave of exercise programs or nutrition hacks and then move onto the next shiny object.

They understand the fundamentals and they put in the reps to find what works best for them.

Content creation is no different.

You need to have a deep understanding of the fundamentals, realistic expectations, and an unwavering commitment to succeed.

Here’s what this means for you:

1. If you’re self-employed and want to build a creator business, you need to treat it like a full-time job.

   
   You might even need to work more hours than you would at a traditional 9-5 job.

   
   4-hour workdays are for those who have already built their creator business and created systems and processes that allow them to work less.

   
   If you’re just getting started, you gotta be willing to grind. It’s lame to expect otherwise.
   
   

2. If you have a day job and want to build your business on the side, you have to treat it as a part-time job, or else it’ll always remain a side-hustle.

   
   It takes a lot of effort and sacrifice to grow something from the ground up and turn it into a reliable source of income.

I recently heard a well-known creator say that if you’re not growing 1500-3000 followers every month working only 30 minutes per day, then you’re doing it wrong.

This might be true at his stage (after years of building his brand), but it sure as hell doesn’t apply if you’re just getting started.

Extreme ideas garner more attention on the internet. Unfortunately, some gurus use that to manipulate people into thinking that everything is easy.

It’s not easy. If it were, everyone would be working 4-hour weeks and raking in cash with a few tweets.

I firmly believe that creators and solopreneurs can do much better if they weren’t so disillusioned by what they see on the internet.

So, in the words of David Beckham, “be honest”. Does your effort match your vision?

If you enjoyed this, share it with a friend.

Until next time, keep creating!

Omara

Quick Picks

1. If you’re a creator, listen to this podcast on your next walk.

2. Understanding what a brand is before you start building one can make a big difference to your journey, this youtube video might help.

3. A new copywriting book I’m excited to read. If you’re a content creator, brushing up on your copywriting skills is never a bad idea.

P.S. Got questions, ideas, or just want to say hello? Hit reply!