The block to creating content

get comfortable putting yourself out there

I recently got into an argument with a friend because he wouldn’t let a stranger film a TikTok for us. He said he didn’t want to make the stranger feel uncomfortable.

I argued that we weren’t doing anything wrong. (The TikTok was a video of us flexing in our car mirror). I told him the real reason he didn’t want to film the TikTok - he was uncomfortable.

He disagreed. He said he isn’t a social media person, because people pretend to be something they aren’t. (Because everyone is always their most authentic self.) Its not like we weren’t just taking videos of ourselves in the car mirror.

If anything, social media rewards people for being their most authentic and true self. Human beings sense “fakeness”. It’s why you know bad acting when you see it (watch this video). Fake social media personas only get you so far. People crave authenticity.

When people dismiss social media and content creators for being “fake” they probably haven’t committed to the process of creating content. Creating mediocre content is hard. Creating amazing content is almost impossible. It requires introspection, dedication, and vulnerability.

Everyone should create content. It’s therapeutic and amplifies your brand. You may meet an amazing person or learn more about yourself. And, maybe, just maybe, you will create something special.

The real reasons people don’t create content: 

• Afraid of what their friends/family think

• Afraid someone is going to call you out for not being an “expert”

• Lazy

Your friends and family won’t like your content. It’s not made for them. If someone doesn’t like your content, they have two options: A. unfollow you. B. ignore you. Either way, their actions don’t affect us.

Your content doesn't have to be well-researched or peer-reviewed. You just have to share your perspective. Everyone has a perspective they can offer.

• Started a club in college. How did you do that?

• D1 swimmer. How did that happen?

• Your a technical recruiter. What makes you good?

You set out to create content, but never actually do it? Block off 90 minutes at your most productive time block. My most productive time is 30 minutes after I wake up. Every morning I drink a glass of water, read a physical book for 15-30 minutes, go on a walk without my phone, and create content (write).

Do what works for you. Just make sure you block out time to focus on creating content. You can’t do anything else in that time block. Even if you are hitting a wall. No phone. No distractions. You will get better each day. Don’t lose faith.