Enjoying the process isn’t something for the average creator!
I remember this conversation with a marketer who was doing extremely well in the 2000s. He was running a couple of successful blogs and making a decent income from them using different sources.
I was following him for quite some time and coincidentally got to have a conversation with him, that stemmed from a comment I had done on one of his blog post.
The conversation further resulted in a quick 30 minute call with him based on my request.
On the call, I asked him how many articles he was writing for his blogs. And he came back saying, “about 5 articles per day”.
I was shocked.
When I was struggling to write one article per day, he was churning out about 5 articles per day. I desperately needed to know the secret.
I asked him, “But, how do you manage that?”
To this he replied, “When you look at it as a burden, you will never be able to do it, but I enjoy the process and hence I am able to do it”.
That statement has stayed with me ever since.
One of the perils of content marketing is in the effort involved in creation. Look at it as a piece of art that you are creating just like a painter or, a sculptor.
You spend hours creating it and perfecting it. And when you are done with one, you move onto the next one without thinking twice, if you should do all of that again.
Why?
Because you enjoy doing what you are doing. You enjoy the process of bringing that blank canvas to life or, maybe that worthless stone to life.
If it was otherwise, Picasso would have stopped at one. Beethoven wouldn’t have created all of the Symphonies, Michelangelo would have stopped after this first one.
The problem with content marketing lies here.
Every content marketer, get into content marketing with the sole objective in mind – make money from his content.
For most, that isn’t something that they like doing. They are just doing it, because someone told them that it can make them money.
Their sole focus is the end objective. The process is something they are doing because they do not have a choice.
And succeeding with your content is difficult with that mindset.
If you are waking up every morning and thinking, “Oh crap! I have to record another episode today”, then what you are doing is a burden for you. And masterpieces aren’t born with that mindset.
Enjoy the process of creation. Even if it means that you aren’t writing an article or, a script on your own, instead you are only involved in the ideation process and then the refining and the beautifying processes.
Whatever it is, enjoy the process of creation.
You will find far more satisfaction, better results and a sense of accomplishment when you do that.
..and when you end every articles, or script, you would already have the next one ready to be penned down and your fingers itching to get started.
News you should know
Did you know that about 3 weeks back YouTube edged out Spotify to become the largest podcast consumption platform in the US at least for some time? And that’s some encouraging news for everyone of those who have been trying to find a podcasting platform on YouTube and uploading videos regularly.
Spotify’s latest acquisition is a London based AI voice simulation startup named Sonatic, that uses AI to create realistic-sounding, simulated voices from text. It’s known for bringing actor Val Kilmer’s voice ‘back to life’ onscreen after damage from throat cancer treatment. Now this isn’t something I am liking because of the sheer dirt that this will bring to the world of Podcasting! But Spotify look’s to be determined to muddy the waters.
You will like these links
This article on Branding your Podcast that was published on the Blubrry blog was very informative and comprehensive. I am sure you would love it as much as I did.
If you are a podcaster who interviews guests on your show, then this article on succeeding with podcast interviews is something you would love.
Questions from the reader
This is a question I received on Twitter from Randhir –
I hear people talking about sound-proofing rooms before setting up a studio for recording, which isn’t something every one can afford. What are the alternatives?
To answer this, the first thing you need to understand is that, Human brain is hardwired to stay away from anything that causes resistance. The more resistance you create to doing something, the more the chances of you staying away from it.
Podcasting or, for that matter any form of content creation is a simple process if you keep it simple. The more complicated you make it, the more difficult it becomes.
Know that you aren’t out there to create an amazing studio and create a show that looks like that of “Joe Rogan”. Note, that I used the word “looks like”.
All you would need is a microphone, quiet place to record and that’s it!
Sound-proofing isn’t something that is needed.
Alternatives are simple, just pick a room that has some furniture in it. Use a dynamic microphone if you are the only one recording the show from the room.
A little bit of noise is ok and you can get rid of them while editing with a single click.
“It’s quite fun to do the impossible.” Walt Disney
Recommended Reading
Hyperfocus – This book by Chris Bailey is an interesting read and help you with become more creative and getting more done.
Limitless– This book by James Kwik is one of my favorites and you would love reading it if you are somebody who likes learning things. It helps you changing the 3 M’s – Mindset, Motivation and Methods to learn things faster. A must read.
Note – Some of these are affiliate links and I might earn a commission if you choose to purchase using these links, but that would be at no extra cost to you.
That’s a wrap for the week,
See ya again,
Dilip K
P.S. If you would like to connect with me or, read more of my writings in the form of blog posts, then you can visit my blog about Podcasting Tips.
P.P.S. If you loved this newsletter, then why not recommend it to somebody you think it will be helpful for.
