The "Why" behind producing content
I shot this video at 10:00pm at night during a point in my life I didn't know what the F$#@ I was doing.
Why am I showing you this? (and attempting to overcome my embarrassment)
Continue reading...
I recently had someone reach out and inform me an ebook I created 4 years ago really helped them. Two days later, someone had watched a video created 3+ years ago and really liked it.
My response was "Ehhhh ok cool" as I'm trying to remember which ones they were. Nervous to even ask what they liked about them, I simply said thanks and glad I could help.
This got me thinking... I should revisit some old content. With great apprehension, I had to figure out what the hell I said so long ago.
I like spending at least a couple of hours in the office on the weekends. It's quiet and I can focus working "on" the business without being pulled "in" the business.
Today, I spent an hour reviewing my notes, thoughts, and content I created over 3 years ago. With mixed emotions, I can tell you it's been a worthwhile process to simply reflect and digest the experience that have shaped me from then to now.
A number of things come to mind...
- Proud - I took action and worked to create... even when I had no idea what I was doing and was scared as puppy during a first thunderstorm
- Accomplished - I should have failed by now (statistically). Instead, the complete opposite is true and... I'm just getting started.
- Embarrassed - Holy moly have I made things too hard. I wish I could tell you there's a clear path toward your goal but the alternative is more true. I've learned I started with a simple idea, made it complex as hell, and now simplifying it back to a system unique to my company. And damn I have stupid ideas... smh.
- Regret - Probably the most painful feeling of the bunch. I have 1000's of pages of content I've never released. Blame it on organization or lack of time... that's all BS. The truth is I was scared to share with the world. Why?! Rejection? Pfff... who cares right? Furthermore, what if one of my thoughts, self strategy sessions, or memo from a 3am thought could have helped someone?
This post is super impromptu... AKA no one from 21 Handshake is editing it:). I'd like to take a moment to encourage you to share more of your thoughts and experiences.
Although I'm not too impressed with what I created years ago, I'm glad to know it helped someone and personally, "shipping your work" (Seth Godin line) is all apart of the growth process.
Even if your shy, afraid, or feeling like you have nothing to say, your thoughts and experiences can help others. Come out with it. Who knows who, where, or when you will help someone in need.