Why taking a break is terrifying

This week on the Colin and Samir Show, we’re doing something we haven’t done in a few years… we’re both on vacation. I’m on my honeymoon in Europe, and Colin is on vacation in Mexico. Our (pre-recorded) episode this week covers why it’s scary to take a break as a creator.

It’s taken us many years to find our format and find the momentum to turn our creativity into a career. And since we’ve found that format, we haven’t really taken a break.?

YouTube rewards consistency. Once you start publishing something your audience likes, you want to keep making more. And once those videos become connected to your income and overhead, it becomes even more challenging to stop. It’s the same for every entrepreneur – once a new venture starts gaining momentum, you can’t just stop, even if you need a break.?

This is what we call the Paradox of Permission. YouTube’s greatest strength is that no one needs to give you permission to upload. There are so many gatekeepers in traditional entertainment. On YouTube, you don’t need permission from anyone to publish something you’re passionate about.?

But at the same time, no one gives you permission to take a break or slow down. For creators and entrepreneurs, the pressure is always on.?

In a traditional job working for an employer, a few weeks of vacation per year is expected. But as creators and entrepreneurs, no one gives you permission to take a break – you have to give it to yourself..which most times, feels impossible.?

The paradox of permission is why the cycle of uploading to YouTube feels endless. It’s also why so many top creators burn out and leave YouTube after just a few years. Fixing the problem of burn out – which all creators experience at one point or another – starts with taking breaks, and normalizing time off.?

In my experience, time off typically results in a fresh perspective on the work, a deeper understanding of self and a realignment of purpose when it comes to creating. Even with an understanding of this, I most often go into breaks thinking that when I return, the channel will be dead and our audience will have forgotten about us.?

Since I’ve been in Europe, we have turned down numerous opportunities and deals. It’s something that I am still getting used to. It feels uncomfortable to turn down dollars when there were so many years we couldn’t get a single sponsorship for our work. It’s a shift mindset, recognizing that this career is long and that if we can work to always remain clear with our vision and commit to the work, we will find our way.?

I’ll report back on the pod with more lessons from the break when iI’m back.?

Au revoir pour le moment.?