Chapter 1: The Misunderstanding of Content Creation

Today, I stumbled upon an article by Waseem Baloch that prompted me to reflect on the pressures of content creation. This isn't meant to critique Waseem; rather, it's about addressing a common misconception surrounding the act of creating content. Contrary to popular belief, content creation should not be a source of stress. In this piece, I aim to debunk the idea that producing content is challenging and offer some candid advice.

Waseem's article discusses creators who feel "exhausted" from the daily grind of writing and are grappling with "content fatigue." They claim to be on the verge of burnout. My simple question is: How is this even possible? I began writing daily pieces on Medium eight months ago and have felt no stress or fatigue whatsoever. I don't feel pressured to produce content regularly, nor do I experience signs of burnout. Why, you might wonder?

The answer is straightforward: I genuinely enjoy writing! If these individuals are burdened by the need to post consistently, perhaps they need to reconsider their path. For me, writing is a highlight of my day. At this moment, my thoughts flow effortlessly onto the screen, and I find inspiration with remarkable ease. Prior to this piece, I had no topic in mind. I opened Medium, saw Waseem's article, and instantly knew what I wanted to write about. It's not hard; it's enjoyable.

Here’s some tough love that may sting but is necessary: If you don’t enjoy creating content, perhaps you shouldn’t be doing it. Yes, it may sound harsh, but consider this: there are countless other activities you could pursue. If writing truly brought you joy, you wouldn’t be lamenting about burnout.

Take, for instance, prolific authors like JK Rowling or Stephen King. Have they ever complained of "burnout"? No, and they have a combined total of 89 published books. These are full-length works, not just articles. The complaints likely stem from a lack of passion for the writing process itself, possibly driven by misguided motives—such as the pursuit of money or fame.

It’s peculiar, really. I doubt anyone on Medium has substantial fame. We’re not captivating millions on TikTok with viral dances; we’re simply sharing our thoughts and ideas. If you’re focused on gaining fame, Medium might not be the right platform for you. Regarding financial gain, while Medium offers opportunities for writers, the potential earnings may not be as high compared to platforms like YouTube.

The crux of the matter is simple: If you enjoy writing, you will not experience burnout or fatigue. Writers write because they love it. Every article I’ve crafted has been a pleasure. My intentions are genuine, and my goals are not lofty. Consequently, writing daily for eight months has been a breeze. However, if my aim were merely to make money or gain followers quickly, I would likely dread the process.

If you possess the gift of speaking, you might be better off expressing yourself verbally rather than in writing. Why would you want to learn an entirely different skill when you excel in another? It doesn't make sense. You could be the face of your brand, captivating audiences with your speaking talent. Writing is not inherently impressive; it’s a fundamental skill most people possess.

Waseem's article seems to cater to individuals who don't enjoy creating content. While he suggests revisiting past writings to repurpose them into new articles, which is solid advice, I question the intentions of those seeking such strategies. I haven’t had to recycle any of my articles because there is an endless well of topics to explore. Those who prefer to update previous successful pieces come across as lacking ambition, especially if they haven’t established their competence yet.

Sure, I may revisit high-performing topics eventually, but right now, I find joy in writing about entirely new subjects. This very article was sparked by a few lines from someone else's work—how incredible is that? Your mind can generate content just as swiftly; it only requires practice. Unfortunately, you won’t train your creativity by adhering strictly to formulas or relying on AI for your writing.

This isn't a critique of any creators who are making their mark. Who am I to question Dan Koe's strategy of content repurposing? He’s achieved success and amassed a large following. However, he didn’t start that way. As a beginner, it’s crucial to develop your creativity. Dan likely began by exploring a wide range of ideas before honing in on what worked best for him.

If you’re starting without any online presence, you can’t skip the practice phase. You need to write extensively and enjoy the process. After a year, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what resonates with your audience, at which point you can think about reworking your older material. But don’t rush the process. I believe Waseem’s article appeals to those who want to take shortcuts to success without putting in the hard work necessary.

In conclusion, it’s essential to engage in the creative process authentically. Thank you for reading!

-Godfrey

P.S. If you’re interested in establishing your own content creation business, click here to join my email list. I’ll send you a free guide to help you get started.

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