Hi friends,
In last week’s newsletter, I experimented with a different format.
You can have a read here.
I talked about 3 completely different things.
They all fell under what’s been happening lately though.
I’m still figuring out what newsletter format I should go for, but I’m doing my best not to let that stop me from writing them.
I’ve always been someone who doesn't pursue something because “I must do X first”.
But if there’s anything I’m learning from building a one-person business and personal brand, it’s to:
Just start and figure it out along the way.
Figuring out my content and brand
It’s been a year or more since I’ve been putting up video content somewhat consistently on Instagram.
And to be honest, I’m still learning how to present my content. How to light my videos, what message to put up, who am I speaking to, etc.
If you look at my Instagram feed, it’s not perfect.
There’s a mix of colors, styles, presentations, and messages.
As a designer, who does branding, and has experience in UI design, my page goes against what I’ve learned in branding.
Nothing is cohesive about my page.
There are bits and pieces here and there that are okay, but then there's a new different set.
Different fonts, different colors, different color grades, different formats.
I can see it and it pains me to look at my feed 😭
I’m at the period where I’m
- learning more about my interests,
- finding my voice,
- figuring out who it is I want to help,
- who I am best meant to help,
- how I want to present myself,
- etc.
But I wouldn’t know all that unless I search for it right?
What starting can do
I wouldn’t know things if I didn’t put myself in situations that made me learn about them.
If I didn’t make the little videos I put up,
- I wouldn’t have learned how much I enjoy making films, or
- how to color grade
If I didn’t put up content,
- I wouldn’t have made the creator friends online that I have now,
- seen if there's any impact in the words I say, or
- learned what goes into content creation (and there is a lot that goes into it)!
If I didn’t make a variety of content or experiment with different styles and formats,
- I wouldn’t be able to see where the inconsistencies lie
- or see what I want to do more of or stop
If I didn’t start,
- I wouldn’t have gotten to a point where I can look back and reflect.
- I would have been stuck wondering what could have been.
- I would have been where I was years ago.
I'm using my experiences of starting and applying what I learn as fuel to find out where to go.
If there's something you've been wanting to start, now might be a good time.
You never know where things can take you.
My content plans and worries
My goal with this newsletter is to be as transparent as possible.
I want to be an honest and helpful person.
And I’d love the same in return.
Because we’re humans, we’re not perfect.
But together, we’re better.
This is why I'm sharing my current doubts and struggles on here.
Hopefully, they help in some way and make you feel less alone.
Feel free to reach out, let me know what you think, and share your struggles too.
My DMs and email inbox are always open.
My current content worries:
I’m currently worried about
- what to share,
- how to present my brand and my work,
- what my page looks like,
- how it is perceived by those who come across it,
- whether I'll ever figure it out
My negative thoughts on my content:
Am I this guy into self-development?
Who also happens to be a freelancer?
Or wait am I trying to be a filmmaker because I’m into cinematography?
Wait, I code too, so should I be teaching code?
Should I talk about design since I’m into it?
My negative thoughts on what others might think about my content / IG feed:
Wait, he’s a designer, but his page looks so inconsistent.
His work is okay, but he’s just another self-development page.
Oh that’s a cool video, *looks at profile*, meh.
- - -
Yup, worries and self-limiting thoughts, I tell you…
How hindering can they be?
My plan moving forward (the long game):
The plan is to keep going.
To keep discovering.
Because it’s one of the best ways I learn.
By doing!
Through action, errors, feedback, and reflection, I learn.
I never know better until I’m in a situation - doing everything I can to make it work.
So I’m going to have to keep going to find out.
I have to block out certain thoughts, put my head down, and put more work out.
Even if it means having an inconsistent Instagram feed temporarily, to figure it out.
It's about the long game, not the short returns.
If certain thoughts are stopping you, remember why you started.
Remember why you want to start.
It is through consistency, breaking past your limiting beliefs, and getting out of your comfort zone, you grow.
If you’re still here reading this and staying on, thank you!
I'll continue to share my progress, setbacks, and lessons as I go.
And I’m here to grow alongside your journey!
Feel free to can reply to this email and share your thoughts, lessons, or anything that inspired you this week.
Cheering you on 🫡
Sora
