Hi, Hello! My name is Sarah - the writer behind redgregory.com.
Confidence Building As A Growing Content Creator
My goal as a content creator was to first declare with confidence that I am a content creator. It can be difficult during the early stages of community building to share knowledge with conviction to a growing audience, so I had to create content into a void.
This backlog of content is important but not easy to create when no one is listening.
The lack of feedback was my first hurdle to overcome low motivation. The second hurdle was coping with negative feedback of which affected my motivation and confidence.
As I begin to pass milestones as a content creator I realize that old problems are replaced with new ones. Resiliency isn't something that grows with just time or followers.
I'm particularly sensitive to, well, most things. Completing my first year of sobriety, turning a new leaf, cutting off toxic people, and introducing new, healthy hobbies has been a major accomplishment.
However, the rollercoaster of emotions and major mood swings these events have caused is something I must control in order to deliver content I'm proud of, take criticism with grace, and keep moving forward with my head held high.
As for the conversation around confidence building online, I find it to be a fascinating subject as we enter a social media dominant space. Social anxieties do not disappear behind a keyboard. I think we all know this to be true after 2020.
How I Take Criticism Without Hindering Motivation
I become particularly energized to make a "better" video or article when the previous flops. I'm happy that I have this response in some ways, but it can be toxic.
Making content to prove worth or expertise is easy to spot as a content consumer and off-putting.
Here are some healthy ways I take criticism and remain productive:
- I am prepared for criticism. I expect to receive criticism for everything I do. When I receive none, it's a nice feeling, of course. And when I do receive criticism, it isn't a surprise hit to my ego. I am also prepared to respond thoughtfully.
- With preparation in mind, it's important to not make it my utmost priority to please everyone in my audience. This approach stops me from jumping to the defense when constructive criticism comes through. Defensive thoughts can linger for long periods and interfere with the day's work.
- If I'm particularly butt hurt about a comment or email, I've been renewing my energy with video games these days. I've never been much of a gamer but Stardew Valley and Minecraft have been particularly therapeutic. Anything with the ability to virtual farm. This, of course, isn't productive but necessary to refresh.
- I focus my attention on the real world, take myself offline, and do some chores. This is another renewal strategy.
- The energy I feel to "prove myself" as stated above is channeled into an intense planning session. I sit down with just pen and paper and think of solid content ideas to get my spirits up and motivation back on track.
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