Making Videos When You Don't Feel Motivated

Hey there, fellow creators! It’s Meredith, and today I want to delve into a topic that’s near and dear to every content creator’s heart: motivation. Whether you’re a seasoned YouTuber or just starting out on your video creation journey, finding the drive to keep producing content can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But fear not, because in this article, I’m going to share some insights and tips based on my own experiences and observations to help reignite that creative spark.

Watch the Video: On making videos when you don’t feel motivated

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The Pressure of Publishing

One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced when trying to stay motivated as a content creator, is the pressure to stick to a strict publishing schedule. Like many of you, I aimed to churn out two videos a week, but I often found myself falling behind. The constant struggle to keep up became overwhelming, leading to burnout and, in some cases, even videos being removed by platforms like YouTube. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

The Importance of Planning

Taking a step back and reassessing my approach to video creation was so helpful for me. Instead of focusing solely on meeting the deadlines I had made for myself, I learned the importance of proper planning and batch recording my content. Allocating dedicated time for brainstorming, recording, editing, and scheduling videos not only helped me stay organized but also allowed me to enjoy the process more.

Finding Motivation Beyond the Dopamine Hit

Sure, there’s a rush of dopamine that comes with hitting that “publish” button and seeing your video go live. But true motivation goes beyond just the initial thrill. For me, it’s the heartfelt comments and messages from viewers expressing gratitude for the content I’ve created that truly keep me inspired. Knowing that my videos have made a positive impact, even months or years after they were published, fuels my desire to keep creating. People are finding it when they need it, and they’re taking the time to tell me thank you for creating this. Thank you for helping me figure this out. And that has been hugely motivating for me.

Action Breeds Action

Sometimes, the hardest part of creating content is simply getting started. That’s why I’ve adopted a mindset of “action breeds action.” Even on days when I feel like creating videos, but I don’t necessarily feel motivated to do my hair and makeup, and sit down and press record, I’ll focus on other tasks like thumbnail design or video planning to keep the momentum going. More often than not, taking that first step leads to a domino effect, ultimately ending up with a finished video.

Drawing Inspiration from Others

While it’s essential to find your own unique voice as a creator, there’s also value in drawing inspiration from others. Watching videos from fellow creators can spark new ideas and perspectives, ultimately fueling your own creativity. Just remember to tread carefully and avoid falling into the comparison trap. Instead of viewing others’ content as competition, see it as an opportunity for collaboration and growth.

Conclusion

So, there you have it—my thoughts on finding motivation in video creation. Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or uninspired from time to time. What matters is how you choose to respond to those feelings. By prioritizing planning, seeking inspiration from others, and focusing on the impact of your content, you can reignite your passion for video creation and keep your audience engaged for years to come. So since action breeds action, sometimes you might need to tell yourself to just sit down and get started!