Why do we cling so tightly to this myth of consistency?Because it feels safe.The idea that if we just keep pressing “publish,” eventually the stars will align—it’s comforting.But the platforms and algorithms of today don’t need you to be reliable; they need you to be memorable.
I loved your post and agree with it so much. I find that when I'm writing, or doing other creative activities, it's best to go with the flow. If I force myself to do something that doesn't feel right, it's not rewarding.
I find that if I'm just trying to write for the sake of writing and being consistent, my writing sucks and I get hardly any engagement. When I tune in, and I write intuitively, wow does it hit home with the readers! That's always exciting!
Taking my time with this article, as I actually believe both consistency (whatever that is for you, you make the rules) is important, as is the quality and depth of our message. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Love this! I found out that even daily things like Journaling or walking or ... are being posed as successful of you just do it every day. The way to keep up mental health. It hasn't worked for me. I just need to do what feels necessary. Not what my schedule is telling me, if we talk about selfcare!
I think the main reason we see the same message so often is that creators are just repeating messages they see everyone else repeating. Sometimes, we need to stop and think about the messages we put out. Like you say, times have changed. Thank you for your insights Ben.
This makes my soul happy. The whole obsession with output all the time is exhausting… and I was never any good at it either. It’s refreshing to see another human saying something I have been feeling!
You perfectly described my experience. It took me one year to learn that. But it is essential to complete that tough stage and work on real value, forgetting the big figures of likes or impressions.
What a fantastic read, Benjamin! This is something I've been reflecting on lately as well. It's striking to see how many continue to create simply for the sake of creating, often influenced by big tech's messaging that more is always better. This focus on quantity over quality can be exhausting!
As a reader, I often find it overwhelming when my inbox is flooded with posts that seem to be produced just to meet a schedule. Many of us have been online long enough to recognize this—readers can definitely sense the difference.
I also empathize with writers and artists. As an artist myself, I understand how easy it is to get swept up in the pressure to constantly produce.
it's a difficult balance to find fro sure but like you if find it overwhelming at times. That#s why its always important to keep reminding ourselves of why we are doing this in the first place :)
Also, are you living in Berlin by any chance or traveling here often? We have a Telegram group with Berlin Substack writers, and a couple of other people from the rest of Germany have joined as well :) I also organize the writers meet-ups.
Hello Tugba. Thanks for reaching out. No I am in Frankfurt but go to Berlin occasionally. That sounds really cool. I'd love to join if I ever get the opportunity :)
Hi! I can’t remember if you've been added to our group yet? If not, just send me a direct message. I'll send you the link. Our next meeting is at the beginning of February. We had one last week 🫶🏼
I completely agree with you. Consistency alone isn’t enough to grow online anymore. It’s about standing out and creating something meaningful. Loved this reminder!
For the long term it has to be meaningful. Remember when social media and YT was just about self expression and making money wasn’t even possible? Those early creators had the right idea
A million times, yes. I know when I'm reading fluff because I find myself swiping to the end to find the point.
I read every single word of this. Thank you.
We don't need more influences and content we need pioneers of movements.
In the beginning I set my goal to 4 times a month. Then life. I reset it to 2 times a month. I don't have a specific day. Many times I let the muse ✨️ motivate me to the writing desk, usually after a trail walk.
Thank you for reminding us all to take our time and write into the depths of a topic.
Hi Jess. I’m so glad this resonated. I’ve been railing against the productivity rigid routine bros for a while now. I’ve just found that I need time to allow for things to „happen“ and develop by themselves. Forcing it just doesn’t work for me.
I’d say if you’re a complete beginner and don't have an audience anywhere else yet, it’s good to be consistent to build momentum as content creation & creative job is very much like going to the gym to build your muscle. After 3-6 months or so, when you get used to the platform, the vibe and the people there, you can adjust your schedule to suit your lifestyle ☺️
Yeah it’s good to find a rhythm for yourself but I think many beginners are under the impression that they haver to stick to a schedule. Like if they don’t post on Thursday the also will punish them and that is just a recipe for misery
Yes, 100%. Many gurus say consistency is king but didnt explain it clearly. It doesn't mean posting daily. That’s the quickest way to burnout. It can be twice a week or 3 times a week. I’ve never posted daily on any platform for growth unless I really enjoy it and it’s a low-key activity that doesn't hurt my productivity throughout the day (like Threads, Notes on Substack or posting stories on IG…)
I loved your post and agree with it so much. I find that when I'm writing, or doing other creative activities, it's best to go with the flow. If I force myself to do something that doesn't feel right, it's not rewarding.
Thanks you for reading Karen. I’m totally with you flow over force every day of the week
Yes going with the flow is the way to go
I find that if I'm just trying to write for the sake of writing and being consistent, my writing sucks and I get hardly any engagement. When I tune in, and I write intuitively, wow does it hit home with the readers! That's always exciting!
LOVE THIS!!!! 🫶🏻 Tho right now, im trying to build a writing habit so writing short ones just to find my writing style. I think that works for me!
That’s a goof strategy. Start short or small and build up from there
I've learned to scale back
You mean doing less? Or just focusing on the key things?
Focusing on key things. I was all over the place hahah
🤣. I know what you mean. Flip-flopping between things can be a real energy drain
Taking my time with this article, as I actually believe both consistency (whatever that is for you, you make the rules) is important, as is the quality and depth of our message. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Thanks for your comment :). Taking your time is so important
Love this! I found out that even daily things like Journaling or walking or ... are being posed as successful of you just do it every day. The way to keep up mental health. It hasn't worked for me. I just need to do what feels necessary. Not what my schedule is telling me, if we talk about selfcare!
I love this post!
Showing up just for the sake of it can sometimes result in spammy content, which loses value with true consumers.
High quality content leads attracts serious audience, who are really paying attention to what you are offering.
Stay consistent in producing meaningful, authentic content.
😀🙏
I think the main reason we see the same message so often is that creators are just repeating messages they see everyone else repeating. Sometimes, we need to stop and think about the messages we put out. Like you say, times have changed. Thank you for your insights Ben.
I think you’re right. It’s tempting to try and copy someone who seems to be blowing up but that strategy rarely works in the long run
Agree 💯
Thank you for sharing this
This makes my soul happy. The whole obsession with output all the time is exhausting… and I was never any good at it either. It’s refreshing to see another human saying something I have been feeling!
So glad to hear it Natalie. I don’t see this message enough and so I see it as my duty to beat the drum of slowing down and taking deliberate action.
You perfectly described my experience. It took me one year to learn that. But it is essential to complete that tough stage and work on real value, forgetting the big figures of likes or impressions.
Yeah it often take a lot longer than we think. I would say it took me 2 years to come to this conclusion
What a fantastic read, Benjamin! This is something I've been reflecting on lately as well. It's striking to see how many continue to create simply for the sake of creating, often influenced by big tech's messaging that more is always better. This focus on quantity over quality can be exhausting!
As a reader, I often find it overwhelming when my inbox is flooded with posts that seem to be produced just to meet a schedule. Many of us have been online long enough to recognize this—readers can definitely sense the difference.
I also empathize with writers and artists. As an artist myself, I understand how easy it is to get swept up in the pressure to constantly produce.
it's a difficult balance to find fro sure but like you if find it overwhelming at times. That#s why its always important to keep reminding ourselves of why we are doing this in the first place :)
Also, are you living in Berlin by any chance or traveling here often? We have a Telegram group with Berlin Substack writers, and a couple of other people from the rest of Germany have joined as well :) I also organize the writers meet-ups.
Hello Tugba. Thanks for reaching out. No I am in Frankfurt but go to Berlin occasionally. That sounds really cool. I'd love to join if I ever get the opportunity :)
Hi! I can’t remember if you've been added to our group yet? If not, just send me a direct message. I'll send you the link. Our next meeting is at the beginning of February. We had one last week 🫶🏼
I completely agree with you. Consistency alone isn’t enough to grow online anymore. It’s about standing out and creating something meaningful. Loved this reminder!
For the long term it has to be meaningful. Remember when social media and YT was just about self expression and making money wasn’t even possible? Those early creators had the right idea
A million times, yes. I know when I'm reading fluff because I find myself swiping to the end to find the point.
I read every single word of this. Thank you.
We don't need more influences and content we need pioneers of movements.
In the beginning I set my goal to 4 times a month. Then life. I reset it to 2 times a month. I don't have a specific day. Many times I let the muse ✨️ motivate me to the writing desk, usually after a trail walk.
Thank you for reminding us all to take our time and write into the depths of a topic.
Hi Jess. I’m so glad this resonated. I’ve been railing against the productivity rigid routine bros for a while now. I’ve just found that I need time to allow for things to „happen“ and develop by themselves. Forcing it just doesn’t work for me.
Agreed. I could care less about content generators. I'm always searching for depth. I don't want candy. I want meat.
Haha. That is a great way of putting it 🥩
I couldn’t agree anymore. Period.
Glad to hear it Charlene🙏. Have a great Thursday
I’d say if you’re a complete beginner and don't have an audience anywhere else yet, it’s good to be consistent to build momentum as content creation & creative job is very much like going to the gym to build your muscle. After 3-6 months or so, when you get used to the platform, the vibe and the people there, you can adjust your schedule to suit your lifestyle ☺️
Yeah it’s good to find a rhythm for yourself but I think many beginners are under the impression that they haver to stick to a schedule. Like if they don’t post on Thursday the also will punish them and that is just a recipe for misery
Yes, 100%. Many gurus say consistency is king but didnt explain it clearly. It doesn't mean posting daily. That’s the quickest way to burnout. It can be twice a week or 3 times a week. I’ve never posted daily on any platform for growth unless I really enjoy it and it’s a low-key activity that doesn't hurt my productivity throughout the day (like Threads, Notes on Substack or posting stories on IG…)
Resonates. And I appreciate this reminder of what really counts.
Thanks Wade. I think we all need a reminder from time to time