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!
I thought I was coming out of my comfort zone by posting consistently. (it did help me overcome the fear of not getting validated by others with likes and engagement)
But I was unconsciously going into another comfort zone of feeling like I was doing something.
My biggest takeaway:
"Imagine pouring yourself into each creation, not because you need to fill a schedule, but because you want it to mean something."
What I was thinking as self-expression was more of me trying to attract attention. Not true self-expression. Thanks for being :)
Thanks Ragav. I’ve definitely been there. In many ways consistently posting is easy…it’s harder if you really want to say something meaningful and structure
Great post, Benjamin. I too have lately begun to feel tired, chained to the obligation wheel...and as a cartoonist, while I feel I have never drawn a cartoon that was outright subpar and don't accept less out of myself than what I am capable, the routine has had the effect of making it more of an obligation rather than a joy - even though when I'm done, there's joy. But lately - there's also a little sense of relief. For that reason I'm taking a short break to do other things connected with creativity after I finish my current story arc, which is at hand.
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!
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!
This really hits hard.
I thought I was coming out of my comfort zone by posting consistently. (it did help me overcome the fear of not getting validated by others with likes and engagement)
But I was unconsciously going into another comfort zone of feeling like I was doing something.
My biggest takeaway:
"Imagine pouring yourself into each creation, not because you need to fill a schedule, but because you want it to mean something."
What I was thinking as self-expression was more of me trying to attract attention. Not true self-expression. Thanks for being :)
Thanks Ragav. I’ve definitely been there. In many ways consistently posting is easy…it’s harder if you really want to say something meaningful and structure
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
Thankful for your work. Challenging indeed to think about consistency as ‘comfort’ ekkk. It a very much needed awakening. Thank you 🙏
I agree. It’s quality and authenticity people desire to see.
Thank you for this perspective!
Thanks for reading. Hope it provided some food for thought
Yes, it truly did.
You got a real unique pov, I do have the opposite view of everything but yeah I love reading about others' pov, always teaches me something new.
Keep up the great work, Benjamin.
Thanks man that is fresh. To hear that you disagree but stilll read👍🏻 thanks
nah, nah I dont "disagree" just somethings on which I have a bit different pov : D
The truth is, nobody ever agrees 100% with anyone.
So I think it's pretty normal haha
100%
Great post, Benjamin. I too have lately begun to feel tired, chained to the obligation wheel...and as a cartoonist, while I feel I have never drawn a cartoon that was outright subpar and don't accept less out of myself than what I am capable, the routine has had the effect of making it more of an obligation rather than a joy - even though when I'm done, there's joy. But lately - there's also a little sense of relief. For that reason I'm taking a short break to do other things connected with creativity after I finish my current story arc, which is at hand.
Nothing wrong with taking a break Lee. Before the internet we understood this and the importance of seasons
Good insight 😌 Can i translate part of this article into Spanish with links to you and a description of your newsletter?
Thanks Salvador. Yes sure. :)
Many thanks, Benjamin. Salvador Lorca and me did the translation, is here:
https://audiencias.substack.com/p/desarrollo-de-audiencia-por-que-aparecer
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.