I loved this piece. You put into (very eloquent) words what I have been feeling for quite some time, since becoming a writer on Substack.
The entire environment is constructed to make you feel as if you are failing if you're not meeting some publishing frequency benchmark and social engagement quota.
I quickly had to reorient myself and return to the reason I started this: to share knowledge about how our brain works in order to shape future behaviour for the better.
In short, I didn't start this to "create content."
I started this to add value.
And by that benchmark, even one subscriber is the definition of success.
Strong piece. Chasing immediacy distorts both outcomes AND judgment.
Once you train yourself to optimize for reaction, you stop trusting your own taste. You lose your identity, as does the passive scroller. And the algorithm will gladly fill that void.
I went into this assuming it would be slow, uneven, and often quiet. I don't consider that a downside at all. Call it a cost of business to stay honest and not add any more fuel to the pure dopamine fire.
Your distinction between art and content is powerful. Thanks for sharing - this is good timing for the reminder. I can only express myself and reach others in a meaningful way through art.
I've re-read this at least twice. It hits a note for me. I want to create something that is durable and reflect my exploration of history and security. It takes weeks for me to write an article.
But, I also want to share what I find. I hope that people take an interest in the events I have unearthed. I want to find like minded people who share my specific interest . . . but I sometimes wonder of they are even out there.
The distinction between content and art is what people need to hear. Anyone can churn out content. Art takes something else entirely, and most people aren't willing to understand what it actually takes to be creative, much less be great at it. Great art is intentional. The intuitive and structural decisions I make ultimately serve my vision, even when I don't understand it at first. The process is trusting that the work knows where it's going before you do. But you have to show up for it, and that's the part people skip.
I wish more people took the path of artistry. Not because we need more artists, but because you learn more about yourself through that process. And like you said, it fulfills you in a way that metrics never will. I took your archetype quiz and got The Creator. Pretty accurate, including the shadow parts. Though I dealt with the perfectionism thing years ago. Had to, or I would've never published anything. Thank you for sharing.
After reading your comment I'm not surprised you have dominant Creator (or Artist) archetype.
When we think of art we think about a painting on the wall. Art is not something abstract. It’s a way of being in the world. In that sense we're all artists – if we decide to.
Beautiful piece. I learned a similar lesson years ago as a family law attorney and coach. Not all readers feel comfortable being visible online, and that’s ok, more than ok.
I needed to read this today. Thank you! You always seem to say exactly what I need, which makes me realise the issues are things that affect all of us - we're never truly alone in the journey.
'There is no “late” in art. There is only “ripe.” ' 🧡
Gardens over factories. I love thinking of the creator economy as an ecosystem
I loved this piece. You put into (very eloquent) words what I have been feeling for quite some time, since becoming a writer on Substack.
The entire environment is constructed to make you feel as if you are failing if you're not meeting some publishing frequency benchmark and social engagement quota.
I quickly had to reorient myself and return to the reason I started this: to share knowledge about how our brain works in order to shape future behaviour for the better.
In short, I didn't start this to "create content."
I started this to add value.
And by that benchmark, even one subscriber is the definition of success.
Release it not to get a reaction, but to free yourself for the next thing.
Strong piece. Chasing immediacy distorts both outcomes AND judgment.
Once you train yourself to optimize for reaction, you stop trusting your own taste. You lose your identity, as does the passive scroller. And the algorithm will gladly fill that void.
I went into this assuming it would be slow, uneven, and often quiet. I don't consider that a downside at all. Call it a cost of business to stay honest and not add any more fuel to the pure dopamine fire.
If you’re not honest you don’t have business. You have a job.
Thank you Philipp, for this reminder to
1. Keep it real.
2. Just create.
"The work is to keep clapping for yourself until they catch up."
Love it. This is something I've been gradually coming to terms with and embodying too. Great article.
Your distinction between art and content is powerful. Thanks for sharing - this is good timing for the reminder. I can only express myself and reach others in a meaningful way through art.
I need to put my kids to sleep early tonight so I can read it again.
I'm happy I can contribute to a healthy sleep rhythm.
It’s amazing and your clone is here.
I've re-read this at least twice. It hits a note for me. I want to create something that is durable and reflect my exploration of history and security. It takes weeks for me to write an article.
But, I also want to share what I find. I hope that people take an interest in the events I have unearthed. I want to find like minded people who share my specific interest . . . but I sometimes wonder of they are even out there.
The distinction between content and art is what people need to hear. Anyone can churn out content. Art takes something else entirely, and most people aren't willing to understand what it actually takes to be creative, much less be great at it. Great art is intentional. The intuitive and structural decisions I make ultimately serve my vision, even when I don't understand it at first. The process is trusting that the work knows where it's going before you do. But you have to show up for it, and that's the part people skip.
I wish more people took the path of artistry. Not because we need more artists, but because you learn more about yourself through that process. And like you said, it fulfills you in a way that metrics never will. I took your archetype quiz and got The Creator. Pretty accurate, including the shadow parts. Though I dealt with the perfectionism thing years ago. Had to, or I would've never published anything. Thank you for sharing.
After reading your comment I'm not surprised you have dominant Creator (or Artist) archetype.
When we think of art we think about a painting on the wall. Art is not something abstract. It’s a way of being in the world. In that sense we're all artists – if we decide to.
Fantastic.
"Here lies a great content producer," said no one's epitaph ever
Beautiful piece. I learned a similar lesson years ago as a family law attorney and coach. Not all readers feel comfortable being visible online, and that’s ok, more than ok.
I needed to read this today. Thank you! You always seem to say exactly what I need, which makes me realise the issues are things that affect all of us - we're never truly alone in the journey.
We are not alone, we're just sitting in our quiet corner and exchange ideas.
Sad that it needs to be said. But you're right on point
👌