Choosing the sovereign path really is the only way. Do it to dig deep into what really matters to you. Not for the metrics.
I almost have up 6 months ago because I thought I had to sell a course on how to make money. And that's not why im here. I could of stayed a carpenter.
This is it. You’ve really hit the nail on the head here. I thought I was becoming “anti-sales” but I think I’m just done with the Guru Game. However apparently I am a Creator archetype so I best get to work…
This is why I love your stuff man. You cut through the bullshit and lay it out exactly as it is. It has become so painfully obvious how the creator economy (can't even write those words without cringing) is just a huge ponzi scheme. Thank you for your enlightenment Philipp.
I couldn’t have said it better myself @Leon Leo. I think about the topic of this article ALOT. It’s kind of like the people who got rich during the gold rush weren’t the people searching for gold, it was the people who supplied the shovels. When I apply that frame to the creator economy, It’s like everyone’s searching for gold now. Nobody wants to sacrifice their comfort. We all know this and still refuse to admit to ourselves the real problem. The problem is standing in front of you when you look in the mirror. A true understanding of yourself and others after you peel all the layers off. Thanks Philipp this was a good one!
Philip. That's a great way to loot at it. It even reminded me of BMW's sports bike. The rhino.
They don't compete with anyone else. They are in the league of their own. As I learned a few days ago, from a off road motorcycle legend a few days ago. Adam Reimann.
I have discussions about this frequently it seems - we need to understand the game that’s being played. We assume we’re an active player but in this case, the algorithm does what it needs to do to feed the beast. It’s important people know why they’re here and reclaim their sovereignty in it.
Awesome article Philipp, really enjoyed reading this. I started out writing here as a way to share my ideas and loved it. Then I began falling into the trap of looking at metrics instead of continuing to write what I felt like writing. Thought I needed to find a "niche" but I know that's a losing game. I don't mind if I don't make money from my writing, I want to write because it's something I enjoy, and I'm going to try and make more room for that going forward. Nice article!
Realistic, without drowning in nihilism. Now that’s a worthwhile perspective. Very necessary. Thank you, Philipp! You’ve definitely written some proper food for thought here! 👍🏻
Very insightful and validated these from the article.
Real influence isn’t built on vanity metrics, it’s built on intellectual integrity. When you focus on developing a unique point of view and a meaningful body of work, you’re not just building an audience; you’re building authority. And authority, unlike attention, compounds quietly and lasts longer.
The most valuable outcome of writing isn’t revenue; it’s clarity. The market doesn’t pay for content, it pays for conviction.
This was really great for me, Phillipp!! Because I’m doing the same, but I never thought about it that deeply. Like, I started just watching Dan and other creators videos about email lists, making money, and all that. But after trying those tactics for a year, I started feeling tired because I was just doing things I didn’t really enjoy.
I won’t say those creators are doing something bad. They’re just teaching what worked for them. And honestly, I’m still happy that I started Substack and got into newsletters and email lists. After starting, I realized a lot of things, learned new skills, and even made friends.
Yup, I’m not earning money yet. I even calculated I couldn’t pay rent with the amount If make right now. If I wanted to, I’d probably have to ask people directly for money. But still, I’ve learned a lot through the process. And those lessons are going to help me monetize my work, maybe not through email lists, but through different options I never would’ve tried without starting in the first place.
The Sovereign Path… I’ve been working that for a good while. It can be lonely at times, but maintaining alignment to my deeper nature hasn’t ever steered me wrong. Thanks for the truth bombs!
A sharp, sharp dissection, Philipp! Creators shrinking themselves to fit the rules of the game. That's the part where the real cost isn’t just financial but existential. People end up borrowing an identity instead of building their own.
The really question we need to ask: are we building a business, or are we building a self we can actually live with?
I've already made money. No, I'm not getting rich but substack has been a net positive. I think a lot of it comes down to expectations. The idea that content creation is a quick path to wealth has always been silly. I only came here to figure out who my reader is. And now I've made a few Washingtons. Not too bad.
So many gems in this piece Phillip.
Choosing the sovereign path really is the only way. Do it to dig deep into what really matters to you. Not for the metrics.
I almost have up 6 months ago because I thought I had to sell a course on how to make money. And that's not why im here. I could of stayed a carpenter.
🙌
I'm glad you're still here.
Thank you brother 🙏
This is it. You’ve really hit the nail on the head here. I thought I was becoming “anti-sales” but I think I’m just done with the Guru Game. However apparently I am a Creator archetype so I best get to work…
Reading this make me really happy. Create what only you can create.
This is why I love your stuff man. You cut through the bullshit and lay it out exactly as it is. It has become so painfully obvious how the creator economy (can't even write those words without cringing) is just a huge ponzi scheme. Thank you for your enlightenment Philipp.
Really glad to hear that. Thanks Leon.
I couldn’t have said it better myself @Leon Leo. I think about the topic of this article ALOT. It’s kind of like the people who got rich during the gold rush weren’t the people searching for gold, it was the people who supplied the shovels. When I apply that frame to the creator economy, It’s like everyone’s searching for gold now. Nobody wants to sacrifice their comfort. We all know this and still refuse to admit to ourselves the real problem. The problem is standing in front of you when you look in the mirror. A true understanding of yourself and others after you peel all the layers off. Thanks Philipp this was a good one!
That's exactly it: selling shovels in a gold rush. You conclusion of self-understanding is a my main point.
Well said
Philip. That's a great way to loot at it. It even reminded me of BMW's sports bike. The rhino.
They don't compete with anyone else. They are in the league of their own. As I learned a few days ago, from a off road motorcycle legend a few days ago. Adam Reimann.
And also this song https://youtu.be/hKMbXOwXSdM?si=hmfKo7xD1E2d_P_e
I have discussions about this frequently it seems - we need to understand the game that’s being played. We assume we’re an active player but in this case, the algorithm does what it needs to do to feed the beast. It’s important people know why they’re here and reclaim their sovereignty in it.
Yes Ann! We mindlessly a play game we actually don't want to play.
Thank you, you just confirmed what I already went through and that's finding my own archetype 🫡🔥
Awesome article Philipp, really enjoyed reading this. I started out writing here as a way to share my ideas and loved it. Then I began falling into the trap of looking at metrics instead of continuing to write what I felt like writing. Thought I needed to find a "niche" but I know that's a losing game. I don't mind if I don't make money from my writing, I want to write because it's something I enjoy, and I'm going to try and make more room for that going forward. Nice article!
Thanks Stefano, great to have you here.
Realistic, without drowning in nihilism. Now that’s a worthwhile perspective. Very necessary. Thank you, Philipp! You’ve definitely written some proper food for thought here! 👍🏻
That's a challenge I'm constantly working on.
Very insightful and validated these from the article.
Real influence isn’t built on vanity metrics, it’s built on intellectual integrity. When you focus on developing a unique point of view and a meaningful body of work, you’re not just building an audience; you’re building authority. And authority, unlike attention, compounds quietly and lasts longer.
The most valuable outcome of writing isn’t revenue; it’s clarity. The market doesn’t pay for content, it pays for conviction.
That's an excellent summary Lile
i have come back thrice to read this Article as it explains what i have been debating with my self. Your authority unless seen clearly is of no use
This was really great for me, Phillipp!! Because I’m doing the same, but I never thought about it that deeply. Like, I started just watching Dan and other creators videos about email lists, making money, and all that. But after trying those tactics for a year, I started feeling tired because I was just doing things I didn’t really enjoy.
I won’t say those creators are doing something bad. They’re just teaching what worked for them. And honestly, I’m still happy that I started Substack and got into newsletters and email lists. After starting, I realized a lot of things, learned new skills, and even made friends.
Yup, I’m not earning money yet. I even calculated I couldn’t pay rent with the amount If make right now. If I wanted to, I’d probably have to ask people directly for money. But still, I’ve learned a lot through the process. And those lessons are going to help me monetize my work, maybe not through email lists, but through different options I never would’ve tried without starting in the first place.
So yeah, that was really a great piece!!
Hey Vidhan, thanks for your thoughtful comment.
It's really interesting to see that you can relate to that. There is great value in learning, and even more in finding out what work for you.
Making money with your business is all about patience. This is one of toughest parts, because everyone tries to convince you of the opposite.
You're on a great path!
This is not a Substack only phenomenon. All self-help falls into this category
You think Anthony Robbins or Alex Hormozi expect you to actually succeed with their methods?
No, they are just selling books to huge crowds who aspire to, knowing full well that they won’t follow through.
The other secret is this:
Every moment is new
What worked for them won’t work for you.
Yes this is a great insight. It basically applies to all capitalism.
The magic really happens when you apply what you learned and figure out your own, individual approach.
The Sovereign Path… I’ve been working that for a good while. It can be lonely at times, but maintaining alignment to my deeper nature hasn’t ever steered me wrong. Thanks for the truth bombs!
You're not alone with this :)
A sharp, sharp dissection, Philipp! Creators shrinking themselves to fit the rules of the game. That's the part where the real cost isn’t just financial but existential. People end up borrowing an identity instead of building their own.
The really question we need to ask: are we building a business, or are we building a self we can actually live with?
A really great read!
Thanks Nik. That's a great point. The real cost isn’t just financial but existential.
You freaking enjoyed writing this piece, didn't you?
Loved it. Probably because I lived a version of it too and I like a stripped down truth.
Honestly? I wish I would not have to wrote it. I was just following my creative drive. And that was deeply satisfying.
Yeah. I know that feeling.
I've already made money. No, I'm not getting rich but substack has been a net positive. I think a lot of it comes down to expectations. The idea that content creation is a quick path to wealth has always been silly. I only came here to figure out who my reader is. And now I've made a few Washingtons. Not too bad.
Expectations are an important point. I think most people get them wrong and grow impatient.
Glad to see you're on a sustainable path.