It's the start of August 2017. A few weeks ago I started a vlog. I've been telling anyone who'll listen that consistency matters. And I haven't recorded a single video for days.
No big reason. Lots going on. I've been busy.
Which is an excuse. I know it is. My whole message is done beats perfect, and right now I'm not doing.
Is it really that hard?
Pointing a camera at myself isn't difficult. I've done it loads of times. So what's stopping me?
Mostly, other things feel more urgent. And it's easy to tell yourself that one more day won't matter. Then it's a week.
For me it's important to be honest about this stuff. If I'm going to talk about doing what you said you'd do, I have to put my hand up when I'm not. So this is me putting my hand up. And, in a funny way, by posting this I'm back to walking the walk.
Example or warning
I've heard it said that everyone's life is either an example or a warning. For a long time mine was a warning. A perfect example of what not to do. I was lucky enough to turn things around, and these days I try to live as an example instead.
That's a big part of why I share what I share. Something you put out could be exactly what someone else needed to see that day. It might give them a bit of hope, or a nudge. That only happens if you actually put it out.
What I've learned since
I've started and stopped more vlogs, podcasts and posting streaks than I'd like to admit. The ones that lasted had one thing in common. I made them small enough that busy weeks couldn't kill them.
A rough video that goes out beats a polished one that never does. That's the whole idea behind record, remix, release, and it's why I'd rather post something imperfect than go quiet. If you need a nudge on the camera side, Video advice from the guy behind the camera is worth a read.
What have you told people you're going to do? A blog, a video, a newsletter, a call you keep putting off? Pick the smallest version of it and get it done today. It won't be your best work. It will be done.
First published August 2017.
