The Power of Consistency: Building a Successful Creative Career by Showing Up Every Day

Core Concepts

Consistent, persistent effort is the key to building a successful creative career, rather than chasing instant gratification or viral success.

Abstract

The author emphasizes that the most important factor in building a successful creative career is the act of "showing up" - consistently creating and sharing content, rather than focusing on instant gratification or trying to achieve viral success.
The author argues that stagnation is the "death of the creator" and that the only way to avoid this is to maintain a steady, dedicated output of work that allows you to build a relationship with your audience over time. Chasing viral success or instant wins is a "nonsensical way to think" and will ultimately lead to disappointment and creative burnout.
Instead, the author advocates for a long-term, patient approach of consistently showing up and creating content that reflects your unique values and perspective. This allows you to forge an emotional connection with your audience and build a sustainable creative career. The author cites their own experience of growing their network, audience, and professional opportunities through this consistent, dedicated approach.
Ultimately, the core message is that there are no shortcuts - the key to success is simply to keep showing up and putting in the work, day after day. This is the only way to build something meaningful and lasting as a creative professional.

Stats

There is no algorithm that can predict viral success.
Stagnation is the death of the creator.
Consistency lets people understand what the fuck you're about.

Quotes

"Showing up isn't a silver bullet. It's not an easy win. It's not a lifehack. It's not a shortcut. But it's the only way to build anything."
"If you build a slow, long term, dedicated relationship with the people who actively give a shit about what you do — that's something else. That's where you create a career of worth and a body of work that matters."
"Your role as a maker and a storyteller is to create a hero's journey that allows someone to forge an emotional link to your message, your ideas and your creative brand. There is no way to do that if you can't maintain a steady output of work."

Key Insights Distilled From

Just show up.

by Joan Westenb... at medium.com 05-01-2024

https://medium.com/westenberg/just-show-up-892674bfeee8

Deeper Inquiries

How can creators balance the need for consistent output with the desire to experiment and try new creative approaches?

Creators can balance the need for consistent output with the desire to experiment by implementing a structured approach to their creative process. One way to achieve this balance is by establishing a regular schedule for producing content while also setting aside specific time for experimentation. By dedicating certain days or hours to trying out new ideas, creators can maintain a consistent output while still allowing room for creativity and innovation. Additionally, creators can create a backlog of content during periods of high productivity, which can then be released gradually to ensure a steady flow of output even when focusing on new creative approaches.

What are some strategies for maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout when consistently showing up to create content over the long term?

To maintain motivation and avoid burnout when consistently creating content over the long term, creators can implement several strategies. Firstly, setting realistic goals and milestones can help break down the long-term commitment into manageable tasks, providing a sense of accomplishment along the way. Additionally, taking breaks and practicing self-care are crucial in preventing burnout. Engaging in activities outside of work, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones, can help recharge creative energy and prevent exhaustion. Moreover, seeking feedback and support from a community of peers can provide encouragement and motivation to keep going during challenging times.

How might the principles of consistent, dedicated effort apply to other areas of life and work beyond creative pursuits?

The principles of consistent, dedicated effort can be applied to various areas of life and work beyond creative pursuits to achieve long-term success and growth. In professional settings, maintaining a consistent work ethic and dedication to tasks can lead to career advancement and recognition. By showing up consistently and delivering high-quality work, individuals can build a reputation for reliability and excellence in their respective fields. In personal development, consistent effort towards goals such as learning a new skill, improving relationships, or maintaining physical health can lead to significant progress over time. Overall, the practice of showing up consistently and putting in dedicated effort is a universal principle that can yield positive results across different aspects of life and work.