HI Ali i started a taking youtube as a profesional business...i started following you..1st Feb 2024 you made believe i can grow..since applying your advices i see my accound growing from 0 from 1st feb 2024 now i am on 12 subs...
Putting yourself first and not biting off more than you can chew, enjoy the process and remember why you found it enjoyable in the first place. Loved this video
I don’t get all the hate for creators who are speaking up about the truth of being a full time content creator. We are not complaining, just being honest what’s actually like. Pretending your life is perfect = people say you’re fake. Saying it isn’t perfect = you shouldn’t be ‘complaining’. You can never do it right 😩 anyway, thank you for making this video and explaining so clearly
You are one of the few sincere people who can describe, deconstruct and articulate many things. Really, if someone has a channel they need to think and analyze the points you mentioned. Thank you very much Ali
Don't forget that being a TH-camr is very similar to running your own business. You should upload things people want to see, just like businessman should offer product/service that people need. And when the growth becomes real, you can consider hiring people to help you run your channel more efficiently. The most difficult part is starting and growing of course, but consistency and hard work (with a little bit of Famester of course to help) will always pay off at the end. Good luck to everybody, we will all succeed one day!!
The link between the "TH-cam Quitters" mentioned in the video is their heavy dependence on TH-cam metrics (thus on sponsors and metric-related income sources), or I noticed some merchandise like t-shirts... If you're not capturing your audience, fostering a relationship with them beyond the platform, and offering concrete products or services that "improve their quality of life... then you're destined to depend on "selling time," and indeed, that's a challenging lifestyle, which is why numerous entertainment TH-camrs end up completely burnt out...
One of the things we always keep in mind, especially during our downs is the why we do YT, and this is the thing we emphasize when we mentor someone to do YT. We ask them over and over again why they want to do this. You need that one thing that would bring you back to right place, the one thing that anchors you and reminds you your original and true goal. What I take away from this video is the importance of creating constrains that helps you protect the life you want to live. Thanks Ali!
Ali, recently I've been feeling a huge ray of authenticity coming from you, not that you weren't authentic before. But these heart to heart talks are, well, coming straight from your heart and I'm absolutely loving them. Superb video!! Agreed with everything and I'm glad that I've realised all of this even before making a lot of money and having a big TH-cam channel.
As a 45 year old preparing to take my first step into creating content through writing and TH-cam, I feel like this was the single most important video I have ever watched. So much good insight about sharing what is important to me without focusing on views. Putting these things into context before really getting started will definitely help me along the way, Thank you!
I’m not a TH-camr I have a cleaning company, but I am having burnout and this video help me so much to think about what I am going through and I am so glad that you posted it. Thank you.
So excited for the upcoming shift... I won't be quitting TH-cam, just no longer making complicated storytelling videos but instead switching to a simple, fun, podcast-like format. I already feel like it's the best decision I've made in the recent years 😁
I'm crying. This is so deep and powerful! I will be writing out my 5 proclamations now! I've been on youtube for over 13 years..... AND THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR RIGHT NOW! I lost that "feeling" of having a person listening to me right now, I started writing out into the void..... THANK YOU!
@@PlatinumPace Personally I just think it’s still too early in the evolution of “influencer as legit career” for many people to think of it as such, even the creators themselves - as evidenced by Ali in this very video when he says (intentionally or not), “back when I had a real job” when referring to his time as a practicing physician. (Time stamp at about 2:41)
Your mantra made me tear up. Those five steps would change so much about how I approach my creative process with my videos. Thank you so much Ali. Your channel is amazing!
Wow I love that mantra - so important. Intent and visualization are so important. Doing TH-cam as a full-time job can definitely feel stressful and not fun at times. This video was a reality check and reminder of why I started this. Thanks Ali!
Beautiful, thank you for this! ❤️I’ve recently decided to let go of my skateboarding “niche”. My subscribers and views are falling, but I suddenly feel an immense energy for creation and expression.
Hi Ali, thank you for this video! I recently did your Skillshare class on how to start a TH-cam channel and you actually gave me the courage and final push to do so! I was kind of scared to click on this video, but your insights are so interesting and helpful!
Hi. I am just starting my channel at the age of 57 after working in banking and IT for 33 years. I am taking the plunge now, unsure whether I shall be a success or not. Somewhat apprehensive about this move at the moment but your videos have always given me hope and aspirations. So when I read the title of this video, I was somewhat almost 'scared' and then saw the entire video. I became quite emotional towards the end- please do remain in this platform, I have a lot to know more from your videos. Thanks
Nice to hear someone being real about it being 24-7, stress, responsibility to take care of team, constantly creating, etc. I felt burnt out designing for Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, etc. I studied the science of happiness from Laurie Santos which was Yale's most popular class. She said if the doctor said you have 2 weeks left to live- how would you spend your last days? Helped me focus to align myself with what's really important.
I'm really glad you're going a different direction with your future videos. I for one am sick and tired of the trendy, overly-optimized, TH-cam videos are so stale and they all just kind of blend together. It's almost as if all the "creativity" has been sucked out of TH-camrs and now it's just SEO regurgitated click-bait. I am definitely looking forward to more videos with your unique style, deadlines be damned!
TH-cam awhile back for many of the reasons you mentioned, and the time away helped me to come to the realizations you mentioned here. Since returning last year, I’ve let go of worrying about views, and only focus on serving and giving whatever is on my heart. Your 5 intention statements are beautiful. Thank you for this video ❤
Thank you so much for this video. I think the point you made was to think of the lifestyle and not the goal--or adjust the goal based on the lifestyle--was an amazing comment. Thank you for all the videos you make. I (and many others) appreciate the you on your schedule!
One thing I think helps, is creating a backlog of videos, so maybe you shoot 3 vids a week and then you upload 1 every week. The other 2 you can have as a backlog and you can schedule uploads, do this every week and you'll have a huge backlog, and so when you want to take a break, you know you have the content to cover that break.
Yeah I wonder if it isn’t possible to work really hard for 6 months out of the year creating all the videos necessary to keep the channel running and slow down for the other 6 months and maybe take a month off every year. Or some variation of that. Of course if you have scaled up your life in a such a way that now you have to work even harder to maintain an overinflated lifestyle, then it might be stressful to even think about taking a break. That’s what I’m trying to figure out right now while I’m planning my return to TH-cam.
"The purpose of this video is service" That is the biggest take away for me from this humble and honest take of yours. I must admit that although subscribed to your channel, I didn't follow your content regularly and this video just showed up in my feed today and intrigued me for different reasons. You brought up some wise and profound points that deeply resonated with me and mysteriously came in that "3 months" questioning cycle period of time you have mentioned and I am experiencing quite often with my niche channel. Great food for thought, thanks for sharing ♥
This was such a useful video! Just starting out on TH-cam myself and learned a lot from this video. It's definitely important to have a balance between what you want to make as a creator and what your audience wants to see. Like you said said, it's the only way to prevent burn-out. You can't do this for a long time if you don't actually enjoy it.
I've been feeling very overwhelmed by life recently and had so many doubts in every aspect of my life. I clicked on this video bc your thoughts are always making me think in more optimistic way. I started my TH-cam channel almost a year ago and felt burnout already... this strategy about giving a lecture before houndres of people and telling them how can they love their lives by you giving them advices was exactly what I was looking for... it's amazing how one simple visualization can change mindset and give the freedom in heart and mind. Thank you for that video! Love your work!
Love the 5-step mantra. Very useful. Plus, I am a university lecturer with tenure! And I get to do what you describe in your mental exercise. It’s pretty sweet. In fact, when I get frustrated or down about TH-cam, I remind myself that I *already* have the job most people only dream about, so I should relax and be grateful.
One of my favorite videos of yours. I looove this format when you talk with behind you a few questions and dots written on a blank page. So satisfying to watch :)
I think the answer is simple, people want to quit because TH-cam isn't as much of a "dream" job as people think it is. It's something that is that head definition of "the grass is always greener on the other side". People think you just sit and talk for a few minutes and quickly edit and move on but the reality is very few TH-camrs do this and even then it's only the people who have massive teams or have fans that are fine with that style of content.
Well put and agreed! There’s so much more involved. After working in several other industries, I still find TH-cam most attractive, even if it is indeed really hard work.
Hi Ali, this video feels like a warm hug. I love your fresh, playful and joyful perspective coz thats something that vibes with me so much. I’ve always lived my life in a way that I would still be able to enjoy the process at least to some extent. Thank you for sharing and being authentic about how you feel. You’re awesome, man! Thank you, have fun and laugh a ton.
This is so so valuable. I found myself tearing up when you shared those mantras. Thanks for your thoughts, Ali, I really look up to you and your videos. I love this!
Every time come to Ali channel, I learn something new beyond productivity. What I mean is that even if the topic is related to a specific aspect of view, I always have a takeaway to apply to my own thoughts or projects. Excellent content; keep going. You are in the right direction Ali.
This was really a beautiful content. These are the type we rarely get to see as an audience but these are the stuff we actually crave .. true connection and getting advice from the people you admire. Thanks ali.
I haven't actually started a TH-cam channel (though I want to), but I love that you put constraints around what and how much you do so it doesn't get out of hand. Having boundaries with your work and staying true to your original goal is super helpful advice. I think a lot of people easily forget the reason they started producing content in the first place.
Good attitude. I’ve always believed that if I’m not enjoying making a video, that video will not be enjoyable to watch. I find this helps keep me only making stuff I want to make.
TW Suicidal ideation: Thank you, Ali, for making this video. I really needed to hear someone talk about it. Just under two weeks ago, the comments on my second channel became so intense that I became suicidal and had to phone for help and get people to come in and check on me. It had been slowly building up over months, with stress and algorithm pressure, but the comments were so degrading and purposefully hurtful that they pushed me over the edge. I still had deadlines for sponsors to fulfil, so I worked on more TH-cam videos whilst doing not-very-nice things to myself and phoning a suicide hotline throughout my work day. I became too afraid to even go on the backend of TH-cam to read any of the comments. Yet, when I was talking to my therapist about it, she asked me how much money I would have to earn for me to feel safe enough to leave TH-cam, I replied that there wasn't enough money that make me want another job, I love this job, which is what your lottery analogy reminded me of. I need a break, but sponsorship deadlines, contracts and the algorithm make it impossible to care for my mental health, and my PhD research is suffering for it. I like your approach of trying to trick myself into thinking I've already got a Lottery's worth of money in my bank account and making things for fun. It may be a dangerous game to play, but I can't sustain this degree of mental health doing what I'm doing now, so hopefully, in six months, there may be a positive change. Thanks again for making this and making me feel less lonely.
I really appreciate this type of content. The personal process you have carried out in parallel with the growth of your business is admirable. It is inspiring and healthy to remember that beyond job success is building a meaningful life. Thank you very much and I hope you share more such genuine messages.
ive been a fan of your TH-cam channel and the contents that you are creating for a while now. Today I finally have the courage to speak out that you are one of the reasons I believe in humanity and kindness; especially, when you mentioned that you are doing this TH-cam channel for the people who are watching this to experience maybe life-changing moments, you are giving a form of service to the community. And for that, I really appreciate you as a content cretor and a human being. I wish this TH-cam channel and you yourself all the best.
What a great analogy...the goose and golden eggs. Loved it. As a small channel I don't have the same "business" problems, but it does all fall on my shoulders to keep on making content. You are so right about enjoying the process. Luckily right now I LOVE making videos. Long may that feeling last.❤
I really enjoyed the part about constraints. Learning what you want in your life and the constraints you have to create that life. Thank you Ali, always an inspiration because you do speak from the heart, mind and soul.
Thanks Ali! I love the reminder that "the goal is to help people". I started my own channel due to your videos in the past - get going. And now starting the channel, this video reminds me why I started "to help others and share my experience".
Its just like every aspect of life! You get tired, burnt out, bored in your 9-5 jobs, your businesses, your regular life, your relationships… youtube is no except regardless of if its a dream job or not. People quite their jobs, marriages, and even their lives because they got tired or bored or burnt out or depressed or maybe they are just in a different phase in life. This happens in every aspect of life.
Thanks for creating this video Ali! As someone who’s trying to grow her TH-cam channel, learning from you the importance in taking care of the goose and focusing on service is something I’ll remember to ensure I don’t get burn out and continue enjoying doing what I love ❤ thank you as always!
Thank you for sharing. As a medical praticitioner who experienced burnout, i get to ask myself those questions and remind myself why im doing what im doing.
thank you for new perspective ali. as a new youtuber, I already thought about that. and yeah my thought finally ends to help people with my experiences. so I will keep sharing and enjoy it
I have been thinking of starting my own channel for a really long time now. There has been a lot reasons that I have put to not actually start all excuses that are just holding me back. But I know I do want to start and keep at it in a way where I enjoy the process. Thanks Ali. You have been serving me well, for the past 3 years now.
I feel so encouraged! I have just started my own channel and I find your tips so helpful. I want to create a really positive mindset before my channel gets bigger. It is important for me to prioritise my mental health and values.
I have clear intentions, always, to help others and things come with it without even asking, I don't know, call it the universe or anything else, it works for me, Thank you Ali for sharing!
Ali, I have been putting some things to work from this video in a challenging job situation where I’m facing burnout. The mantras were a significant factor in helping me this week. Thank you so much, I am truly grateful for your teaching. You are a gift from God.
In the last year, you seem to have relaxed and the result is that you seem more genuine in your videos. Thanks for bringing so much actionable information to your audience!
Thank you for your videos, really help to formalize things a lot of us are going through. That applies to any work, not just freelancing. Thank you for your transparency and opennes! Your personal examples add so much more clarity. A lot of people talking about similar topic, but they do not provide same level of understanding.
Brilliantly timed video with many people quitting, but so many more still wanting to start. A big part of the burnout I've seen is related to people niching down too much to an unsustainable topic -- like you mentioned with productivity. The people I've seen still succeeding have built their audience around them as a person, allowing them to grow and evolve together. Love the distillation of learnings from people that have quit! It's so important to pay attention to how we're feeling as creators to make sure we're still having fun with it :)
I am planning on starting a drawing TH-cam channel and have been consuming your stuff for the last month to try and better my time management. I love your take on enjoying the process
This video speak to me right now and I appreciate it. Don’t know if you’ll ever read this, but thank you. As for the takeaway: the mantra (prayer?) before each video really struck me. Also, the concept of making the business serve the life, instead of the other way. I’m at a point where I need to reexamine where I’m at, so this is perfect. Again, thanks.
Amazing how your way of thinking about TH-camrs also applies for art&craft business owner and some other jobs/people! How many people do I know who are getting lost as they quit their job to launch their own trade, but who are so exhausted and lost the fun and the initial goal they had... I never wanted to launch a Ytb channel neither starting my own business to make a living but what I love about your videos is that it gives me a lot to think about choices. Trying to be more aligned with what I want, why, and how. In the end I won't remember all the Ytb videos I've watched during my whole lifetime but when I decide to watch something, even if the algorithm plays a key role in here, I know why, and listing to some good words is a way to "keep the music inside me to continue to dance my life"
Thanks for making this video Ali, you are one of the few out there promoting a sustainable approach to content creation / business. As a small creator, this gives me comfort knowing that even someone with millions of viewers is thinking the same thoughts. Keep it up!
The infinite game idea - liking it to a marriage or relationship - mind blown. Needed this video. Just passed my 1 year anniversary for my channel on youtube and really do think about how long I would do this for. I so look forward to watching you here for years and years and years to come and to watch you evolve.
Ali, seeing you create videos you enjoy and being able to see the joy, is what makes a lot of us stay and watch. There is something about watching someone do something they love that is motivating. I hope to one day have my TH-cam equivalent :)
Thank you! I like how you approach this topic! it clearly brings a lot of insights and light whether or not we are in the youtube field or not. Thank you for sharing! It does not feel like a long video at all as it’s filled with many insights.
I love this. I run a newsletter that hopefully helps people. I also make videos. And I keep ALL this in mind as I go so I don’t feel down about the journey and I stay balanced and not burned out. Great advice!
Every time, I appreciate your content even more when you talk about your real feelings. The productivity stuffs are handy and good to hear as daily reminders, but the humanity side resonates so well and so deeply. The way you deal with vulnerability is both calm and powerful. That’s something bigger than just a youtube video. Really nice work Ali.
Thank you so much Ali for sharing this! As a new TH-camr in the space there is so much to take from this. But everything you talk about goes so much beyond being a TH-camr, it applies to most things we do in life.
This is by far my favorite video on your channel👏🏼. So real and authentic and I connected a lot to it especially with me planning to get back to youtube starting March📆. Thank you for sharing this video. I so much love you deciding to make videos with no deadlines. I am inspired really 💛🎯
Ali, thank you for your video! Your videos are inspirational, informative, significant and enjoyable to watch. I started reading more due to your videos. I hope you continue making it. I wish you to be strong, healthy and have more kind people around you! You are doing a great job!!!!! Will be waiting for your future videos!!!!
Hey, Ali… I’ve been following your journey for almost over 5 years now. I subscribed to your channel when I was in undergrad. I’m finishing my Masters degree now, and your book helped me get through this MA research report. Thank you so much for all that you do. I personally love these videos, they have become my favourite on your channel. I always look forward to them, and I’m so glad you exist. Thank you for your great energy, thoughts, and insight. This has been a valuable use of my time. I feel really good and inspired to share my content out of service and joy and FEELING GOOD. Instead of profit or monetisation. So, thank you so much for this video. I can’t wait for the next one. MEGA LOVE! 🧡
Your videos are very helpful Ali. I’m now a TH-camr and I’ve been using your 100 videos target mark to not put pressure on myself. Almost at 40 videos with 472 subscribers. I am grateful and happy to grow.
I love this video. This is one of the best videos you've ever made. Please make more like this. This is closely linked to productivity, business, and optimization. Everything that we watch you for. This! This study and dissection is the practical aspect of these things. The reality checks much needed.
The major takeaway for me was to connect to the goal of service. I started my channel to help people but found myself recently chasing the growth. Hearing you speak reminded me of the original goal. Did I help someone with that video, even one person. Then the video is a success.
Business owner for 15 years. What you're describing sounds exactly like running a business. If your goal is to just make videos, just make them. When you make it a business, you have to run it like a business or you will burn out. Get a coach to help you learn how to delegate, protect your energy, and make it sustainable.
Thank you SO much for creating this video and speaking to the hardships that can come along with youtube and the creative content world. You’re so right that an inherently good thing can turn into a bad or painful thing when we don’t stay grounded and consistently remind ourselves of the most important things-like serving others and giving to the world rather than receiving. I love how you shared your heart and ways that you stay grounded but also how you still find joy in your super uber-successful “thing”. This was SO enlightening and incredibly thoughtful. I am learning so much from you. Thank you for not only sharing your gifts with us but for being who you are. It’s so great seeing this more personal side of you! 🙂
This was really helpful. I've been working with this mindset. I make the videos I need to watch. I record the music I need to record for me. Growth is slow. But I'm happier than I've ever been. The key is as always to differentiate between working IN the business, working ON the business and recognizing the difference between "work" and "Play"
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I experienced a similar burnout earlier in my corporate career, and it has made me hesitant to really engage with creating online content because I am concerned I will get back to that burnout place you’re describing. This video was a great reminder for making sure my priorities and my reasons for creating content are aligned. Thanks for everything you do!
the bit about using as North Star what or how one would be doing it if money weren't the prime object is my one very useful take away. obviously "joy" and "infinite game" bits I had sort of already absorbed either from the crux of your earlier videos, your book or my own life experience
I love your videos, and I have learned a lot from you through out the years. I always appreciate your longer videos. I just feel like I get a lot out of them. Swapping out the order of establishing your lifestyle, and then your goals is really eye-opening. I’m a real estate agent and goals are always heavily pushed, while lifestyle is often not thought about as something you can control until you’re well established in the business.
I don’t really watch many of your videos anymore Ali purely because they can sometimes feel too polished for me but this one was incredible - watched the whole thing. I needed this so much as a new creator still working my 9/5, running a e-commerce business too. Thank you!
Ali, I have no words to express how much you inspire me to be a better creator and human being in this world. I wish I could start 8 years ago, but the impostor syndrome was too overwhelming. Now I feel like I can do it with the right end in mind. Thank you!
I’m only halfway through but something that’s sticking out to me is when you said ‘not making content I want to make and saying what I want to say but what people want to hear’. Like trying to constantly chase the popular topics and churn out content- of course that would burn anyone out. Why not create what you love?
I really love these long chatty videos of yours, Ali. It always strikes me that, although what you are talking about doesn't relate to my life at all on the surface, there is always something valuable I can apply. In this case, I loved the part about the goose and the golden egg and am now thinking that I need to remember to take care of my 'inner goose' in order be able to continue doing and enjoying everything I want to do in life. Thank you :)
When I watch your videos, I learn something. To me, you are a coach sharing information that helps me. Thank you for that and hope you don’t stop providing your service to others.
Thanks for watching ❤what did you take away from this video?
People who have experienced what you are aiming to experience, says that it isn't as it seems, listen to them! Thanks for the content Ali
HI Ali i started a taking youtube as a profesional business...i started following you..1st Feb 2024 you made believe i can grow..since applying your advices i see my accound growing from 0 from 1st feb 2024 now i am on 12 subs...
Life is a cycle at the end Everyone have to do a 9-5 job.😊😅
It's important to do it for enjoyment and creativity. We shouldn't focus too much on the business side if it takes away the joy of creating.
Putting yourself first and not biting off more than you can chew, enjoy the process and remember why you found it enjoyable in the first place. Loved this video
I don’t get all the hate for creators who are speaking up about the truth of being a full time content creator. We are not complaining, just being honest what’s actually like. Pretending your life is perfect = people say you’re fake. Saying it isn’t perfect = you shouldn’t be ‘complaining’. You can never do it right 😩 anyway, thank you for making this video and explaining so clearly
You are one of the few sincere people who can describe, deconstruct and articulate many things. Really, if someone has a channel they need to think and analyze the points you mentioned. Thank you very much Ali
Don't forget that being a TH-camr is very similar to running your own business. You should upload things people want to see, just like businessman should offer product/service that people need. And when the growth becomes real, you can consider hiring people to help you run your channel more efficiently. The most difficult part is starting and growing of course, but consistency and hard work (with a little bit of Famester of course to help) will always pay off at the end. Good luck to everybody, we will all succeed one day!!
The link between the "TH-cam Quitters" mentioned in the video is their heavy dependence on TH-cam metrics (thus on sponsors and metric-related income sources), or I noticed some merchandise like t-shirts...
If you're not capturing your audience, fostering a relationship with them beyond the platform, and offering concrete products or services that "improve their quality of life... then you're destined to depend on "selling time," and indeed, that's a challenging lifestyle, which is why numerous entertainment TH-camrs end up completely burnt out...
What about following each of us everyone follow him ❤❤🎉
One of the things we always keep in mind, especially during our downs is the why we do YT, and this is the thing we emphasize when we mentor someone to do YT. We ask them over and over again why they want to do this. You need that one thing that would bring you back to right place, the one thing that anchors you and reminds you your original and true goal.
What I take away from this video is the importance of creating constrains that helps you protect the life you want to live.
Thanks Ali!
Ali, recently I've been feeling a huge ray of authenticity coming from you, not that you weren't authentic before. But these heart to heart talks are, well, coming straight from your heart and I'm absolutely loving them. Superb video!! Agreed with everything and I'm glad that I've realised all of this even before making a lot of money and having a big TH-cam channel.
TH-cam should introduce new features for content creators, such as a button to indicate when they are experiencing burnout or fatigue and need rest.
As a 45 year old preparing to take my first step into creating content through writing and TH-cam, I feel like this was the single most important video I have ever watched. So much good insight about sharing what is important to me without focusing on views. Putting these things into context before really getting started will definitely help me along the way, Thank you!
that thumbnail was literally scare...can't imagine...so relieved to know u r not quitting! :)
It got me too
trueeee
I’m not a TH-camr I have a cleaning company, but I am having burnout and this video help me so much to think about what I am going through and I am so glad that you posted it. Thank you.
So excited for the upcoming shift... I won't be quitting TH-cam, just no longer making complicated storytelling videos but instead switching to a simple, fun, podcast-like format. I already feel like it's the best decision I've made in the recent years 😁
You got this :) Let’s hang if you’re in London anytime soon
I'm crying. This is so deep and powerful! I will be writing out my 5 proclamations now! I've been on youtube for over 13 years..... AND THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR RIGHT NOW!
I lost that "feeling" of having a person listening to me right now, I started writing out into the void..... THANK YOU!
It's a wonderful video
I completely agree
A 24/7 job is the nature of owning a business in all industries. And it’s not for everyone. People are entitled to change careers as they evolve
I agree. I think the takeaway for me is the continued perception that TH-cam work is not “real work”. I don’t believe it but I hear it all the time.
@@davidrussell6559 Thanks for the response. Curious to hear more- what do you think adds to the perception of not “real work”?
@@PlatinumPace Personally I just think it’s still too early in the evolution of “influencer as legit career” for many people to think of it as such, even the creators themselves - as evidenced by Ali in this very video when he says (intentionally or not), “back when I had a real job” when referring to his time as a practicing physician. (Time stamp at about 2:41)
@@NSDRwithEmily Fair point! Nice observation catching that
@emilyisoutside he's also just using the terminology others use though. I'm not sure he really thinks his job isn't real.
Your mantra made me tear up. Those five steps would change so much about how I approach my creative process with my videos. Thank you so much Ali. Your channel is amazing!
Wow I love that mantra - so important. Intent and visualization are so important. Doing TH-cam as a full-time job can definitely feel stressful and not fun at times. This video was a reality check and reminder of why I started this. Thanks Ali!
Beautiful, thank you for this! ❤️I’ve recently decided to let go of my skateboarding “niche”. My subscribers and views are falling, but I suddenly feel an immense energy for creation and expression.
Hi Ali, thank you for this video! I recently did your Skillshare class on how to start a TH-cam channel and you actually gave me the courage and final push to do so! I was kind of scared to click on this video, but your insights are so interesting and helpful!
I am at 266k subscribers on TH-cam. I have been at it for years now and I resonate so completely with this video. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Hi. I am just starting my channel at the age of 57 after working in banking and IT for 33 years. I am taking the plunge now, unsure whether I shall be a success or not. Somewhat apprehensive about this move at the moment but your videos have always given me hope and aspirations. So when I read the title of this video, I was somewhat almost 'scared' and then saw the entire video. I became quite emotional towards the end- please do remain in this platform, I have a lot to know more from your videos. Thanks
Nice to hear someone being real about it being 24-7, stress, responsibility to take care of team, constantly creating, etc. I felt burnt out designing for Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, etc. I studied the science of happiness from Laurie Santos which was Yale's most popular class. She said if the doctor said you have 2 weeks left to live- how would you spend your last days? Helped me focus to align myself with what's really important.
I'm really glad you're going a different direction with your future videos. I for one am sick and tired of the trendy, overly-optimized, TH-cam videos are so stale and they all just kind of blend together. It's almost as if all the "creativity" has been sucked out of TH-camrs and now it's just SEO regurgitated click-bait.
I am definitely looking forward to more videos with your unique style, deadlines be damned!
TH-cam awhile back for many of the reasons you mentioned, and the time away helped me to come to the realizations you mentioned here.
Since returning last year, I’ve let go of worrying about views, and only focus on serving and giving whatever is on my heart.
Your 5 intention statements are beautiful. Thank you for this video ❤
Thank you so much for this video. I think the point you made was to think of the lifestyle and not the goal--or adjust the goal based on the lifestyle--was an amazing comment. Thank you for all the videos you make. I (and many others) appreciate the you on your schedule!
One thing I think helps, is creating a backlog of videos, so maybe you shoot 3 vids a week and then you upload 1 every week. The other 2 you can have as a backlog and you can schedule uploads, do this every week and you'll have a huge backlog, and so when you want to take a break, you know you have the content to cover that break.
This sounds good on the surface. On the surface only.
I somewhat agree, but what is your take explore?
@@tk12exploresengineering yup, it only sounds good in theory. Most people have no idea the time and effort it takes for one video, let alone three.
Yeah I wonder if it isn’t possible to work really hard for 6 months out of the year creating all the videos necessary to keep the channel running and slow down for the other 6 months and maybe take a month off every year. Or some variation of that. Of course if you have scaled up your life in a such a way that now you have to work even harder to maintain an overinflated lifestyle, then it might be stressful to even think about taking a break. That’s what I’m trying to figure out right now while I’m planning my return to TH-cam.
"The purpose of this video is service" That is the biggest take away for me from this humble and honest take of yours. I must admit that although subscribed to your channel, I didn't follow your content regularly and this video just showed up in my feed today and intrigued me for different reasons. You brought up some wise and profound points that deeply resonated with me and mysteriously came in that "3 months" questioning cycle period of time you have mentioned and I am experiencing quite often with my niche channel. Great food for thought, thanks for sharing ♥
This was such a useful video! Just starting out on TH-cam myself and learned a lot from this video. It's definitely important to have a balance between what you want to make as a creator and what your audience wants to see. Like you said said, it's the only way to prevent burn-out. You can't do this for a long time if you don't actually enjoy it.
I've been feeling very overwhelmed by life recently and had so many doubts in every aspect of my life. I clicked on this video bc your thoughts are always making me think in more optimistic way. I started my TH-cam channel almost a year ago and felt burnout already... this strategy about giving a lecture before houndres of people and telling them how can they love their lives by you giving them advices was exactly what I was looking for... it's amazing how one simple visualization can change mindset and give the freedom in heart and mind. Thank you for that video! Love your work!
Love the 5-step mantra. Very useful. Plus, I am a university lecturer with tenure! And I get to do what you describe in your mental exercise. It’s pretty sweet. In fact, when I get frustrated or down about TH-cam, I remind myself that I *already* have the job most people only dream about, so I should relax and be grateful.
One of my favorite videos of yours. I looove this format when you talk with behind you a few questions and dots written on a blank page. So satisfying to watch :)
I think the answer is simple, people want to quit because TH-cam isn't as much of a "dream" job as people think it is. It's something that is that head definition of "the grass is always greener on the other side". People think you just sit and talk for a few minutes and quickly edit and move on but the reality is very few TH-camrs do this and even then it's only the people who have massive teams or have fans that are fine with that style of content.
Well put and agreed! There’s so much more involved. After working in several other industries, I still find TH-cam most attractive, even if it is indeed really hard work.
This is one of the best videos on TH-cam. Thank you so much, Ali!
I’m new youtuber and i saved this video on my playlist for whenever i feel i’m lost , and i hope you never delete it in feature
Hi Ali, this video feels like a warm hug. I love your fresh, playful and joyful perspective coz thats something that vibes with me so much. I’ve always lived my life in a way that I would still be able to enjoy the process at least to some extent. Thank you for sharing and being authentic about how you feel. You’re awesome, man! Thank you, have fun and laugh a ton.
My three favorite channels: Ali Abdaal, Stock Brotha, & How Money Works. Make my week complete! 🔥 🔥 🔥
This is so so valuable. I found myself tearing up when you shared those mantras. Thanks for your thoughts, Ali, I really look up to you and your videos. I love this!
Every time come to Ali channel, I learn something new beyond productivity.
What I mean is that even if the topic is related to a specific aspect of view, I always have a takeaway to apply to my own thoughts or projects.
Excellent content; keep going. You are in the right direction Ali.
This was really a beautiful content. These are the type we rarely get to see as an audience but these are the stuff we actually crave .. true connection and getting advice from the people you admire. Thanks ali.
I haven't actually started a TH-cam channel (though I want to), but I love that you put constraints around what and how much you do so it doesn't get out of hand. Having boundaries with your work and staying true to your original goal is super helpful advice. I think a lot of people easily forget the reason they started producing content in the first place.
Good attitude.
I’ve always believed that if I’m not enjoying making a video, that video will not be enjoyable to watch. I find this helps keep me only making stuff I want to make.
TW Suicidal ideation:
Thank you, Ali, for making this video. I really needed to hear someone talk about it. Just under two weeks ago, the comments on my second channel became so intense that I became suicidal and had to phone for help and get people to come in and check on me. It had been slowly building up over months, with stress and algorithm pressure, but the comments were so degrading and purposefully hurtful that they pushed me over the edge.
I still had deadlines for sponsors to fulfil, so I worked on more TH-cam videos whilst doing not-very-nice things to myself and phoning a suicide hotline throughout my work day. I became too afraid to even go on the backend of TH-cam to read any of the comments. Yet, when I was talking to my therapist about it, she asked me how much money I would have to earn for me to feel safe enough to leave TH-cam, I replied that there wasn't enough money that make me want another job, I love this job, which is what your lottery analogy reminded me of. I need a break, but sponsorship deadlines, contracts and the algorithm make it impossible to care for my mental health, and my PhD research is suffering for it.
I like your approach of trying to trick myself into thinking I've already got a Lottery's worth of money in my bank account and making things for fun. It may be a dangerous game to play, but I can't sustain this degree of mental health doing what I'm doing now, so hopefully, in six months, there may be a positive change. Thanks again for making this and making me feel less lonely.
I really appreciate this type of content. The personal process you have carried out in parallel with the growth of your business is admirable. It is inspiring and healthy to remember that beyond job success is building a meaningful life. Thank you very much and I hope you share more such genuine messages.
ive been a fan of your TH-cam channel and the contents that you are creating for a while now. Today I finally have the courage to speak out that you are one of the reasons I believe in humanity and kindness; especially, when you mentioned that you are doing this TH-cam channel for the people who are watching this to experience maybe life-changing moments, you are giving a form of service to the community. And for that, I really appreciate you as a content cretor and a human being. I wish this TH-cam channel and you yourself all the best.
What a great analogy...the goose and golden eggs. Loved it. As a small channel I don't have the same "business" problems, but it does all fall on my shoulders to keep on making content. You are so right about enjoying the process. Luckily right now I LOVE making videos. Long may that feeling last.❤
I love the 5 step mantra. I'm going to borrow it until I come up with a version of my own. Thank you.
I really enjoyed the part about constraints. Learning what you want in your life and the constraints you have to create that life. Thank you Ali, always an inspiration because you do speak from the heart, mind and soul.
Bro you are so smart, authentic, and an inspiration! I’m about to go full on in pursuing my TH-cam page
Thanks Ali! I love the reminder that "the goal is to help people". I started my own channel due to your videos in the past - get going. And now starting the channel, this video reminds me why I started "to help others and share my experience".
I just finished reading your book today. Man, it is amazing!
Its just like every aspect of life! You get tired, burnt out, bored in your 9-5 jobs, your businesses, your regular life, your relationships… youtube is no except regardless of if its a dream job or not. People quite their jobs, marriages, and even their lives because they got tired or bored or burnt out or depressed or maybe they are just in a different phase in life. This happens in every aspect of life.
Quit*
Thanks for creating this video Ali! As someone who’s trying to grow her TH-cam channel, learning from you the importance in taking care of the goose and focusing on service is something I’ll remember to ensure I don’t get burn out and continue enjoying doing what I love ❤ thank you as always!
Thank you for sharing. As a medical praticitioner who experienced burnout, i get to ask myself those questions and remind myself why im doing what im doing.
thank you for new perspective ali. as a new youtuber, I already thought about that. and yeah my thought finally ends to help people with my experiences. so I will keep sharing and enjoy it
I have been thinking of starting my own channel for a really long time now. There has been a lot reasons that I have put to not actually start all excuses that are just holding me back. But I know I do want to start and keep at it in a way where I enjoy the process. Thanks Ali. You have been serving me well, for the past 3 years now.
I feel so encouraged! I have just started my own channel and I find your tips so helpful. I want to create a really positive mindset before my channel gets bigger. It is important for me to prioritise my mental health and values.
I have clear intentions, always, to help others and things come with it without even asking, I don't know, call it the universe or anything else, it works for me, Thank you Ali for sharing!
Ali, I have been putting some things to work from this video in a challenging job situation where I’m facing burnout. The mantras were a significant factor in helping me this week. Thank you so much, I am truly grateful for your teaching. You are a gift from God.
In the last year, you seem to have relaxed and the result is that you seem more genuine in your videos. Thanks for bringing so much actionable information to your audience!
Thank you for your videos, really help to formalize things a lot of us are going through. That applies to any work, not just freelancing. Thank you for your transparency and opennes! Your personal examples add so much more clarity. A lot of people talking about similar topic, but they do not provide same level of understanding.
Brilliantly timed video with many people quitting, but so many more still wanting to start. A big part of the burnout I've seen is related to people niching down too much to an unsustainable topic -- like you mentioned with productivity. The people I've seen still succeeding have built their audience around them as a person, allowing them to grow and evolve together.
Love the distillation of learnings from people that have quit! It's so important to pay attention to how we're feeling as creators to make sure we're still having fun with it :)
So many takeaways for me from this. Thank you so much! 😊
I am planning on starting a drawing TH-cam channel and have been consuming your stuff for the last month to try and better my time management. I love your take on enjoying the process
This video speak to me right now and I appreciate it. Don’t know if you’ll ever read this, but thank you.
As for the takeaway: the mantra (prayer?) before each video really struck me. Also, the concept of making the business serve the life, instead of the other way.
I’m at a point where I need to reexamine where I’m at, so this is perfect. Again, thanks.
Amazing how your way of thinking about TH-camrs also applies for art&craft business owner and some other jobs/people! How many people do I know who are getting lost as they quit their job to launch their own trade, but who are so exhausted and lost the fun and the initial goal they had...
I never wanted to launch a Ytb channel neither starting my own business to make a living but what I love about your videos is that it gives me a lot to think about choices. Trying to be more aligned with what I want, why, and how.
In the end I won't remember all the Ytb videos I've watched during my whole lifetime but when I decide to watch something, even if the algorithm plays a key role in here, I know why, and listing to some good words is a way to "keep the music inside me to continue to dance my life"
Thanks for making this video Ali, you are one of the few out there promoting a sustainable approach to content creation / business. As a small creator, this gives me comfort knowing that even someone with millions of viewers is thinking the same thoughts. Keep it up!
The infinite game idea - liking it to a marriage or relationship - mind blown. Needed this video. Just passed my 1 year anniversary for my channel on youtube and really do think about how long I would do this for. I so look forward to watching you here for years and years and years to come and to watch you evolve.
Ali, seeing you create videos you enjoy and being able to see the joy, is what makes a lot of us stay and watch. There is something about watching someone do something they love that is motivating. I hope to one day have my TH-cam equivalent :)
Thank you! I like how you approach this topic! it clearly brings a lot of insights and light whether or not we are in the youtube field or not. Thank you for sharing! It does not feel like a long video at all as it’s filled with many insights.
I love this. I run a newsletter that hopefully helps people. I also make videos. And I keep ALL this in mind as I go so I don’t feel down about the journey and I stay balanced and not burned out. Great advice!
Every time, I appreciate your content even more when you talk about your real feelings. The productivity stuffs are handy and good to hear as daily reminders, but the humanity side resonates so well and so deeply. The way you deal with vulnerability is both calm and powerful. That’s something bigger than just a youtube video. Really nice work Ali.
Ali, this is one of your best and most important videos as a whole! Thank you ❤ I’ve been watching since 2018!
Thank you so much Ali for sharing this! As a new TH-camr in the space there is so much to take from this. But everything you talk about goes so much beyond being a TH-camr, it applies to most things we do in life.
This is by far my favorite video on your channel👏🏼. So real and authentic and I connected a lot to it especially with me planning to get back to youtube starting March📆. Thank you for sharing this video. I so much love you deciding to make videos with no deadlines. I am inspired really 💛🎯
Ali, thank you for your video! Your videos are inspirational, informative, significant and enjoyable to watch. I started reading more due to your videos. I hope you continue making it. I wish you to be strong, healthy and have more kind people around you! You are doing a great job!!!!! Will be waiting for your future videos!!!!
Hey, Ali… I’ve been following your journey for almost over 5 years now. I subscribed to your channel when I was in undergrad. I’m finishing my Masters degree now, and your book helped me get through this MA research report. Thank you so much for all that you do. I personally love these videos, they have become my favourite on your channel. I always look forward to them, and I’m so glad you exist. Thank you for your great energy, thoughts, and insight. This has been a valuable use of my time. I feel really good and inspired to share my content out of service and joy and FEELING GOOD. Instead of profit or monetisation. So, thank you so much for this video. I can’t wait for the next one. MEGA LOVE! 🧡
Your videos are very helpful Ali.
I’m now a TH-camr and I’ve been using your 100 videos target mark to not put pressure on myself.
Almost at 40 videos with 472 subscribers. I am grateful and happy to grow.
Some who quitted couple years earlier already came back to TH-cam. Chances are these recent ones will too.
I love this video. This is one of the best videos you've ever made. Please make more like this. This is closely linked to productivity, business, and optimization. Everything that we watch you for.
This! This study and dissection is the practical aspect of these things. The reality checks much needed.
The major takeaway for me was to connect to the goal of service. I started my channel to help people but found myself recently chasing the growth. Hearing you speak reminded me of the original goal. Did I help someone with that video, even one person. Then the video is a success.
Business owner for 15 years. What you're describing sounds exactly like running a business. If your goal is to just make videos, just make them. When you make it a business, you have to run it like a business or you will burn out. Get a coach to help you learn how to delegate, protect your energy, and make it sustainable.
Thank you SO much for creating this video and speaking to the hardships that can come along with youtube and the creative content world. You’re so right that an inherently good thing can turn into a bad or painful thing when we don’t stay grounded and consistently remind ourselves of the most important things-like serving others and giving to the world rather than receiving. I love how you shared your heart and ways that you stay grounded but also how you still find joy in your super uber-successful “thing”. This was SO enlightening and incredibly thoughtful. I am learning so much from you. Thank you for not only sharing your gifts with us but for being who you are. It’s so great seeing this more personal side of you! 🙂
This was really helpful. I've been working with this mindset. I make the videos I need to watch. I record the music I need to record for me. Growth is slow. But I'm happier than I've ever been. The key is as always to differentiate between working IN the business, working ON the business and recognizing the difference between "work" and "Play"
This is the video I've watched more attentively this month. THANK YOU ❤
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I experienced a similar burnout earlier in my corporate career, and it has made me hesitant to really engage with creating online content because I am concerned I will get back to that burnout place you’re describing. This video was a great reminder for making sure my priorities and my reasons for creating content are aligned. Thanks for everything you do!
the bit about using as North Star what or how one would be doing it if money weren't the prime object is my one very useful take away. obviously "joy" and "infinite game" bits I had sort of already absorbed either from the crux of your earlier videos, your book or my own life experience
As a small TH-camr it was demotivating to see so many quit around the same time. But as always thanks for the incredible insights! Will keep them mind
Love this video. Listen to you feels so comforting.
I love your videos, and I have learned a lot from you through out the years. I always appreciate your longer videos. I just feel like I get a lot out of them. Swapping out the order of establishing your lifestyle, and then your goals is really eye-opening. I’m a real estate agent and goals are always heavily pushed, while lifestyle is often not thought about as something you can control until you’re well established in the business.
I don’t really watch many of your videos anymore Ali purely because they can sometimes feel too polished for me but this one was incredible - watched the whole thing. I needed this so much as a new creator still working my 9/5, running a e-commerce business too. Thank you!
Your goal was achieved in this video…you definitely helped at least one person! I was helped. Thanks!!!
This is really helpful Ali, thanks for sharing your strategies with us, truly learnt a lot ❤️❤️❤️
Wow! Fantastic video! Loved the health of the golden goose bits and 5 points of why to make the video. So great!
Your content is always so inspiring ❤
Such a useful video! Full of value 🙌✨ thank you Ali! Also your book is 🔥
Ali, I have no words to express how much you inspire me to be a better creator and human being in this world. I wish I could start 8 years ago, but the impostor syndrome was too overwhelming. Now I feel like I can do it with the right end in mind. Thank you!
I’m only halfway through but something that’s sticking out to me is when you said ‘not making content I want to make and saying what I want to say but what people want to hear’. Like trying to constantly chase the popular topics and churn out content- of course that would burn anyone out. Why not create what you love?
this video is packed with so valuable lessons for me! Thank you so much!🙏
Ali, I am behind on watching your videos, but I really appreciate them and I am glad you keep making productivity videos, thank you for what you do
I really love these long chatty videos of yours, Ali. It always strikes me that, although what you are talking about doesn't relate to my life at all on the surface, there is always something valuable I can apply. In this case, I loved the part about the goose and the golden egg and am now thinking that I need to remember to take care of my 'inner goose' in order be able to continue doing and enjoying everything I want to do in life. Thank you :)
Absolutely loved this Ali. Thank you :) I love the golden goose analogy and intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation.
When I watch your videos, I learn something. To me, you are a coach sharing information that helps me. Thank you for that and hope you don’t stop providing your service to others.