Which lesson resonated with you the most? PS: I noticed 82% of my viewers aren’t subscribed! If that’s you and you liked with what I’ve shared, please consider subscribing. Your support helps spread these messages, empowering more creators to find balance, avoid burnout, and create with purpose. Also hit the notification bell so you don't miss the upcoming videos in the 6-part TH-cam series! :)
I read your entire mail and now I'm here also subscribed. The words written there hit me so hard. Your words make me feel like I'm also running towards a trap.
Being okay to look bad! I put my channel out during the pandemic- loaded the videos, scheduled them, and closed my eyes but never uploaded another one, yet. I am putting shorts up now but will restart. Thank you and the bangs are 🔥!
Definitely setting creative goals, because I do feel like I’m in that self sabotage loop. This will be super helpful 🙏🏾❤️ thank you for all that you do Vanessa!
Vanessa, I respect your transparency. It's easy for us who haven't achieved the success that you have to think you have it all together all the time. But to hear you say that you had burned out too let's me know you can relate to what creators go through. I appreciate the info and value that you have been providing for all the years I've been watching you.
I'd like to share a story that feels appropriate. I’m one of the few wrestling reviewers who do weekly livestreams. My competitors average 1,000 to 3,000 viewers per stream, while I usually get around 100. Last week, during my live review, two people donated nearly $700 in total. That’s more than any of my competitors. When I asked why, they simply said, 'Because we love you.' Vanessa nailed it. If you can be relatable and make people feel good, the possibilities for success are endless. Just imagine how much I could make if I had 1,000 to 3,000 viewers like my competitors-or even just half, 500 viewers. The numbers would naturally go up. Move how only you can, and at your own pace. In the long run, it will all be worth it.
Aww this means a lot to me, and I hope those who watch my videos also get to unlock their unique selves too and make their viewers feel this exact same way about them!!
The golden cage analogy is such a great advice that removes the pressure of having to make a viral video. I'd rather have 1000 subscribers that like me for me and are a perfect fit for my personal brand, than having 1,000,000 subs that will end up make me do videos I don't like and make me lose my true 1000 die hard subs
Vanessa, you’re not only sharing - but embodying - the direct and authentic truth. It’s so valuable to those of us at the start of the journey. I can't thank you enough for being the example and proving it's possible. Cheers. 🙏🏻
Thank you so much Tyler, this means a lot. That was actually my creative goal when filming this video / series: How do I stay authentic while still speaking on a subject that I used to "teach". Appreciate it!
oh my God Vanessa thank you so much for this video. I'm currently trying to get out of a rut since my videos haven't been getting as many views as before. A lot of the things you mentioned in the video were things that I felt, and it feels good to have a bigger creator like you validated these feelings that I was experiencing. Thank you so much!
I haven’t started recording yet & posting as I’m writing a few scripts first & am too busy with work lately, but I had to let you know how much this video transformed my thinking and made it ok for me to want to be original. What I loved the most is that you came back to your channel with such a peace. I’m really happy to have found your channel
I remember when you made that full in detail yearly plan, what you plan to do everyday, etc. I remember thinking, this is insane, how can you do that! Glad you're taking a more balanced appraoch
Ohh love that point about our nervous system when trying something new/doing something we haven’t done in awhile - celebrating small steps along the way instead of thinking “I’m not cut out for this”
Hey Vanessa, long time watcher and follower of your content here! Decided to kick start my TH-cam journey last month and am on track to post my 4th video in 4 weeks! Appreciate all that you’re doing for us smaller creators and pushing for us to even dare to dream big. Thank you for all you do- and to everyone else - we gonna make it!
I love how you say that we truly cannot control how people will interact with our content and how the algorithm wil decide to push it. Just hearing you re affirm something I have been telling myself - literally freed me.
I’m so glad you shared your story. As someone who has done the opposite - dedicated my life to living, traveling, being messy, healing, unpeeling, and finally knowing who I AM - I’m now starting from scratch with my YT channel, and all I have is my truth to share. I’m watching your channel, because everything I’ve tried (re: tags, algorithms, etc.) has not yet* helped. So thank YOU… for being a light for me today. You are appreciated. 😇🙏🏽✨
Vanessa, I’ve watched hundreds of TH-cam tutorials and this video by far has helped me the MOST! You actually understand how we small creators are feeling and going through. Thank you and God bless 💗💗
Love this! I’m thinking of going into TH-cam or even filming things. It’s a good reminder to have fun in life and that’s what I want. They saying “ work while you play and play while you work .” Is my goal in life still no regrets
Yes! Sometimes its easy to get lost in the TH-cam algo sauce and I hope this video serves as a reminder to stay grounded in the pursuit of growth as well. And also growth can look different!
I've been a silent viewer of yours for years, ever since you quit your job and worked at that café. You inspire me to write content for my own experience, thoughts and insights. Because at the end of the day, that's what makes me, me. I noticed that ever since I started opening up and sharing my stories, making content is a lot easier, and I get more quality audience that connected with me on a personal level. And the simple fact that you burned out and almost quit to prove my point that, we shouldn't chase virality. But we should build an audience we want to be connected with. If not, we're just created a job for herself. Please share more mindset stuff, Vanessa!
This is SO refreshing, and I'm so happy there seems to be a shift away from highly produced and optimized videos and instead making genuine content again. That is why I fell in love with TH-cam over a decade ago and I felt like it really got lost over the last 5-6 years. Happy to see its comeback! And happy to see THIS kind of content from you too 💜
I always respected Vanessa pre sabbatical work ( value loaded, to the point, practical videos), BUT I am LOVING Post Sabbatical Vanessa A LOT! You speak from heart, address REAL ISSUES, giving holistic approach on content creation and more. Thank you for existing and growing and helping us grow as well. Lots of love!
Grateful for my 273 amazing subscribers! Your unwavering support fuels my passion every single day. While tough times may come and go, I'm here to stay...growing, learning, and improving for all of us. Let's keep this incredible journey going together!
Glad I clicked on your channel. This old foggy likes to write but only recently ventures into this YT stuff with hardly any skills . So that's what stopping me from creating long form videos. Your advice is just what I need to boost my self worth! Thanks.
I am a total people pleaser and have struggled with setting boundaries and balance in my life. I have just quit an 80 hour a week job and I am getting into TH-cam and I do not want TH-cam to become my next thing that I burnout over. thanks for this video series Vanessa. I am finding them very helpful. this segment on people pleasing really hit home for me. thank you very much for sharing.
Hi Vanessa, I just wanted to tell you how much I absolutely love what you're sharing! I so relate to so many of the things. In the past, I never really took notice seeing the how to grow videos, but as soon as I saw your video about the struggles of pressures you're dealing with, I immediately connected and have been watching every single one of your uploads since. I can't begin to tell you how similar I am, I used to feel the exact same way about so many of the things you mentioned, especially being brought up in an Asian immigrant family, some of the things you said are 100% relatable for me. I just want to thank you for sharing your journey!! I always think this: people always criticise fictional characters who are too perfect, so we shouldn't worry so much about showing up perfect. People who judge are probably doing that because they're imperfect themselves. That has truly made a difference in my mindset.
I'm a recovering people pleaser and beginner TH-camr (coincidentally creating a series about people pleasing), and this really resonated with me. I've been hiding my genuine self for so many years, and I'm conscious that I'll create another persona for TH-cam if I'm not careful. Thank you for sharing your story as a content creator with people-pleasing tendencies so we can learn from your experience. x
Thank you Vanessa for this timely video! I’ve slowed down my posting to focus on self-care and finding balance. While my mind is calmer, I feel unproductive on YT. Thank you for giving me the confidence to find my authentic voice. I’m ready to go from teaching mode to sharing mode 🙏🏼
You just described me. I was afraid to make MY videos because I didn't see them anywhere. All of the aging videos were about finances and looks, not what I wanted to talk about. Now I've noticed bigger channels are copying me. 😂
Totally. That is SUCH a compliment to be copied as well - congrats on realizing this and also for carving your own space in an otherwise saturated niche!
Or fitness! I was searching the other day for over 40 content and that was all I saw! Like all we're obsessed about is how we look and what's in our bank account! Come on now!
I definitely needed to hear this. I get so overwhelmed by the idea of constantly creating content that just thinking about it alone burns me out. I will reassess my strategy and focus more on getting good rest and inspiration and making videos out of enjoyment and not out of pressure. Thank you!!
It's an insightful point about how new challenges can disrupt the nervous system, making it hard to feel at ease in the moment. It makes me think that true resilience is the ability to recognize a challenge, commit to it incrementally, and allow conditions to improve (get easier, more fulfilling, and lead to better outcomes) over time-assuming the challenge is worth exploring and working through.
Love this Vanessa! The moment I stopped creating content and started to live my life - travelling, dating, having a normal job, making new friends - it wss not only a moment of personal growth, but also the time i had THE MOST ideas! Randomly in the shower, on the bus, on a walk - i felt so much more creative than before! Your video perfectly described everything I wish I knew before!
I love that and so happy that this was your experience too! I also find having things going on OUTSIDE of the channel also puts so much of the pressure off and it stops becoming this echo chamber. Loveeee!!
You made so many excellent points in this video. If we’re having a really off/bad day, sometimes just turning on the camera to record and talk about that can make people feel less isolated and alone. There’s so many ways to look at videos you think might be bad. Just showing up for yourself and your viewers can be so helpful if you find an authentic and sincere way to do that.
I find I felt burnt out when I try to make videos that are searchable….so now I create videos that I choose to do that week. I enjoy my creating process. Brilliant video
Vanessa… Wow! I’ve been a supporter since before your sabbatical & I must say, i’m so grateful you left & came back because all your recent videos have been amazing but this? I needed to see it after growing almost 500+ subscribers in the last 4 weeks. I will def rewatch this. Thank you 🌻
Your point on creating an audience that expects the 'performance' you really hit. I feel like I fell into that to a certain extent, and creating became exhausting. I'm still very proud of a lot of the videos I made, but I'm also a verrrry different person than I was when I started the channel. And showing up as the person who created the channel, rather than who I am now, became unsustainable. I still love TH-cam, and want to come back, but I'm happy for the moment giving myself space to let the remnants of that old me clear completely so I can see more clearly what the next step will be. Your story is really inspirational for this, and I'm grateful to you for sharing it.
I really needed this, I suffer from analysis-paralysis. I run an informational channel and sometimes feel it lacks my personal touch. I've been brainstorming ways to bring more of my personality to the table and letting go of my need for perfection.
All the insights shared in this video are pure GOLD! yes yes yes! This is the shift content creation needs! Thank you for sharing such an important message!
This video is so needed from where I'm at right now! I think my biggest block is dealing with haters and the really cutting comments they leave sometimes :( Looking forward to this series! (PS love that you're finding your authentic self on this journey, and sharing with us)! 💕
Whew, this video is so timely. Poor creative mindset has kept me from creating at the rate I intended this year. I've shifted my mindset to QUANTITY for Q4 and it's helped me get out of my creative rut so much! I post for the practice of being consistent, not for metrics. It's also helped me start my new channel and just hit the ground running. And it's paying off 🌟
i rarely comment on a vid but hearing about your POV felt like my ~future self~ was talking to me! so thanks for sharing your story just as it is, Vanessa. and for your service to this community! gives people like me who are in a similar journey hope that it’s actually possible and that we’re not alone 🥹🫶🏼 i created a channel during the pandemic and had a few videos that went viral since, but i honestly still have no idea what i’m doing it all for (i just know this is what i love doing the most)… clicked on this video bcos i’ve been feeling stuck in a self-sabotaging cycle, so what you said about going to therapy & working on your own life really resonate with me! i’m still working on it, but i’m in a much better place now than in the previous few years. fun fact: i’ve been subscribed to you for years now but didn’t really notice you were gone for a whole year(?), not bcos you’re not ~that~ important but bcos i was also caught up in my own life-which also further proves your point that missing a few uploads or so doesn’t really matter on a grand scale but spending time to actually work on yourself & your life does bcos i’ve been liking your content now more than ever! ❤️
Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been putting off committing to creating content because it always feels like a chore because of my overthinking, but I genuinely took a sigh of relief after watching this and it’s already starting to feel a bit more fun with all the content ideas running through my head without the worry of whether or not it will perform well.
From denial to scarcity, and now the true path of your own ENLIGHTENMENT. Not a whole of people would capture pure ENLIGHTENMENT unless... they are fully disconnected and realize it from a different space. I bow and applaud to your self-discovery... freedom of mind. Now you are asking yourself the right questions, and always stand guard... the gate of your mind.
Thank you so much, this means a lot - it definitely took a lot of time to reflect. Still on that journey but really happy that the wisdom is being well received and helpful to others!
You are on the right path. When asking yourself the right questions do write them, sometimes it doesn't manifest immediately, give it time. Soon... the universe will reveal itself in front of you.
Thanks for sharing this valuable advice! I am a new creator on TH-cam. Treating my channel with an investor mindset rather than an amateur mindset is such a refreshing reminder.
OH MY! You are talking DIRECTLY to me!!! Everything in this video is bang ON for my current reality. I will start celebrating my little steps and hope it leads to posting videos soon.
This is such a good video. The part that resonated the most with me was the part about setting creative goals rather than metric ones. Mental health-wise and developing as a small TH-camr, that makes so much sense.
This video was so vulnerable and raw! These principles can be applied outside of TH-cam as well: in dating, relationships, entrepreneurship, etc. I teach a lot of this to my clients. Loved the way you broke this down for your audience. ❤🎉
In complete agreement with you. Since I created my TH-cam channel, some videos perform better than others. If I were to be seeking validation, I would create more content related to the videos performing well, which would eventually box me into a small niche. Instead, I continue creating all kinds of content, and sharing the things that I love, some days crafting, some days wellness, some days cats, many days gardening and so on. I remember at the beginning a few loved ones would say Yali just choose a topic and stick to it, but I just couldn't agree being multitalented and narrowing down into a niche would definitely make me feel like I am doing a work that I do not like instead of enjoying and looking forward to sharing the videos I feel like creating. At the end of the day is like you said forget if other people have done the video you are thinking of doing or if nobody has created it, just be you and share what you feel like creating. At the end it will always be unique because there only one you creating this video the way that you do. Thank you, Vanessa, for your awesome video content and being so honest with us.
I can relate so much to these points especially the burn out and the self imposed deadlines to not miss an upload. Great talk Vanessa. Mindset is key 👌🏼
Hi Vanessa...You inspired a lot of content creators on the platforms... In fact after watchng your videos 3 years ago that's the time I started my youtube channel too! Cheers!
Your point about setting creative goals is great. It's easy to follow into the trap of the metric -- watch hours and subscribers -- especially for the new TH-camr who is striving to get into the TH-cam Partner Program. But you're so right. Those things are completely external and out of our control. We do this in so many areas of our lives and it just causes massive unhappiness. Thank you for addressing this.
This was most definitely needed, for newer content creators, Thank you Vanessa. Will definitely be implementing a more balanced approach moving forward.
This video helped me SO much, Vanessa. I really appreciate the time you took to put this together. Thanks so much for being honest and encouraging. I've watched this through twice, and will watch again. 💜
there's a book called whispers of manifestation on borlest , and it talks about how using some secret tehniques you can attract almost everything in life it's not some bullshit law of attraction, it's the real deal
It's great to see you back and being your positive wonderful self. I try to upload every 3 days and sometimes I don't make it and I've stopped beating my self up about it. I also take time off for a holiday a couple of times a year and I don't pre-film content for then otherwise I would be burned out as I also work a job 40 hours a week. The one thing I need to work on is having more of a life and spending less time on TH-cam. This was an amazing video and I thank you for sharing.
Love this. In the end it‘s also a metapher to living a good life. We can follow other people‘s strategies but in the end we have to find for ourselves what makes us happy.❤
All such great advice! I have people pleasing tendencies that I’ve rebelled to and what I’ve found is that I’ve gone too much to the other extreme by not looking or trying to understand analytics and need to find a balance. 🙏🏽
I really love this character arc for you and that you're happier now. I've been researching the whole "content creator" thing since 2021. And i've completely lost the main reason why I wanted to make youtube videos in the first place. Part of it is personal reasons absolutely, but a lot of youtube advice directed at from 0 beginners, for a while now, has focused on the wrong things. Instead of focusing on metrics the advice should be about what you talked about here. Getting over the self doubt, imposter syndrome, and false idolization of making youtube videos. Even if you make 30 "bad videos" now, and yes it could be perceived as inefficient use of time, getting into the process at all should be the goal. Not, as you say, trying to be great or even good from the start. And creating videos that you actually want to put your time into. Instead of trying to fit into some template that may not work for the individual. I feel that the youtube space is finally coming back to the original purpose of youtube even before google acquired the platform. That purpose is simply to share. Going from the home video style feed from 2008 to a more polished production scene from 2012 - 2018 ish. But I feel the over-editing trend finally pushed regular viewers like myself over the edge to seek out authentic and slower paced videos. Bringing us back to a paradigm similar to the old days. Just with better gear to produce those videos haha. I have been saying for a while now that I miss old youtube and I'm happy to finally see a semblance of it coming back. and thank you Vanessa!
Wow, Vanessa! This might be one of your very best videos. I don't know if it will spread for you, but I do know that you showed so much wisdom in it. And authenticity? Amazing - not only in the script, your passion, but also the physical environment with soft lighting and open space supports the tone of the video. I'm a person who watched your very first videos and they were quite helpful to me, but omg, look at the new you on camera. Your 18 key things video brought me to this playlist, I subscribed, and signed up to your newsletter. It is wonderful to see a female TH-cam guru just kickin' it in a very male dominated arena (not that I don't love my guy gurus out there too!) but as a woman on TH-cam, I just appreciate that you are modelling that strength to the rest of us. I hope your examples won't always refer to "gaming" (nothing against gamers at all) but for some reason it always is so overused on TH-cam guru platforms (and the rest of us viewers cannot relate as it doesn't translate well as an example to refer from - hope you know what I mean). As a sewist with a sewing channel, and a solo content creator who is still small but growing, your words really impressed me. Vanessa, I will love coming back to your channel this year and I support you in your goals!
I've been working on my channel for the past month and was feeling a bit discouraged by the slow growth. Just when I needed some motivation, your video showed up! I've been eagerly waiting since you announced this series, and I can't thank you enough for starting with a video on mindset. It's tough, but definitely the right place to start for my channel's journey.❤
Thank you for your patience on this series!! It took me a whiiiileeeee to get this first video out because I was trying to achieve my personal creative goal of making sure it's coming from the heart and authentic to me. Appreciate you for tuning in - it means a lot!! See you in the next video!
I only got to #2 before I got punched in the feels with how helpful this is. This applies to SO MUCH in life and had been holding me back. It's felt like a wall I couldn't get over and I'm even watching this video procrastinating because of this exact thing! Thank you for giving clear steps to work through it ❤❤
Yes!! I totally feel you. The avoidance makes things worse in the long term. Thank you clicking on this video and I hope you were able to also watch most of it!
Hi Vanessa, as a new content creator, I'm so glad to find your channel and as you at your current stage. I really appreciate your fresh perspectives. ❤
Thank you so much for this whole series 🩷✨ I jumped around but this has actually changed my life. My TH-cam channel 2025 is going to be so much different. ✨🍰 More me, easier/cozier to film, consistent thumbnails. I had a channel that got to over 12K in two years, but it didn’t really feel like me. And when I wasn’t “playing her” people were unsubscribing. This is for me for them 🩷 I’m so excited to make so many new friends and have a beautiful safe space here!!!
Love the video! Great thoughts! However, as a creator who just start building a fashion channel, I see that videos that I would also like to create with much more personality such as vlogs, or fashion videos without a brand name do not perform at all. I feel that strategy, SEO, is really needed especially in the beginning.
Thank you for sharing this message! After uploading my first few videos, I can already see how much pressure there is to perform and get results--especially for new content creators. I have to remember that having bad ideas is actually a good idea! 😆 Posting videos that you enjoy and are passionate about is more important than posting for metric-based results. Subscribed!!!
New subscriber here, Vanessa! Amazing video. I want to do a vegan recipe channel for my health coaching clients. I appreciate everything you said in this video. I don’t know much about scripting, filming or editing. I look forward to this series!
Thank you for the authentic tips Vanessa! It means a lot to hear your advice as a new content creator… 😊 I feel so much better hearing from a pro TH-camr
Which lesson resonated with you the most? PS: I noticed 82% of my viewers aren’t subscribed! If that’s you and you liked with what I’ve shared, please consider subscribing. Your support helps spread these messages, empowering more creators to find balance, avoid burnout, and create with purpose. Also hit the notification bell so you don't miss the upcoming videos in the 6-part TH-cam series! :)
This video made me feel seen ❤
I read your entire mail and now I'm here also subscribed. The words written there hit me so hard. Your words make me feel like I'm also running towards a trap.
Being okay to look bad! I put my channel out during the pandemic- loaded the videos, scheduled them, and closed my eyes but never uploaded another one, yet. I am putting shorts up now but will restart. Thank you and the bangs are 🔥!
Definitely setting creative goals, because I do feel like I’m in that self sabotage loop. This will be super helpful 🙏🏾❤️ thank you for all that you do Vanessa!
Vanessa, I respect your transparency. It's easy for us who haven't achieved the success that you have to think you have it all together all the time. But to hear you say that you had burned out too let's me know you can relate to what creators go through. I appreciate the info and value that you have been providing for all the years I've been watching you.
thanks for the shout out , so many good points in this video. Loving the journey
I'd like to share a story that feels appropriate. I’m one of the few wrestling reviewers who do weekly livestreams. My competitors average 1,000 to 3,000 viewers per stream, while I usually get around 100.
Last week, during my live review, two people donated nearly $700 in total. That’s more than any of my competitors. When I asked why, they simply said, 'Because we love you.'
Vanessa nailed it. If you can be relatable and make people feel good, the possibilities for success are endless. Just imagine how much I could make if I had 1,000 to 3,000 viewers like my competitors-or even just half, 500 viewers. The numbers would naturally go up.
Move how only you can, and at your own pace. In the long run, it will all be worth it.
This story is EVERYTHING. Wow. THANK YOU for sharing. I hope more people take the time to read this!!!!!
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing, you help more people than you think ;)
I dont know anyone else that do what you do.
You are different and special.
EVERY TH-camr needs YOU along the way.
Aww this means a lot to me, and I hope those who watch my videos also get to unlock their unique selves too and make their viewers feel this exact same way about them!!
Trueness...admire her
The golden cage analogy is such a great advice that removes the pressure of having to make a viral video. I'd rather have 1000 subscribers that like me for me and are a perfect fit for my personal brand, than having 1,000,000 subs that will end up make me do videos I don't like and make me lose my true 1000 die hard subs
THIS. Yes yes yes.
Vanessa, you’re not only sharing - but embodying - the direct and authentic truth. It’s so valuable to those of us at the start of the journey. I can't thank you enough for being the example and proving it's possible. Cheers. 🙏🏻
Thank you so much Tyler, this means a lot. That was actually my creative goal when filming this video / series: How do I stay authentic while still speaking on a subject that I used to "teach". Appreciate it!
I’m loving this new version of you!!! This video was GOLD ❤
Honestly I watched this to feel less horrible about myself. Awesome video
Yes its true..
Such a GREAT reminder to allow my nervous system to calibrate for something new vs allowing myself to self-sabotage.
Vanessa, girl. You and I are LOCKED IN for this upcoming year LOL I'm loving these series and how transparent you are.
oh my God Vanessa thank you so much for this video. I'm currently trying to get out of a rut since my videos haven't been getting as many views as before.
A lot of the things you mentioned in the video were things that I felt, and it feels good to have a bigger creator like you validated these feelings that I was experiencing. Thank you so much!
I haven’t started recording yet & posting as I’m writing a few scripts first & am too busy with work lately, but I had to let you know how much this video transformed my thinking and made it ok for me to want to be original. What I loved the most is that you came back to your channel with such a peace. I’m really happy to have found your channel
I remember when you made that full in detail yearly plan, what you plan to do everyday, etc. I remember thinking, this is insane, how can you do that! Glad you're taking a more balanced appraoch
Ohh love that point about our nervous system when trying something new/doing something we haven’t done in awhile - celebrating small steps along the way instead of thinking “I’m not cut out for this”
Hey Vanessa, long time watcher and follower of your content here! Decided to kick start my TH-cam journey last month and am on track to post my 4th video in 4 weeks!
Appreciate all that you’re doing for us smaller creators and pushing for us to even dare to dream big. Thank you for all you do- and to everyone else - we gonna make it!
I love how you say that we truly cannot control how people will interact with our content and how the algorithm wil decide to push it. Just hearing you re affirm something I have been telling myself - literally freed me.
I’m so glad you shared your story. As someone who has done the opposite - dedicated my life to living, traveling, being messy, healing, unpeeling, and finally knowing who I AM - I’m now starting from scratch with my YT channel, and all I have is my truth to share. I’m watching your channel, because everything I’ve tried (re: tags, algorithms, etc.) has not yet* helped. So thank YOU… for being a light for me today. You are appreciated. 😇🙏🏽✨
Vanessa, I’ve watched hundreds of TH-cam tutorials and this video by far has helped me the MOST! You actually understand how we small creators are feeling and going through. Thank you and God bless 💗💗
Love this! I’m thinking of going into TH-cam or even filming things. It’s a good reminder to have fun in life and that’s what I want. They saying “ work while you play and play while you work .” Is my goal in life still no regrets
Yes! Sometimes its easy to get lost in the TH-cam algo sauce and I hope this video serves as a reminder to stay grounded in the pursuit of growth as well. And also growth can look different!
I've been a silent viewer of yours for years, ever since you quit your job and worked at that café.
You inspire me to write content for my own experience, thoughts and insights. Because at the end of the day, that's what makes me, me. I noticed that ever since I started opening up and sharing my stories, making content is a lot easier, and I get more quality audience that connected with me on a personal level.
And the simple fact that you burned out and almost quit to prove my point that, we shouldn't chase virality. But we should build an audience we want to be connected with. If not, we're just created a job for herself.
Please share more mindset stuff, Vanessa!
Agreed. We don't to chase virality. That was how I started my YT
This is SO refreshing, and I'm so happy there seems to be a shift away from highly produced and optimized videos and instead making genuine content again. That is why I fell in love with TH-cam over a decade ago and I felt like it really got lost over the last 5-6 years. Happy to see its comeback! And happy to see THIS kind of content from you too 💜
Thanks for watching my newer videos and yes, it all definitely feels lighter and a bit more mature. Appreciate your comment and for you tuning in!!
I always respected Vanessa pre sabbatical work ( value loaded, to the point, practical videos), BUT I am LOVING Post Sabbatical Vanessa A LOT! You speak from heart, address REAL ISSUES, giving holistic approach on content creation and more. Thank you for existing and growing and helping us grow as well. Lots of love!
AHHH appreciate this so much. this is a huge compliment to receive. thank you for watching!!
Happiness > success. Ty for sharing! This was insanely helpful!
Grateful for my 273 amazing subscribers! Your unwavering support fuels my passion every single day. While tough times may come and go, I'm here to stay...growing, learning, and improving for all of us. Let's keep this incredible journey going together!
Glad I clicked on your channel. This old foggy likes to write but only recently ventures into this YT stuff with hardly any skills . So that's what stopping me from creating long form videos. Your advice is just what I need to boost my self worth! Thanks.
The fact that you found Julia Cameron's Artist's Way is impressive! I'm a 66 yo grandma and I can say that you are on the right path.... Sending love.
I am a total people pleaser and have struggled with setting boundaries and balance in my life. I have just quit an 80 hour a week job and I am getting into TH-cam and I do not want TH-cam to become my next thing that I burnout over. thanks for this video series Vanessa. I am finding them very helpful. this segment on people pleasing really hit home for me. thank you very much for sharing.
Hi Vanessa, I just wanted to tell you how much I absolutely love what you're sharing! I so relate to so many of the things. In the past, I never really took notice seeing the how to grow videos, but as soon as I saw your video about the struggles of pressures you're dealing with, I immediately connected and have been watching every single one of your uploads since. I can't begin to tell you how similar I am, I used to feel the exact same way about so many of the things you mentioned, especially being brought up in an Asian immigrant family, some of the things you said are 100% relatable for me. I just want to thank you for sharing your journey!! I always think this: people always criticise fictional characters who are too perfect, so we shouldn't worry so much about showing up perfect. People who judge are probably doing that because they're imperfect themselves. That has truly made a difference in my mindset.
Oh girl, I have plenty of bad videos! Still learning from each one and every new upload is getting better. Thank u for the tops
You can do it slowly...at your time
@@Iyaman-medic yes absolutely 💯 I am trying to do it in less time though, with more consistency.
I'm a recovering people pleaser and beginner TH-camr (coincidentally creating a series about people pleasing), and this really resonated with me. I've been hiding my genuine self for so many years, and I'm conscious that I'll create another persona for TH-cam if I'm not careful. Thank you for sharing your story as a content creator with people-pleasing tendencies so we can learn from your experience. x
Thank you Vanessa for this timely video! I’ve slowed down my posting to focus on self-care and finding balance. While my mind is calmer, I feel unproductive on YT. Thank you for giving me the confidence to find my authentic voice. I’m ready to go from teaching mode to sharing mode 🙏🏼
You just described me. I was afraid to make MY videos because I didn't see them anywhere. All of the aging videos were about finances and looks, not what I wanted to talk about. Now I've noticed bigger channels are copying me. 😂
Totally. That is SUCH a compliment to be copied as well - congrats on realizing this and also for carving your own space in an otherwise saturated niche!
Or fitness! I was searching the other day for over 40 content and that was all I saw! Like all we're obsessed about is how we look and what's in our bank account! Come on now!
Not me, a therapist, learning from you for years 🫶🙏 I’m loving your come back.
I definitely needed to hear this. I get so overwhelmed by the idea of constantly creating content that just thinking about it alone burns me out. I will reassess my strategy and focus more on getting good rest and inspiration and making videos out of enjoyment and not out of pressure. Thank you!!
Yes youright...lets do it too
It's an insightful point about how new challenges can disrupt the nervous system, making it hard to feel at ease in the moment. It makes me think that true resilience is the ability to recognize a challenge, commit to it incrementally, and allow conditions to improve (get easier, more fulfilling, and lead to better outcomes) over time-assuming the challenge is worth exploring and working through.
Thank you for being vulnerable with us. I’m happy that you found yourself again. I haven’t uploaded yet. This was helpful in multiple ways.
Love this Vanessa! The moment I stopped creating content and started to live my life - travelling, dating, having a normal job, making new friends - it wss not only a moment of personal growth, but also the time i had THE MOST ideas! Randomly in the shower, on the bus, on a walk - i felt so much more creative than before!
Your video perfectly described everything I wish I knew before!
I love that and so happy that this was your experience too! I also find having things going on OUTSIDE of the channel also puts so much of the pressure off and it stops becoming this echo chamber. Loveeee!!
You made so many excellent points in this video. If we’re having a really off/bad day, sometimes just turning on the camera to record and talk about that can make people feel less isolated and alone. There’s so many ways to look at videos you think might be bad. Just showing up for yourself and your viewers can be so helpful if you find an authentic and sincere way to do that.
I find I felt burnt out when I try to make videos that are searchable….so now I create videos that I choose to do that week. I enjoy my creating process. Brilliant video
Vanessa… Wow! I’ve been a supporter since before your sabbatical & I must say, i’m so grateful you left & came back because all your recent videos have been amazing but this? I needed to see it after growing almost 500+ subscribers in the last 4 weeks. I will def rewatch this. Thank you 🌻
Yes lets do it...
Your point on creating an audience that expects the 'performance' you really hit. I feel like I fell into that to a certain extent, and creating became exhausting. I'm still very proud of a lot of the videos I made, but I'm also a verrrry different person than I was when I started the channel. And showing up as the person who created the channel, rather than who I am now, became unsustainable. I still love TH-cam, and want to come back, but I'm happy for the moment giving myself space to let the remnants of that old me clear completely so I can see more clearly what the next step will be. Your story is really inspirational for this, and I'm grateful to you for sharing it.
So excited for this series!!
The first video has been so helpful. Thank you for starting this.
That haircut looks so beautiful on you, Vanessa! Thank you for starting this series.
Thank you! The bangs were definitely the right move. It took me a couple takes to not try to touch it while filming though haha!!
@@VanessaLau The bangs complement your face type so nicely, you should consider keeping them for future videos. You look lovely.
@@VanessaLau With the bangs, I also like how you tied a portion of your hair back. The whole style and what you were wearing looked awesome.
@@suvendroseal1724 ha ha yes i love her bangs...
I’m convinced you tap into my brain at night & then make videos of things I’m thinking about/struggling with 😅
Thanks for your sharing. Your mindset's not only for Content creator, it also for life.
I really needed this, I suffer from analysis-paralysis. I run an informational channel and sometimes feel it lacks my personal touch. I've been brainstorming ways to bring more of my personality to the table and letting go of my need for perfection.
All the insights shared in this video are pure GOLD! yes yes yes! This is the shift content creation needs! Thank you for sharing such an important message!
This video is so needed from where I'm at right now! I think my biggest block is dealing with haters and the really cutting comments they leave sometimes :( Looking forward to this series! (PS love that you're finding your authentic self on this journey, and sharing with us)! 💕
Your videos are so inspiring Vanessa! Thank you so much! 🥰
Whew, this video is so timely. Poor creative mindset has kept me from creating at the rate I intended this year. I've shifted my mindset to QUANTITY for Q4 and it's helped me get out of my creative rut so much! I post for the practice of being consistent, not for metrics. It's also helped me start my new channel and just hit the ground running. And it's paying off 🌟
I LOVE your honesty, so thankful for your channel.
i rarely comment on a vid but hearing about your POV felt like my ~future self~ was talking to me! so thanks for sharing your story just as it is, Vanessa. and for your service to this community! gives people like me who are in a similar journey hope that it’s actually possible and that we’re not alone 🥹🫶🏼
i created a channel during the pandemic and had a few videos that went viral since, but i honestly still have no idea what i’m doing it all for (i just know this is what i love doing the most)… clicked on this video bcos i’ve been feeling stuck in a self-sabotaging cycle, so what you said about going to therapy & working on your own life really resonate with me! i’m still working on it, but i’m in a much better place now than in the previous few years.
fun fact: i’ve been subscribed to you for years now but didn’t really notice you were gone for a whole year(?), not bcos you’re not ~that~ important but bcos i was also caught up in my own life-which also further proves your point that missing a few uploads or so doesn’t really matter on a grand scale but spending time to actually work on yourself & your life does bcos i’ve been liking your content now more than ever! ❤️
Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been putting off committing to creating content because it always feels like a chore because of my overthinking, but I genuinely took a sigh of relief after watching this and it’s already starting to feel a bit more fun with all the content ideas running through my head without the worry of whether or not it will perform well.
Yes, "safe to be seen with your ideas" ❤
From denial to scarcity, and now the true path of your own ENLIGHTENMENT. Not a whole of people would capture pure ENLIGHTENMENT unless... they are fully disconnected and realize it from a different space. I bow and applaud to your self-discovery... freedom of mind. Now you are asking yourself the right questions, and always stand guard... the gate of your mind.
Thank you so much, this means a lot - it definitely took a lot of time to reflect. Still on that journey but really happy that the wisdom is being well received and helpful to others!
You are on the right path. When asking yourself the right questions do write them, sometimes it doesn't manifest immediately, give it time. Soon... the universe will reveal itself in front of you.
Thanks for sharing this valuable advice! I am a new creator on TH-cam. Treating my channel with an investor mindset rather than an amateur mindset is such a refreshing reminder.
OH MY! You are talking DIRECTLY to me!!! Everything in this video is bang ON for my current reality. I will start celebrating my little steps and hope it leads to posting videos soon.
I started reading the book The Artist's way lately. Interesting approaches starting with Morning Pages. It is exciting to create things.
Correct...
This is such a good video. The part that resonated the most with me was the part about setting creative goals rather than metric ones. Mental health-wise and developing as a small TH-camr, that makes so much sense.
This video was so vulnerable and raw! These principles can be applied outside of TH-cam as well: in dating, relationships, entrepreneurship, etc. I teach a lot of this to my clients. Loved the way you broke this down for your audience. ❤🎉
In complete agreement with you. Since I created my TH-cam channel, some videos perform better than others. If I were to be seeking validation, I would create more content related to the videos performing well, which would eventually box me into a small niche. Instead, I continue creating all kinds of content, and sharing the things that I love, some days crafting, some days wellness, some days cats, many days gardening and so on. I remember at the beginning a few loved ones would say Yali just choose a topic and stick to it, but I just couldn't agree being multitalented and narrowing down into a niche would definitely make me feel like I am doing a work that I do not like instead of enjoying and looking forward to sharing the videos I feel like creating. At the end of the day is like you said forget if other people have done the video you are thinking of doing or if nobody has created it, just be you and share what you feel like creating. At the end it will always be unique because there only one you creating this video the way that you do. Thank you, Vanessa, for your awesome video content and being so honest with us.
I can relate so much to these points especially the burn out and the self imposed deadlines to not miss an upload. Great talk Vanessa. Mindset is key 👌🏼
Hi Vanessa...You inspired a lot of content creators on the platforms... In fact after watchng your videos 3 years ago that's the time I started my youtube channel too! Cheers!
Your point about setting creative goals is great. It's easy to follow into the trap of the metric -- watch hours and subscribers -- especially for the new TH-camr who is striving to get into the TH-cam Partner Program. But you're so right. Those things are completely external and out of our control. We do this in so many areas of our lives and it just causes massive unhappiness.
Thank you for addressing this.
This was most definitely needed, for newer content creators, Thank you Vanessa. Will definitely be implementing a more balanced approach moving forward.
This video helped me SO much, Vanessa. I really appreciate the time you took to put this together. Thanks so much for being honest and encouraging. I've watched this through twice, and will watch again. 💜
6:57 is gold!
I’m so happy that you’re back and even more happy with your new content. This is so helpful, inspiring and encouraging. Thank you 💝
there's a book called whispers of manifestation on borlest , and it talks about how using some secret tehniques you can attract almost everything in life it's not some bullshit law of attraction, it's the real deal
It's great to see you back and being your positive wonderful self. I try to upload every 3 days and sometimes I don't make it and I've stopped beating my self up about it. I also take time off for a holiday a couple of times a year and I don't pre-film content for then otherwise I would be burned out as I also work a job 40 hours a week. The one thing I need to work on is having more of a life and spending less time on TH-cam. This was an amazing video and I thank you for sharing.
Love this. In the end it‘s also a metapher to living a good life. We can follow other people‘s strategies but in the end we have to find for ourselves what makes us happy.❤
Thank you so much for this video, Vanessa! Welcome back❤
The pressure is so overwhelming.. 😢 I'm so gonna share this. So helpfully. I'm almost giving up!
Relatable!!! So burnt out that now I’m not even making content.
Looking forward to the next video.
Thanks!
All such great advice! I have people pleasing tendencies that I’ve rebelled to and what I’ve found is that I’ve gone too much to the other extreme by not looking or trying to understand analytics and need to find a balance. 🙏🏽
True lets do it too...
@@Iyaman-medic Yess!
I really love this character arc for you and that you're happier now. I've been researching the whole "content creator" thing since 2021. And i've completely lost the main reason why I wanted to make youtube videos in the first place. Part of it is personal reasons absolutely, but a lot of youtube advice directed at from 0 beginners, for a while now, has focused on the wrong things. Instead of focusing on metrics the advice should be about what you talked about here. Getting over the self doubt, imposter syndrome, and false idolization of making youtube videos. Even if you make 30 "bad videos" now, and yes it could be perceived as inefficient use of time, getting into the process at all should be the goal. Not, as you say, trying to be great or even good from the start. And creating videos that you actually want to put your time into. Instead of trying to fit into some template that may not work for the individual.
I feel that the youtube space is finally coming back to the original purpose of youtube even before google acquired the platform. That purpose is simply to share. Going from the home video style feed from 2008 to a more polished production scene from 2012 - 2018 ish. But I feel the over-editing trend finally pushed regular viewers like myself over the edge to seek out authentic and slower paced videos. Bringing us back to a paradigm similar to the old days. Just with better gear to produce those videos haha. I have been saying for a while now that I miss old youtube and I'm happy to finally see a semblance of it coming back.
and thank you Vanessa!
Another fantastic video! Love the casual format. :)
Yes your right...
This just inspired me in soooo many ways- u don’t even know. I’m glad you decided to make THIS video. Thank you ❤❤❤
Perfect timing thank you for this ❤
You're welcome! Thank you for watching!!
Wow, Vanessa! This might be one of your very best videos. I don't know if it will spread for you, but I do know that you showed so much wisdom in it. And authenticity? Amazing - not only in the script, your passion, but also the physical environment with soft lighting and open space supports the tone of the video. I'm a person who watched your very first videos and they were quite helpful to me, but omg, look at the new you on camera. Your 18 key things video brought me to this playlist, I subscribed, and signed up to your newsletter. It is wonderful to see a female TH-cam guru just kickin' it in a very male dominated arena (not that I don't love my guy gurus out there too!) but as a woman on TH-cam, I just appreciate that you are modelling that strength to the rest of us. I hope your examples won't always refer to "gaming" (nothing against gamers at all) but for some reason it always is so overused on TH-cam guru platforms (and the rest of us viewers cannot relate as it doesn't translate well as an example to refer from - hope you know what I mean). As a sewist with a sewing channel, and a solo content creator who is still small but growing, your words really impressed me. Vanessa, I will love coming back to your channel this year and I support you in your goals!
I've been working on my channel for the past month and was feeling a bit discouraged by the slow growth. Just when I needed some motivation, your video showed up! I've been eagerly waiting since you announced this series, and I can't thank you enough for starting with a video on mindset. It's tough, but definitely the right place to start for my channel's journey.❤
Thank you for your patience on this series!! It took me a whiiiileeeee to get this first video out because I was trying to achieve my personal creative goal of making sure it's coming from the heart and authentic to me. Appreciate you for tuning in - it means a lot!! See you in the next video!
@@VanessaLau can't wait ❤️
I only got to #2 before I got punched in the feels with how helpful this is. This applies to SO MUCH in life and had been holding me back. It's felt like a wall I couldn't get over and I'm even watching this video procrastinating because of this exact thing! Thank you for giving clear steps to work through it ❤❤
Yes!! I totally feel you. The avoidance makes things worse in the long term. Thank you clicking on this video and I hope you were able to also watch most of it!
love your new vibe & love this video Vanessa! 💗💗
This really reasonates as I have been considering starting a channel but don't know were to start. I love that you teach and live by authenticity!
Hi Vanessa, as a new content creator, I'm so glad to find your channel and as you at your current stage. I really appreciate your fresh perspectives. ❤
I'm so happy you found my page as a new creator. I made this video thinking about the advice I wish I got when I started!
This is my most favorite video that you have ever created. I will keep coming back to this
Gracias por el contenido Vanessa 💡
So many truths in this video ! Thank you very much for some clarity !
Thank you so much for this whole series 🩷✨ I jumped around but this has actually changed my life.
My TH-cam channel 2025 is going to be so much different. ✨🍰 More me, easier/cozier to film, consistent thumbnails.
I had a channel that got to over 12K in two years, but it didn’t really feel like me. And when I wasn’t “playing her” people were unsubscribing.
This is for me for them 🩷
I’m so excited to make so many new friends and have a beautiful safe space here!!!
I love you more now being realistic than the first time i watch you a year year ago who is like a teacher. Now it feels like your a friend
I’m hearing every word loud and clear…So much resonates with me here👍👍
I love the haircut and the words of wisdom Vanessa. I find it fascinating, how pain can deeply change us, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! Yes, I'm very happy with this haircut too and glad you enjoyed the video!
Tie your identity/self-worth to something you can control. BIG epiphany there. Thanks.
The exhaustion/nervous system thing is so true.
Love the video! Great thoughts! However, as a creator who just start building a fashion channel, I see that videos that I would also like to create with much more personality such as vlogs, or fashion videos without a brand name do not perform at all. I feel that strategy, SEO, is really needed especially in the beginning.
Thank you for sharing this message! After uploading my first few videos, I can already see how much pressure there is to perform and get results--especially for new content creators. I have to remember that having bad ideas is actually a good idea! 😆 Posting videos that you enjoy and are passionate about is more important than posting for metric-based results. Subscribed!!!
Looking forward for the TH-cam series
New subscriber here, Vanessa! Amazing video. I want to do a vegan recipe channel for my health coaching clients. I appreciate everything you said in this video. I don’t know much about scripting, filming or editing. I look forward to this series!
Thank you for the authentic tips Vanessa! It means a lot to hear your advice as a new content creator… 😊 I feel so much better hearing from a pro TH-camr
Trueness...
Thank you for sharing these gems 💎