The New Year is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings and that's especially true for content creators. As you gear up for another year of creating spicy content, it's a good idea to set some resolutions to help you reach your goals for the following year. Start with asking yourself ‘What could I do better that I wish I did more of this year?’
I’ll go first.
I had a really good year on Unfiltrd financially BUT there are still things I wish I had done better. The biggest thing I have learned in my time as a creator is that the more consistent everything is, the more I’m making. I’m not great about my schedule. It can be flexible with the right planning but my planning is where I tend to lack. I’ll make content and edit it but then I fall short on scheduling it out on my feed or as PPVs in mass messages. I can’t tell you how many Halloweens shoots I did this year and then edited but didn't schedule out. Out of probably six or so shoots completed I only used content from two of them. By the time I was going to post more Halloween had come and gone. Sure, I can still post them but had I done it in a timely manner and scheduled it out when it was done being edited then I wouldn’t have even had to give them a second thought. By setting myself time a week not just making and editing content but actually scheduling it out in advance is something I really want to focus on in the new year.
One thing I think is really important for myself and other creators is making time for selfcare. I feel as creators we are more motivated to create when we are feeling good about ourselves. I have these phases of being really into a self-care routine. I own multiple machines, instruments, cleansers and creams that I can use on my face daily and my skin would be immaculate, however I don't know always have the time or the energy to put into that. I feel like I constantly run in a state of burnout. Sometimes my day is washing my face and brushing my teeth in the shower because I'm that pressed for time. I did get to a point where I am giving myself at least once a week some type of self-care but in the new year I'd really like to do that more. I feel like the older I get and the more pressure I put on myself, the more time I need to put aside for me. And even if I have to make an appointment with myself, it's necessary two pencil yourself in. Self-care is a basic part of maintaining our physical and mental well-being. It's about taking the time to nourish ourselves, both physically and emotionally, so that we can show up as our best selves in all areas of our lives. Now ask yourself, are you showing up for yourself? Are you showing up for your content? Would you show up more if you were feeling yourself more? Go fill up the tub, put in the bath bomb and the cameras great but coming into the new year decided I was going to upgrade to the 15 to improve the quality of my photos as I drop the phone and scratched my camera lens, slap on the face mask, put on your favorite music and pour yourself a glass of wine. Take some moments for yourself to destress and relax. It makes a world of difference for oneself.
I know I've stated this before but I have to say it again, the equipment you use to create your content is just as important as the content you’re creating. One of my resolutions for the upcoming year is to update my equipment. I've only spent so much money on cameras and lighting when in fact the best camera you can have is probably the newest smartphone on the market. My iPhone 14 Pro I use for everything work related and content related and the cameras are great but coming into the new year I decided I was going to upgrade to the 15 to improve the quality of my photos as I have dropped my phone and scratched my camera lens. I considered just having that fixed, however when there's better out there, I'd prefer to upgrade for the convenience. I've also been using a ring light that broke two years ago but I still get the light I need so I'm fully intending on upgrading that to some type of more expensive, cordless and rechargeable ring light that is easy for travel. Whenever you're using better equipment, your content just looks more professional. Regardless of your editing skills, you're working smarter not harder with better equipment. But you don't have to buy the most expensive ring light or new camera in order to have quality looking content. For instance, I don't need to buy the most expensive ring light to make quality content. I decided I was going to treat myself in the new year after dealing with a broken one for two years. There are plenty of affordable and reliable options out there for people working on a budget and not looking to necessarily treat themselves over lighting. As a creator it’s good to update the things we use that get the most wear and tear. I guess if I did more explicit content, I'd be upgrading much more than the recording equipment. wink
As a creator, these are the things I think the top 3 New Year's resolution for content creators in 2024. These some of the more important things to focus on in the new year when it comes to content and habits. As a website administrator I also think these are some of the most important things to focus on because I see the burnout and the wear and tear on creators day in and day out. By investing in our equipment, we’re investing in our content. By scheduling ample time to make sure your content is edited and scheduled out you save yourself the stress and hassle of falling behind. And last but certainly not least, by taking care of yourself, you are making a positive investment in your physical, mental, and emotional health. So, make self-care a priority! Do yourself a favor, before your next content day; have a self-care day. Thank me later!
Xo Heather
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