I’ve been grappling with the idea of a fresh start for my online presence. After years of streaming and creating content, I’ve realised that it’s not just about turning on the camera and talking. It’s about preparation, research, and the meticulous work that goes into each piece of content. Despite my efforts, the returns just don’t justify the means anymore. Streaming, for me, has become more of a hobby than a viable source of income.
I’ve been working tirelessly on my personal brand, my website, and my strategy. I’ve had to take a step back from streaming to focus on these priorities. The reality is, streaming doesn’t pay the bills. My consulting work does. And there’s only so much time in a day. I can’t dedicate the hours needed to stream daily and still manage my other commitments. It’s an impossible balancing act.
I’ve also been quiet on social media. My old Twitter account was stuck in a search ban, making it impossible to reach new audiences. I had to make the difficult decision to start fresh with a new account. It’s frustrating to lose the connections I’ve built over the years, but it’s necessary for my business. Without organic reach, any advertising is a waste of money. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but a necessary one.
The new podcast I’m working on, “User Story Hour,” is another massive undertaking. I have a list of 50 guests ready to go, but the prep work is immense. Creating assets, setting up technology, writing copy and descriptions—these are all time-consuming tasks. AI might help with some of it, but it’s not there yet. The effort involved is significant, and people often underestimate it.
I’ve also had to rethink my approach to social media. Blocking keywords and accounts that contribute to the toxicity has vastly improved my mental health. I no longer see the endless stream of culture wars and political nonsense. It’s liberating. I’ve realised that engaging in these battles only drags me down. There’s no reward at the end, just more abuse and harassment. So, I’ve stepped back. I’ve withdrawn my support from causes that only bring negativity into my life.
I’ve been working on a piece about monomania, a mental illness characterised by an obsessive focus on one thing. It’s rampant online, and it’s destructive. Engaging with these obsessions only ruins lives, including my own. I’ve decided to focus on more constructive and positive endeavours.
As I move forward, I’m recalibrating my priorities. Streaming will take a backseat to more structured content like my podcast and consulting work. I enjoy streaming, but it’s not sustainable as a primary focus. I need to find a balance that allows me to enjoy what I do without burning out.
I’m grateful for the support I’ve received, and I’m excited about the new directions I’m taking. It’s a challenging time, but also a time for growth and new opportunities. Thank you for sticking with me through this transition. Your support means the world to me.