From Cringe to Confidence: Your Content Evolution Story

Do you ever find yourself revisiting your past work, be it old blog posts, e-books, digital products, or TikTok videos, and cringing at what you created? Do you wonder how you could have thought it was a great idea at the time? We’ve all been there. In this article, we’ll explore the idea that feeling ashamed of your past content is actually a sign of growth and progress in your content creation journey.

The Journey from Cringe to Confidence

If you’re anything like Barry, who hosts today’s podcast episode, you might have recently scrolled through the depths of your social media feed and watched some of your earliest videos. And, like Barry, you might have found yourself cringing at what you saw. The content might have seemed subpar, your ideas less refined, and your delivery far from perfect.

The great Randy Gage once said that it’s a positive sign if you look back on your previous content and feel ashamed of it. Why is that? Well, it’s because it means you’ve evolved. When you can see the mistakes and recognize that your standards back then were significantly lower than they are now, it indicates growth as a content creator and as a person.

On the contrary, if you look at your past content without a hint of embarrassment, it could be a cause for concern. It might imply that you haven’t pushed your boundaries or improved your skills. Continuous improvement is a hallmark of success, and it applies to every field, including content creation.

Embrace the Growth Mindset

In the world of content creation, there is no plateau. You are constantly learning, growing, and evolving. Every video, blog post, podcast episode, or e-book is an opportunity to refine your craft. You’ll become more comfortable in front of the camera or microphone, your ideas will become sharper, and you’ll make fewer mistakes along the way.

Even if you believe that your current work is perfect, rest assured that your perception of perfection will change. In six months or a year, you might look back at this very article and find room for improvement. Perfection is a moving target, and you’re always on a trajectory of improvement.

The Importance of Self-Reflection

Sometimes, when you’re engrossed in the daily grind of content creation, it’s easy to overlook the small, incremental improvements you make each day. This is where revisiting your older, less polished work becomes valuable. It’s a way to gauge how far you’ve come and recognize that your idea of perfection evolves over time.

Barry shared that he sometimes records videos 10 or 15 times before deeming them perfect. This highlights the pursuit of excellence that many content creators adhere to. What you once thought was flawless may now seem far from it, but that’s a testament to your growth and dedication.

Embrace Your Past, Strive for the Future

So, today, instead of viewing your past work with disdain, do it with a sense of understanding and appreciation for your journey. Recognize how far you’ve come and appreciate the progress you’ve made. Your past work is not a reflection of who you are now or who you’ll be in the future.

Remember, if you’re not occasionally cringing at your past content, you might not be pushing yourself hard enough. Use it as a motivation to continue refining your skills, expanding your knowledge, and growing as a content creator. Your journey is ongoing, and there’s always room for improvement.

As you continue to show up consistently, work on your craft, and create content regularly, you’ll give yourself countless opportunities to grow. Embrace the discomfort of your past work, and let it be a reminder that your potential for greatness is ever-expanding.

So, don’t be ashamed of your past work; be proud of how far you’ve come. Your evolution as a content creator is a testament to your dedication and passion. Keep pushing the boundaries, and you’ll be amazed at the content you’ll create in the months and years ahead.