The Year For the Content Creators

Happy New Year my comrades!

Whew! One of my resolutions this year is to write more and as authentically as possible. Seeing as this is one of the channels I express myself through writing, I'll try to put out many more letters this year, amen to that.

As always, I’ve been reflecting and I’m here with another reflection, please indulge me. 

There’s a trend sweeping through social media like a tidal wave. Everyone seems to be advising everyone else to jump into content creation to make money. “Create videos, go viral, and monetize”. “That content you’ve been hoarding, post it”. “You are sleeping on earnings if you’re not creating content”. 

Sis, I know. But can you back up a bit, you’re all up in my business. lol. 

But on a serious note, this advice isn’t misplaced—video content is dominating the digital world. People’s attention spans are shrinking, earning power is dwindling, and more and more, people are living vicariously through others—watching their lives unfold in curated clips and reels— while also thinking of ways to increase their earning power. 

It’s almost like you’re being told, “If you don’t film every good moment and post it for views, you’re a fool.”

But hold on, comrade. If you’re here, reading this, chances are you don’t fully buy into that narrative. Maybe you’re not interested in filming your life for the world, or maybe you’re actively fighting against the pressure to turn every experience into “content.” And let me tell you something that might go against the grain: you don’t have to create content to be relevant, or valuable.

Do I express myself through content? Yes, sometimes. I create when I want to explore creativity and it comes easily to me because I do it professionally for others. But I’ve made a personal choice: I don’t want to build my life around the belief that every moment must be captured, curated, and shared. And you don’t have to, either.

Your Creative Path Doesn’t Have to Follow the Crowd

There are so many ways to make money and express creativity that doesn’t involve jumping on the content creation bandwagon.

The pressure can be overwhelming, I know. Everywhere you look, someone’s going viral, someone’s monetizing their “day in the life” videos, someone’s showing off flashy success. But here’s what I urge you to do instead:

• Sit with yourself.
• Sit with your values.
• Sit with your skills.
• Sit with God, if you’re religious.

And think. Take the time to reflect deeply. Your path, your lane, your next steps—they will come to you if you create space to reflect.

For me, one question I’ve been reflecting on is this: “I’m a creative in a sea of creators with busy schedules and less time. How can I position my skills to help them achieve their content goals?”

I don’t have the full answer yet, but I know if I sit with this thought long enough, I’ll get a solid plan. 

Yes, this might be the year for the content creators. But that doesn’t mean it’s your year to be one. And if you choose not to jump on the bandwagon, it doesn’t make you foolish.

Here’s what you can do instead (it’s what I’ve been doing):

1. Be clear on what you want to achieve. Take the time to understand your creative expression—what drives it, what fuels it, and where you want it to take you.
2. Be rooted in your values. Know who you are and what matters to you, so you’re not swayed by trends or external pressures.
3. Be relentless in your goals. Let your roots of self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem run so deep that when the wave of curated lives and aesthetics comes crashing in, you’re unfazed.

So if you're torn between putting your life on display and thinking it is where the money is, maybe it's not your thing and that's fine too. Don't be that one who is carried by every trend wave.

I put out a post that said “This is the Year to Bet on Yourself”

Not on trends, not on bandwagons, but on the kind of creativity and work that truly matters to us. Let your roots run deep. That’s the word. Deep roots, not shallow ones.

All my love,

Your creative comrade & cheerleader, Vivian.