Day 10

Day 10

I'm aware that I've done a few speeches in this style now, but I do think that this one is legitimately interesting. My purpose for starting this writing habit challenge (and making things on Itch.io more generally) was to build up good creative habits, allowing me gradually move toward my dream of creating things for a living. I have been attempting this since childhood and failing consistently, with very little success to speak of (albeit by the high standards I set for myself). This led me to feel the infamous 'burn-out' for a good while, and it wasn't until I was encouraged by ideas from my partner and saw some 'productivity' content on Youtube that I've started to feel more enthusiasm again. Book recommendations from one creator in particular, Ali Abdaal, has also gotten me back into reading, which has led to developing some more positive habits and, indirectly, to this page.

Some of these 'Productivity Youtubers' have built enormous followings and huge banks of content (or 'passive income streams'), which people can watch for inspiration on a variety of topics. As I was learning by watching these sorts of videos, even taking notes from time to time, I started to watch this style of content regularly and classifying it as productive time. However, today I started watching this content and said to myself; "Wait, am I just procrastinating?"

I have already built up a huge amount of tips and insight, and it is inevitable that these creators will start repeating some of the same points in different videos, perhaps phrased differently or in an altered context. So what value am I really deriving from continuing to watch them, especially in going back to watch older, outdated ones, rather than waiting for new tips to come out? I may be up-skilling and taking a degree of action towards improving my future, but am I really building towards achieving my goals, or is this just motion with no destination?

I'm sure that the irony of creating highly appealing, clickable and re-watchable content showing people how to be more 'productive' is not lost on the creators themselves. They have studied the algorithms, they understand the tactics employed by huge creators and businesses on Youtube and other platforms. These tactics are designed to keep users watching content and viewing ads on these sites for as long as possible. You could say that they are designed to make viewers more product-ive. Some creators even point out and show you how to AVOID falling into the cycle of scrolling and auto-playing to improve productivity, whilst simultaneously using some of them themselves. 

I do not begrudge them this: it is the nature of the ecosystem that they exist in. And this is also not to say that many of their sales tactics are bad or do harm. Some, like using higher quality lighting and sets, linking one video to another through clever schedule planning, and enhancing their revenue by attracting sponsors (that they know, trust and believe in)  improves the experience for the users. Also, I am yet to find a productivity Youtuber who doesn't seem to have good intentions with their content. If they were more nefarious and in it just for the money, then they would not make productivity videos. They would be 5 Minute Crafts.

I guess that the point I'm trying to make, or the question that I'm trying to ask, is; "Is watching productivity content actually productive? Or is it just another form of procrastination?". I suppose your answer to that question depends on your definition of 'productivity'. This may sound contrary to a lot of what I've just said, but I don't believe that watching videos for long periods of time is an inherently unproductive thing to do. If your objective is to unwind,  to relax, to recover, to be inspired, to discover new things, or many more objectives besides; then watching videos can be an excellent use of your time. However, it may not be a good use of time if it impedes you from doing what you are trying to do. I outlined earlier that I'm trying to build better creative habits and move toward my dreams of making things for a living.

To refine my question; "Is watching productivity videos helping me build better creative habits and move towards my dreams of making things for a living?". Well, watching one today prompted me to write this opinion piece, and this seems to be helping me to achieve that. While it may have worked today, I think it is important to get your ideas and motivation from a variety of different places. Much of mine comes from my amazing boyfriend, as well as my family, friends, and my own very lofty ambitions. Perhaps my opinions on creating on this particular subject will become more conclusive with time, but I know that to keep making steps towards my goals, I just need to keep creating.

And that is what I am going to do.  Happy Day 10 :)