How to avoid procrastination as a content creator

As a content creator, you might find it challenging to stay productive and focused, especially when there is a constant demand for fresh and engaging content. Procrastination is a common problem that can negatively impact your work and your ability to meet deadlines. But, with some simple strategies and a bit of discipline, you can overcome procrastination and become a more consistent content creator. Whether you are doing this as a side hustle or full-time, in this episode, we will discuss some effective ways to avoid procrastination and stay on track.

The struggles of being a content creator (and why that might be the reason your procrastinating)

Many content creators face obstacles while producing content, which can lead to procrastination. And sometimes before we can stop procrastinating or find a system that works for us, we need to figure out why we are doing it in the first place. Here are some of the major problems that content creators face - hopefully this can help you determine your roadblock, so we can begin creating a solution.

Deciding on a niche

One of the biggest challenges for new content creators is finding a niche that they are passionate about and can create content consistently. This requires a lot of brainstorming, research, and experimentation. And honestly, sometimes you might change your mind and decide to in an entirely different direction.

Seeing no results

As a content creator, it can be discouraging to pour your heart and soul into a project only to see little or no results. Sometimes it feels like no matter how much effort you put in, you're not getting anywhere. This can lead to procrastination and a lack of motivation to continue creating. However, it's important to remember that success doesn't come overnight, and every piece of content you create is valuable in its own way. The results will come in time.

Generating Quality Content

Consistently producing high-quality posts is one of the biggest challenges of content creation. It can be difficult to come up with new ideas, transform them into engaging content, and execute them flawlessly. This leads to a lot of pressure.

Here’s a tip, when you’re just starting out, your content isn’t going to be perfect, but I recommend focusing on these three things; the planning or scripting process, confidence in your delivery (this just comes with practice), and quality audio (maybe invest in a small microphone or get creative, heck - I sometimes record voiceovers under a blanket in my bathroom, just do what you need to do). Creative editing and quality video are important too, don’t get be wrong, but you have to take it one step at a time. If the information you’re providing is valuable, you deliver it with confidence and your audience can hear you clearly - that’s an amazing start.

Creating the Right Environment

Finding a corner that is both aesthetically pleasing and free from disturbance can be challenging when creating content at home. But with a little bit of creativity, you can transform any corner into a productive workspace!

Dealing with Criticism and Trolls

Unfortunately, the internet can be a hostile place. Sometimes, we aren’t prepared for the criticism and hatefulness of people online. It is important to take constructive feedback but trust me, just ignore the haters.

These are just some of the challenges I have faced personally, if you have some other roadblocks that are causing you to struggle with your content creation, never hesitate to reach out or send us an email at hello@creatorlymedia.com with your concerns or questions

Tips for Avoiding Procrastination

Okay, earlier in this episode, we talked about the struggles of being a content creator and why you might be procrastinating. Studies show that around 20% of adults procrastinate chronically. So, you’re not alone. But not only does procrastination cause us to not get things done, but it can affect our mental health too. Procrastination can lead to feelings of anxiety and guilt. It can also leave us feeling unproductive, lazy, and ineffectual. In other words, it can affect the way we feel about ourselves.

But to help us all stop feeling this way, I want to share with you some proven methods of how to deal with procrastinating.

"Eat the Frog" is a productivity technique that gets its name from a quote by Mark Twain: “If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first.” By tackling the most challenging tasks first, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment early in the day and be more motivated to continue working. Now if you hit that afternoon slump and can’t imagine doing one more productive thing, you’ll know you already accomplished so much by using this method.

Productive procrastination is when you do something productive with your procrastination time. For example, you can watch an educational YouTube video or read a book that will help you learn a skill you need for the larger task you’re procrastinating. This way, you're still being productive, even if you're not working on the primary task at hand. Maybe you just can’t edit anymore and your procrastination bug is starting to hit, so you decide to take a walk to the coffee shop for a pick me up and while doing so, listen to the Creator Club Podcast. Just a suggestion. 😉

Time batching involves grouping similar tasks together and setting aside time to complete them until you reach your goal. This helps minimize distractions and enables you to concentrate, pay attention to details, and be productive. By separating your to-do list into batches, you can focus your full attention on specific tasks, instead of multitasking.

For example, when doing chores at home, you can start by cleaning your closet, then move on to folding your laundry, and finally, do the dishes. At work, you can focus on one task at a time, such as putting together a presentation, sending all 10 emails, and writing the report introduction. This helps you avoid constantly switching activities and refocusing your attention, which wastes time.

Give yourself a time limit. Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion. This means that if you give yourself too much time to complete a task, you may end up procrastinating or taking longer than necessary. Instead, provide yourself with a more accurate time limit to complete each of your required tasks. Start by timing yourself for each of your recurring tasks and then based on that average time spent, you can start timing yourself for future work. Just make sure you're being reasonable with the time you allot for each task.

The 10-minute rule is a simple yet effective way to overcome procrastination. Sit down and do the work for the next 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, you can then decide whether or not you will continue. Nine times out of ten, you will decide to keep going. The idea is that once you get the ball rolling, you'll find that the task is not as bad as you expected and you'll feel more motivated to complete it. Most tasks seem more intimidating than they actually are - so by starting it, you end up proving to yourself that it’s actually not that bad.

Pairing unenjoyable tasks with enjoyable ones can make the overall experience more enjoyable. For example, if you hate writing and have a writing task to complete, make yourself a cup of coffee or whatever your favorite beverage is and sip on it while you write. This will make the overall experience more enjoyable. Because though you’re doing something you don’t normally enjoy, each sip of coffee you have provides you with a sense of calm and happiness.

Rewarding oneself helps you work better and encourages and enhances productivity with positivity. This doesn’t have to be only big wins. Treat yourself to your favorite take-out after completing a YouTube video or maybe you tell yourself you can binge-watch Queer Eye if you finish your tasks for the week (did anyone else binge the new season already?) Reward yourself with the things you would rather be doing. I can take a bubble bath once I finish this task.

Is being a content creator worth all of the trouble?

Being a content creator is worth the trouble for several reasons, or trust me, I wouldn’t still be doing it. First and foremost, it allows you to express yourself creatively and share your unique perspective with the world. As a content creator, you have the opportunity to create something that is entirely your own. Whether it's a blog post, a video, or a podcast, you have complete control over the content you create, allowing you to share your ideas and creativity in a way that is authentic and unique to you.

Another benefit of being a content creator is the community you can build around your work. By creating content that resonates with others, you can attract like-minded individuals who appreciate and support your efforts. This can be incredibly fulfilling, as it allows you to connect with others who share your interests and passions.

In addition to the creative and social benefits of content creation, it can also be a source of income. Many of us content creators are able to monetize their work through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or products and services. This can provide financial stability and the freedom to work on your own terms, like right now I’m traveling with my partner through the United States in our renovated camper van. I can do that because of the content creation business I’ve built over the years.

Finally, creating content can help you develop valuable skills that are useful in a variety of different fields. Writing, editing, and marketing are all important skills for content creators, but they are also valuable in many other industries. By honing these skills through content creation, you can improve your prospects in your current career or open up new opportunities in other fields.

Overall, content creation is a fulfilling and worthwhile pursuit for those with a passion for sharing their ideas and creativity with others. While it can be challenging at times, the benefits of content creation make it incredibly rewarding - so don’t let procrastination and the potential roadblocks keep you from trying.

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Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles for content creators, but with the help of these methods - hopefully you find your groove and get past the procrastination and build the content creation business of your dreams!