6 Reasons Makers Hold Themselves Back From Creating Content

For over a year after I created my Instagram account to share my projects, I built things, took photos, but rarely hit "share".

Digging deeper, I realized that I thought only "real" Makers were allowed to post online. In fact, I rarely showed my photos to friends or family because I didn't think it was good enough. I was getting in my own way and wish I had started earlier.

Since starting to post projects online, I've learned more, made friends with other Makers, and been incredibly inspired by this amazing community.

If you've thought about posting your projects online and feel like you can't, see if any of these reasons are holding you back (and why they are faulty beliefs).

Reason 1: "My Projects And Content Need To Be Perfect"

You became a Maker because you weren't satisfied with what you can purchase in a store and want to only show your best to friends, family, and strangers online.

Perfection is a myth. Plus, the maker content creators who are really winning show the flaws. Don't pull away from the flaws, but show them off with pride to see you progress (it demonstrates authenticity).

Reason 2: "I'm Not A Real Creator"

Maybe your embarrassed by how much you still have to learn and don't want people to know.

Forgetting trying to make projects that "expert" makers will love and think back to where you were as a Maker 6 months ago. Make your content for that version of you and bring people just behind you along the journey.

Reason 3: "But My Friends Will Judge Me"

I get it, you don't want to be mocked for having a blog or trying to be an influencer.

The hard truth is, if your friends make fun of you for trying, they aren't your friends (and they would poke fun even if you personally showed them your project off Instagram). Your content is for other Makers and people who want to be where you are today.

Trolls exist both online and off, so your content isn't for them.

Reason 4: "I Have No Idea Where To Start"

Should you post photos or videos and to Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, your own blog, MySpace, or countless other places?

Choices are exhausting, so let's start simple. What platform do you turn to for inspiration most often and do you prefer pictures or video? That's the platform and medium to start with and we can learn from there.

Reason 5: "I Can't Create Projects Like Makers On YouTube With Millions Of Subscribers"

We all get creator envy, so pick your favorite creator with their amazing projects and polished videos and watch the first video they posted.

Everyone started where you are now: just figuring it all out. Just like you learned when building projects to make the next one better, the same learning curve is there for creating content and you just need to start.

Reason 6: "Next Month, I'll Be Ready"

Next month, you'll have more time, more tools, better ideas, and somehow know more than you do today and be ready.

The problem is that "tomorrow" or "next month" never comes. Every big creator you admire started before they thought they were ready, but they started anyway.

The Truth About Sharing Projects Online

Making things is deeply personal, but sharing online brings you into an amazing community of like-minded makers.

You're not showing off how amazing you are by sharing. You're inviting others to go on this Maker journey with you.

Your first post will not be perfect, but you have to hit "post" for it to exist. Today (not tomorrow) pick a platform, pick a photo or video you already have on your phone, and post it.

Let me know how to find your first post in the comments and I would be proud to be one of the first people in your new community.