Consistency – a word that is the number one answer to the question of how to succeed with content creation. And something I find I really struggle with.
What does consistency mean?
Consistency is a noun that describes the quality of always behaving in the same way. More than that it is one of the key ingredients you have to put in if you want to master a new skill or secure a good outcome in one way or another.
The opposite of consistency could be as simple as inconsistent, but when it comes to content creation I think the opposite is best described as unpredictable or not showing up.
Consistency in creativity
I don’t know how many tutorials on succeeding in photography, social media, content creation, YouTube, blogging or Instagram I have watched over the last decade. But I do know that every single one of them mentions consistency as the most important factor of success.
And in a way I think it’s a bit contradictory. Consistency demands discipline, whereas to be creative you have to be able to play with ideas and follow a different direction than the one you thought you would go. To be consistent you should always behave the same way, but as a creative you’re supposed to come up with new ways of doing things.
And I think this contradiction is part of why consistency can be so difficult for creative people.
Why I struggle with consistency
This blog, my Instagram and my YouTube are all testaments to my struggle with consistency. And as I’ve started over this year, I have reflected a bit upon why I struggle.
At first I blamed the lack of time due to my health, my job and other commitments. But as I investigated a bit more, I soon found that my number one culprit is that I consume content when I should be making my own stuff.
Each week I spend hours “being inspired and learning” from other photographers, bloggers and YouTubers. Often I find myself thinking “I could make that”. But the difference between me and the ones I’m consuming content from, is that they show up. They prioritize creating over consuming.
Commitment issues
I’m not going to promise consistency on this blog now. I’ve made too many promises of consistency to myself that I’ve broken over the years. So many in fact that it’s given me a bit of commitment issues when it comes to content creation.
I am however going to make a solid effort to create more and consume less. I’m going to make a solid effort to share more of the images and videos I actually do make. This summer I’ve made tons. I just haven’t been showing up to share them here. And I really wish I had.
And who knows. Maybe focusing less on the consistency of consumption each week will breed consistency in creating. In the long run I mean.
All the best,
Tonje
