After a lengthy period of procrastination, my YouTube channel had finally gone live.
Why procrastinate?
I’m glad you asked.
There are many reasons:
- I could not figure out a good background in my house. Even the current one you keep seeing in my videos is not exactly ideal because it does not add depth and make videos look flat and, thus, less interesting. But I’m not exactly renting a studio for this pet project so it will suffice. But I added a neon light to just spice things up.
- Lighting was shit. I finally figure out why spotlights are so freaking bright. They are meant to replicate the brightness of sunlight! That was easily fixed by buying a couple of softbox lights. Those are lights with a cloth shield in front of the bulb so the light that gets thrown onto the subject is softer.
- Memorizing scripts is almost impossible. Since I am not aiming for the next Grammy for my method acting (or lack of it), I bought a teleprompter screen. That allows me to fix my iPhone at the back (which I use as my camera) and an iPad on the other end to project words in reverse that get reflected onto the screen.
- Seeing myself on camera is also very discomforting. When I first started the podcast, it took me a while to get used to hearing my own voice. Seeing is a whole new level.
Alas, I ran out of reasons as they gets resolved (barring the last one) but decided to go ahead.
Sounds painful. Why do it then?
Good question.
It reminds me of the quote “Nothing is a better teacher than doing”. I have always been interested in media production and thought this is would be a good way to learn – by doing it.
But most importantly, it is to jump into discomfort.
I restarted my podcast for the exact same reasons. In my previous job, things have arrived at a stage where every day is beginning to look the same and I could almost perform them with my eyes closed and hands tied behind my back.
It is enticing to be comfortable but I read enough to know that a prolonged period of comfort will just make one lazy and complacent. And that will unconsciously seep across every aspect of my life.
And guess what? My podcast actually led me to my current job!
I’m not expecting a similar ROI for YouTube (the medium is much more competitive). The learnings are good enough and the channel allows me to share my knowledge, insights and experience with a new set of audience that might prefer to watch over reading or listening.
Having said that, I won’t mind having YouTube plaque to decorate my living room with.
