The 3 Rules I Wish I Knew Sooner

Hey Freind 👋

I probably say this every month, but I can’t believe it’s already the last day of January.

The last three weeks came with a lot of unexpected turns but also opened some very interesting new doors. More on that in the mission report at the bottom.

After long time of changing the tagline for this newsletter, I think I’ve finally found the perfect description:

Your Weekly Field Guide to Thriving as a Solo Creator

What do you think?

3 Rules for becoming a better creator

I’ve been listening to podcasts since I got my first iPod nano in 2008. Absorbing how great minds think and always answering the hosts questions in my mind. So when my long-time para-social mentor Matt D’Avella rebooted his podcast, Three Rules, I was very excited and surprised that I immediately had my answers ready to the question:

“What are three rules that help you find success and happiness?”

To my own surprise I very quickly had a list of principles that shaped me as a creator. While there is a lot to be said about rules for a happy life I’ll stick to actionable rules that might help you thrive.

1. Give every platform a purpose

When I first started, I tried to be everywhere. YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter. But instead of growing, I was just spreading myself thin. That’s when I realized:

I don’t need to be on every platform. I just need to use each one strategically.

So instead of throwing content everywhere, I started treating each platform like a tool:

• YouTube: My home base, where I build my audience.

• Instagram: Just for casual chats, not content.

• LinkedIn: A place to connect with potential partners, like brands.

• Newsletter: One space where we can connect without the an algorithm.

If you feel like you're juggling too many platforms, step back and ask:

What is this platform actually for?

2. It’s always easier the second time around

Or, put simply: Create a shitty first draft and test it.

The hardest part is always starting. But once you do it’s getting easier.
99% of the time, the second time around is faster and better.

Just like the first season of Orbit was a mess, but it laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Or a few months ago when, I lost an entire edit which sucked but the second time I did it in in half the time and better.

Keeping this phrase in mind saved me from countless perfectionist spirals.

Because done is always better than perfect.

3. Do what you can with what you have

This is the rule I lean on the most. Giving me a moment to think

”Do you really need that new camera for this project or can you do it with what you have?”

“You could buy a standing desk or you could put the one you have on wooden blocks to see if you like it.”

“What if instead of hiring an editor you refine your workflow to save time?”

Next time you feel stuck take a beat and ask yourself:

• Can I test this idea in a simpler way?

• Do I really need new gear, or is it just an excuse?

• What’s the cheapest, fastest way to get started?"

Maybe this comes from being naturally frugal but time and time again, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from what you buy it comes from what you make.

Those are my three rules. Now I want to hear yours.

What are three rules that make your life better? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear them.

My favorite video this week

The truth of becoming a successful artist by Brooke Cormier 

Mission Report 🚀

January did not go as expected but was an important month to set the stage for the rest of the year.

1-The plan for January was to release 3 videos. Featuring guest talking about workflows, branding and building a channel from scratch. You should see them release in the coming weeks.

2-The primary reason for the delayed is because I focused on building the foundation for our online community space. The Creator Orbit is developing into a co-working space for creators to connect. 
If you are on the waitlist you’ll get an invite before the end of next month.

3-The core focus for Orbit has become clearer than ever before. Creating a space that is enabling solo creators to live a rich life.

4-Having that core focus is also making it much easier to attract brands as partners. So you might start seeing an integration here or there.

5-I got an incredible opportunity to spend most of February in the SW of Spain with a few creator friends. Giving me a taste of what an Orbit Content House could feel like.

One quick favor 🙏

What is one thing Orbit/Valentin helped you with?

It would really make my day to read a note about it.
With your permission I’ll share it on social to grow our community of solo creators who are ready to thrive.

⬅️ In case you missed it last week I gave you a framework for starting a newsletter

➡️ Next week I’ll be unveiling what I’m optimizing for

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