The YouTube Trap
For years, I watched YouTube videos. I watched “gurus” teach me exactly how to build a business. I consumed courses, podcasts, and tutorials. I thought I knew how to do this.
But the second I actually sat down to do it? My mind went blank.
I realized that watching someone else drive doesn’t teach you how to handle the car. You can watch a million videos, but until you get behind the wheel, you are just spinning your tires.
There is no substitute for experience. The only way to learn is to do.
The “Easy” Way vs. The Right Way
I spent days trying to use free “all-in-one” tools. I tried Systeme.io, and while it’s an amazing tool for some, I found it ridiculously difficult to navigate.
Then I looked at the “easy” website builders. Sure, they are simple. But you have zero freedom. You get Option A, B, C, or D—and that’s it. Good luck trying to customize it later.
I had to decide: Do I want a cookie-cutter site, or do I want to build something real?.
I chose the hard way. I grabbed a hosting account (Hostinger) and decided to learn the ropes myself. I am still a rookie. I still suck at it sometimes. But I am finally moving.
Are You Willing?
There is a great book called Unf*ck Yourself that changed my perspective on this.
The question isn’t “Can I do this?” The question is, “Am I willing to do this?”
- Are you willing to put in the effort?
- Are you willing to be frustrated?
- Are you willing to have your wife yell at you to come to bed because you’ve been staring at a screen for too long?.
If the answer is yes, then you can succeed. It’s actually not that hard once you stop listening to the noise.
Stop Waiting, Start Clicking
If you are standing where I was 24 days ago—paralyzed by “Information Overload”—I have one piece of advice for you.
Just start.
Stop researching the “perfect” software. Stop worrying about which email provider is the best. You will learn a hundred things in tutorials that you will never actually use.
Open a new tab. Buy the domain. Pick a host. And just go.
You will make mistakes. You will have days when you want to throw the computer. But until you start, you will always wonder, “What if?”
I’m done with the “What ifs.” I’m done with the ramen noodles. I’m coming for the lobster.
I’ll see you in the trenches.