Elevate your streams: Ditch the apologies and focus on Improvement

Elevate your streams:  Ditch the apologies and focus on Improvement

We have all undoubtedly missed a stream or two and the first thing we say the next time we go live is “Hey I’m sorry for missing yesterday’s stream”. Instead of starting with apologies for missed content, try a different approach such as; “Hey, welcome back to the stream! I’m excited to be back, and I’m ready to have some fun and catch up with all of you.” This way you are not bringing up the fact that you missed a stream and instead, you are focusing on the present. It also gives your community a sense of reliability and consistency, which is important for building trust and loyalty. 

The Power of Independent Action

It is a common instinct to look for excuses and seek forgiveness for missed streams. This has been ingrained in us from a young age through our experiences at home, in school, and at work. We have learned that having a valid reason can lead to leniency, such as the ability to retake a test or take a day off from work. However, this habit of constantly having to explain ourselves has become ingrained in us, leading us to feel the need to do so even when we miss streams.

In streaming, you are the one in charge. You’re not just a streamer, you are the head of your own business. A successful business owner doesn’t make excuses or seek forgiveness for missing a day, they work harder the next day to make it up. The reasons for not streaming aren't important; what matters is that you missed a stream and your actions afterward.  The best way to move forward is to simply focus on not missing streams in the future and keep providing your audience with great content. 

Establishing a consistent stream schedule 

The biggest challenge for new streamers is establishing and maintaining a consistent schedule.  The need to apologize for missing streams usually stems from deviations from the schedule.  Most streamers start by creating their desired content and then announcing a streaming schedule that they aim to follow.  However, this approach is misguided. It is better to establish your capabilities and determine a schedule that you can consistently stick to, before making any announcements. This allows you the flexibility to change dates and times and helps you consider the practicality of the schedule you are aiming for. Avoid making any commitments based solely on what looks good on paper.  Make sure you have lived with the schedule for some time and only then promise the timing of your streams. This way you avoid the disappointment of realizing that the schedule you committed to is unrealistic, whether it is due to your personal life, work schedule, or other factors. By testing the schedule first, you can ensure that you are able to execute it consistently and without frustration. 

A streamer’s undoing

Apologizing for missed streams may seem like the right thing to do, but it can have negative effects. Not only does it come across as unprofessional, but it can also lead to a pattern of missing more streams in the future. Continuously apologizing can lead to demotivation and eventually, the decision to quit streaming altogether.  In the article Mindset - don’t tell just do we discussed how verbalizing your plans triggers a similar psychological response as actually carrying them out. The same principle applies to apologizing.  This behavior stems from a desire for validation and a means to counteract negative emotions associated with failure. By seeking sympathy after missing a stream, you risk losing all motivation to continue.  Instead of feeling discouraged, you may feel that missing a stream is acceptable because others are understanding. However, this can lead to missing more streams, until you eventually just stop altogether. By weaning yourself off the habit of apologizing and focusing on improvement, you can become a more successful and respected content creator. 

Final thoughts

For content creators, letting go of apologies and excuses is a crucial step toward success. Instead of constantly apologizing, focus on improving and delivering consistent content for your audience. By doing so, you shed the weight of past failures and can confidently move forward with your plans. Taking responsibility for your actions and relying on your own determination and effort, rather than seeking sympathy from others, elevates you as a content creator. In essence, breaking this habit leads to improved performance and a stronger reputation as a reliable and dedicated streamer. 

Instead of publicly announcing your plans, focus on consistently executing your desired stream. Once you have successfully followed through on your plans for a week or two, then you can confidently announce them to your audience who have probably already noticed the changes. This way you will be able to uphold your commitments and avoid the need for constant apologies.  Maintaining consistency and building trust between you and your community is key to becoming a better streamer. Don’t let apologies become a habit. Focus on quiet progress and improvement, and you’ll find success in your streams.