Conquering Challenges and Prioritizing Content

 Conquering Challenges and Prioritizing Content

Many streamers encounter a common challenge at the critical moment before going live. Just as you are about to start your stream, you discover issues with your channel, consider redesigning graphics, or suddenly feel unwell. Regardless of the reason, these choices often lead to the same outcome, you don’t go live as planned. As discussed in previous entries, the reluctance to hit the "Go Live" button is most powerful in that pre-stream moment.

This challenge is a subtle and internal force within us, which manifests itself in countless forms, attempting to derail us from pursuing our goals. Any deviation from streaming plans results from allowing this force to poison our minds. In the entry “Develop a consistent streaming habit," we talked about fighting this opposition through improved organization and discipline.

However, the opposition is cunning and consistently devises new strategies to impede our progress. One of its sneakiest tactics is convincing you to do the right work at the wrong time, creating a false sense of productivity while your habits, efficiency levels, and eventually your channel crumble. This entry will guide you in properly prioritizing your content creation habits by separating your two streaming selves.

Creative Resilience

Within the multifaceted realm of game development, I've always been intrigued by the work of game designers. They face the intricate task of weaving together countless gaming elements, akin to constructing a complex puzzle, and sometimes overhauling the entire gameplay experience. In conversations with game designers, it's fascinating to hear them discuss challenges, especially in the context of creating compelling in-game levels. The difficulty lies in maintaining player engagement after numerous refinements. How do they determine the impact of a specific level when they've scrutinized it repeatedly, exploring it from various perspectives and playtesting it extensively? Surprisingly, the common answer is that they don't. Game designers often rely on their initial belief that both they and the development team found the level captivating, trusting that its appeal persists in the final gaming experience.

Approaching creative aspirations involves a similar mindset. In my opinion, making real-time decisions about our creative goals is often beyond our immediate capacity. Whether preparing for a stream or addressing the behind-the-scenes elements, an intangible force shifts our focus the moment we engage with our tasks. When confronted with such moments, I draw inspiration from the game developer's approach. Much like a game developer placing trust in past judgments over current sentiments, I may not feel inclined to stream at the exact moment, but I rely on the decision my past self-made to proceed with the show. Despite any reluctance, I follow the path I established earlier. If the inclination to avoid streaming persists after the show, I reassure myself that I can reconsider the next one. Yet, invariably, completing the stream leaves me invigorated, dispelling any lingering negative thoughts. Recognizing the tendency for mental roadblocks right before productivity, I've learned not to fully trust my 'in-the-moment self' when making these decisions.

Stream Dynamics: Architect vs Builder Roles

As streamers, I see two distinct roles within us: the architect and the builder. The architect conceives grand designs, detached from the daily tasks of construction. The builder steps in when the project is planned, bringing those designs to fruition. Neither role is superior, as both are essential for creating a complete structure. However, it's crucial not to blur the lines between the two and attempt to perform tasks outside of one's designated role.

The builder doesn't dictate the appearance of a building, decide whether to work that day or make creative choices about the tasks at hand. The builder's role is to execute established blueprints. In essence, the architect plans, and the builder builds. As a creative individual, it's crucial to maintain a separation between your architect self and your builder self. When planning your stream, you're in architect mode, designing schedules, determining your channel's focus, and brainstorming graphics and layouts. However, the architect doesn't engage in the actual streaming process. Save decision-making for post-show analysis; avoid making changes at the moment. Allowing the architect mode to linger until stream time leads to last-minute tweaks and lengthy overhaul sessions, potentially delaying or canceling shows. When you start streaming, be the builder. The builder doesn't decide if the stream happens that day or make creative adjustments; those choices are already made. The builder's role is to deliver the show to the best of their ability without further deliberation. Recognizing these distinct roles and keeping them separate ensures greater consistency in completing streams on time.

Final thoughts

Decisions regarding our creative goals should only be made when we're not on the verge of working on them. In the planning stage as architects, we maintain detachment. Our visions remain unaffected by lethargy, laziness, or last-minute ideas. When it's time for the actual work, our input is not sought; the work is simply executed. Any decisions or adjustments can be addressed afterward. For a more effective approach to your aspirations, revisit the entry ‘Increasing your stream’s impact by making changes.' By using the techniques outlined there to document channel ideas, the pressure to make on-the-spot changes lessens, allowing your architect self to stay separate from your builder self more effortlessly. As Elbert Hubbard once said, "Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do what you should do when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not." Separating your two streaming selves highlights the improvement in self-discipline and, consequently, enhances the quality of your streams.