The term “content creation” has always rubbed me the wrong way. It feels mechanical, transactional—focused on churning out material for consumption, more concerned with engagement metrics than real value. It sets up a divide, a kind of “haves and have-nots” situation where creators produce for an audience to consume, leaving little room for genuine connection. I’ve always believed there’s a better way. Instead of just creating content, I believe in storytelling—something deeply rooted in human history. Storytelling builds connections, fosters growth, and creates shared experiences that go beyond mindless consumption.
Why I Quit Content Creation
There were two big reasons I stepped away from creating content. The first was time. I was running a marketing agency, and creating content felt like a distraction from that mission. After selling my esports team and reaching financial freedom, my focus shifted. I wanted to grow my agency, help brands with advertising, and frankly, content creation started to feel like it was pulling me away from what really mattered.
The second reason? Fear. I had this looming anxiety about judgment and negative comments, especially with YouTube videos. Unlike live streams, which disappear after the broadcast, YouTube videos stick around. The educational content I was making felt permanent, weighty even, and I became hesitant to put myself out there. I wondered, “What if people don’t get my point? What if they judge me for it?” Those thoughts held me back and eventually led me to stop creating altogether.
Fear of Judgment and Permanence
Over time, I realized I wasn’t just afraid of creating content—I was afraid of the permanence of it. Live streaming felt less daunting because once it was over, it was over. But YouTube? That’s different. You upload a video, and it’s there forever. The feedback, the judgments—they can last. As someone who takes strong stances, especially on tech-related topics, I found myself increasingly worried about how my opinions would be received. Would my insights still matter after a long break? Or would they seem outdated, irrelevant? That uncertainty became paralyzing.
Negative Parasocial Relationships
Another reason I quit was the dark side of parasocial relationships, especially through live streaming. Tim Ferriss has this great analogy—when you live in a big city, there’s always that loud, disruptive minority. For me, that manifested in people getting too invested in my personal life. It became uncomfortable, and it’s even worse for women in this industry, who often face harassment and invasive scrutiny. To protect myself, I made the decision to pull back. I wanted to focus on business content and keep my personal life as private as possible.
Why I’m Returning to Storytelling
Despite all the challenges, I’ve decided to return—but not to content creation. I’m coming back to storytelling. I feel an obligation to share what I’ve learned, not because I want the spotlight, but because I’m in a privileged position to provide value. If I don’t share my knowledge, I’m withholding something that could help others. Storytelling is at the heart of human connection, and I truly believe every story is worth telling. I’m not here to go viral or amass millions of followers—I’m here to share in a way that resonates, even if it’s with just a handful of people.
Encouraging You to Start Storytelling
I want to challenge you to start storytelling, too. It’s a powerful tool for personal and community growth. You don’t have to be a full-time content creator—just look for opportunities to share your knowledge, your experiences, your perspective. Whether you’re offering entertainment, education, or just your own unique take on life, make sure it’s authentic. And more importantly, avoid staying in echo chambers. Surrounding yourself with only like-minded voices limits your growth. Embrace diverse viewpoints—that’s how real progress happens.
Final Thoughts on Creating Meaningful Content
At the end of the day, it’s about creating something meaningful. Don’t chase trends, likes, or viral moments. Focus on delivering real value. Some of the most successful creators, like MrBeast, didn’t make their real money from ads—they built ventures based on their expertise. When you prioritize storytelling and delivering genuine value, the audience will follow naturally. You don’t have to fit into the traditional “content creator” mold if your focus is on making something that truly matters.
Theory of YouTube 