Crazy that in my last post I was kicking and screaming unprovoked about not wanting to be a creator. Now, 3 weeks or so later, I plan to start a YouTube channel and two TikTok accounts, and promote the channel and myself actively on LinkedIn. Crazy. Life is dynamic.
I've had these ideas in the back of my head for months to years now - one of the TikToks in particular, has been swirling since 2019, before I even knew what TikTok was. I know, I know, in my last post, I was really railing about not wanting to be a CREATOR in the LinkedInfluencer(TM) way. What has changed since then?
1) I smell freedom
My green card application is finally progressing. I tell myself not to get excited and I'll believe it when I see it, like, actually have it in my hand, but hope is a special thing. All of a sudden, I'm thinking about streams of income, business ideas, all the things I could do when I am free to travel, to work, and unburdened by the uncertainty and actual restrictions of my current situation. I can smell my freedom and try as I might not to, I'm excited. I'm excited!
2) I read Myleik's "The Shame of Selling"
And you should read it too, it's a short blogpost. Myleik is amazing and everything from her is a call to action. It reminded me that with everything in life, we are selling or being sold to. To sell is human, and to thrive, one must know how to sell. She asks why we feel so comfortable sharing what we consume, while cringing to share what we create? Her reframe: "selling is not begging for attention. It's taking responsibility for your ideas... It's about honoring what you built enough to make sure it reaches its purpose". And she's absolutely right.
3) I've figured out how I want to be useful
Needing a creative outlet but agonizing over whether that outlet has to be online, contributing to the dopamine/ endless scrolling on social media. In my blogging heyday, video was just becoming a staple and I found it so difficult. I refused to adapt to YouTube videos or later, Reels, knowing that I articulated myself best in writing. This is still true. However, in my recent studying, YouTube has been immensely helpful to me. Also, vertical video is just how most people consume anything on social these days. It's just what it is. I want to share actionable tips not for sharing sake, but so that they can be helpful to others, and video would be the most effective way to do it. For them to process it, and also for me. I'll still be writing articles and doing research - writing is the medium for that. But for the points I want to get across on a more direct basis? It would be easier to just speak or do a voice over, than to write and edit an article. I may be overestimating the ease here- video editing is WORK, which brings me to my next thing:
4) In this process, I can learn something new?
I hope pushing myself to create videos will help me get comfortable in front of the camera and work on my speaking skills. Get back into creative communication. I'm already excited about the handles/ branding I will need to develop - and I might finally try this Nano Banana. See how AI can help me do more with getting my website and images together.
5) My thinking re: strategy is evolving
I'm going to be an IP lawyer in this country, doing the cutting-edge, exciting copyright work that I love, in media and technology. I just am. My thinking about how I'm going to get there has so far been from the perspective of working within my constraints: student visa, international attorney, no JD etc and... I'm not one to cut corners, I'm willing to do what it takes, make sacrifices for the long run. The JD vs no JD thoughts demand more than one blog post, I really think it's important to outline this journey and how my strategy has evolved, and is still evolving. I had a thought yesterday: should I really commit to 3 more years of school (and God forbid, debt) before I try shameless self-promotion online for an extended time period? Maybe instead, I should spend the next year running wild and free focused on creating my own opportunities. I'll still apply to things, but the goal should be: what can I do for me? Show up and let myself be seen now that I know how I want to show up. See where that leads. It's all part of the journey, and the lessons I pick up will definitely help me be a better person, attorney, teacher, and, if this is to be, law school candidate.
LFGGGGGGGG!
I hope I can keep this energy up till January. Wish I could bottle this buzz. I'm excited! I'm doing this. Let's go!
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