How Writing Online Made me a Millionaire

Summary

In this video, Ali, a doctor and content creator, shares how starting a blog transformed his life and how it can benefit others. He recounts his initial fears about originality, judgment, and perfectionism, and how reading the book 'Show Your Work' by Austin Kleon helped him overcome them. Ali emphasizes the power of documenting one's journey, embracing the beginner's mindset, and putting yourself online. He highlights the potential for serendipity, personal clarity, and growth, encouraging viewers to take the plunge into blogging and self-expression.

Takeaways

• 📖 Starting a blog changed the speaker's life by providing new opportunities and overcoming personal fears.
• 😨 The speaker had initial fears about blogging, including concerns about originality, judgment from friends and family, and perfectionism.
• 📚 The book *Show Your Work* by Austin Kleon played a pivotal role in helping the speaker overcome fears and start writing online.
• 🎨 The idea of self-promotion was reframed as simply 'showing your work' rather than being boastful, which made it easier for the speaker to embrace.
• 📝 Blogging can be a way to document what you're already doing, like sharing behind-the-scenes thoughts and processes, rather than needing to produce original content.
• 💡 Embracing the beginner's mindset is key — the speaker realized you don’t need to be an expert to share your journey or insights.
• 🙃 Overcoming the fear of judgment from others was crucial; the speaker emphasized that most people won’t judge or care as much as we think.
• 🌍 Writing online opens up a 'serendipity vehicle,' increasing the potential for new connections and opportunities across the globe.
• 🧠 Blogging helped the speaker clarify their thoughts, turning abstract ideas into more organized reflections and realizations.
• 🦋 The butterfly effect: Small actions, like starting a blog, can lead to life-changing opportunities, including the eventual creation of the speaker's YouTube channel.

Q & A

What inspired Ali to start writing a blog?

Ali was inspired to start writing a blog after reading the book 'Show Your Work' by Austin Kleon, which helped him overcome his fears and embrace the idea of sharing his process online.

What were some of Ali’s initial fears about starting a blog?

Ali had several fears, including concerns about what to write, fearing that his content wouldn't be original, worrying about what friends and family might think, and struggling with perfectionism and imposter syndrome.

How did reading 'Show Your Work' change Ali’s perspective on self-promotion?

The book shifted Ali’s perspective by framing self-promotion as 'showing your work' rather than promoting oneself. This helped him realize that documenting his journey, even as a beginner, was valuable.

What advice does Ali give to people who are scared of putting themselves out there online?

Ali advises people to embrace the beginner's mindset, not worry about being experts, and understand that most people won’t judge them. He encourages documenting their learning process rather than aiming for perfection.

How does Ali describe the concept of a 'Serendipity Vehicle'?

Ali explains the 'Serendipity Vehicle' as the idea that by putting your work online, you increase the chances of unexpected, positive opportunities and connections with people around the world.

How has writing online helped Ali gain clarity over his thoughts?

Writing online has helped Ali organize and solidify his thoughts, particularly during challenging times, such as when his company, SixMed, was stagnating. It allowed him to reflect and better understand his own feelings.

What is the 'butterfly effect' and how does Ali relate it to his blogging experience?

The 'butterfly effect' refers to small actions leading to significant outcomes over time. Ali relates this to blogging, explaining that starting his blog helped him overcome fear, which eventually led to starting his YouTube channel.

What is Ali’s recommendation for people unsure about what to write on their blog?

Ali recommends starting with what interests you and documenting your process, no matter how niche the topic. He encourages people to embrace their interests and be consistent with sharing their learning journey.

How has blogging changed Ali’s personal and professional life?

Blogging has connected Ali with new people and opportunities globally, clarified his thoughts, helped him overcome fears, and even led to him starting a successful YouTube channel.

What platforms does Ali recommend for starting a blog?

Ali suggests starting with free platforms like WordPress or Substack, or using Ghost if you’re serious and willing to invest some money in your blog.