Managing multiple platforms at once can feel overwhelming. For a while, I thought it was one of the wisest things to do as a content creator. It felt like I had to do this just to increase my views and online presence.
Learning Lessons the Hard Way
The biggest thing I’ve learned from managing multiple platforms is that I was creating different versions of myself. I couldn’t be bombastic on LinkedIn. I had to be quiet, kind, and super professional. Writing on Medium meant I had to make sure my story told a “story” well enough to keep someone’s attention for longer than three seconds.
It took several years to realize that juggling multiple platforms was the worst. I was just burning myself out over time, if not sooner. Without thinking twice, I purged my content and social media profiles.
It felt really good to be free. It felt amazing to finally focus on me, myself, and I for a change. Prematurely creating multiple platforms without doing a quick mental and business check-in with myself really set me back. Now, I’m paying the price for being inconsistent since 2021.
It All Started Here-- A Random Ass Idea
Starting out, I treated each platform like it was a piece of my identity. I thought if I had three or five different platforms, I could be everywhere at once without trying so hard. This inspiration came from writing on WordPress for years and sharing some of my posts on other blogging platforms like Medium and Mastodon.
Now, my headspace has changed. When I wrote on Substack for 8–10 months straight, I trained my mind to focus on building one to three publications at a time—ignoring the notes and social media side of Substack. That meant, right when I logged in, I went straight to my back office and focused on what I wanted to write for that day, week, or month.
I wasn’t very successful in gaining followers or supporters. In fact, I can’t recall if anyone followed me at all. Still, it was a breath of fresh digital air because I controlled where my energy was going and reminded myself of the “why” behind creating content.
Changes Happen to Everyone, Even Me
After freelance writing for four years and writing for myself for over a decade, I’ve noticed specific changes in our digital universe. Many platforms follow the same pattern: First, you create. Then, you post what you’ve created. Finally, you move on to the next task.
That’s doing too much when you’re bulk posting, editing whatever ChatGPT spits out, and formatting. Sometimes I wonder what we’re really doing it all for—besides chasing false digital hopes, online engagement, and wanting to be seen in a broken algorithm.
We’re becoming more anxious than ever before. I thought I was exempt until I caught myself overthinking things late at night. Sometimes, my husband would purposely take my phone and keep it at his side when it was bedtime for us grown folks.
It’s embarrassing, really, but I’m glad he’s doing it.
I would see him do the same, and we’d remind each other that it’s okay to have some screen time—but too much of it can hurt us in the long run. We’ll forget pieces of ourselves and what made us special before advanced technology entered our lives.
Writer Wisdom and Words
Now, I’ve probably talked your ears off long enough. Let’s focus on progression, shall we? Here’s what I’m doing for myself. It’s a slow start, but changes don’t happen overnight. It’s gradual, challenging, and oddly creative.
Wise Words #1:
Focus on putting in the work to see the results I want or need. I try not to worry about what other people are doing. What works for them is fine, but constantly watching the competition only slows me down.
Wise Words #2:
Growth is earned, not given. I don’t settle for less while working, but I’m also not quick to try new things all the time. I focus on mastering the tools I already have and perfecting my craft. Over time, progress and loyalty will show.
Wise Words #3:
I’m focusing more on independent platforms. It’s okay to have some social media, but having my own hub I can control is better than chasing likes and fake subscriptions. I get to control my consistency and show people what I’m really good at.
Wise Words #4:
I stopped trying to reinvent the wheel. I narrowed my focus and now target people who fit my expertise. That doesn’t mean I limit myself—if I’m good at other things, I let people know. It’s okay to be a jack (and master) of all trades!
Wise Words #5:
Finding balance starts with me. It doesn’t mean I have to start over from scratch. Sometimes, it just means saying “no” to offers that don’t benefit me or my vision.
Wise Words #6:
I’ve stopped chasing quick wins. They feel good at first, but at what cost? If I value my time and energy, I show that in my product pricing and content quality. It has to be noticeable and worthwhile.
Wise Words #7:
I step out of my comfort zone to get the job done. If that means waking up earlier than others, I do it. I only delay my growth if I keep putting it off.
Wise Words #8:
I start with low-risk projects—things I already know how to do and that people are looking for. That includes simple digital products and services. As I grow more confident, I move into medium- and high-risk projects like offering new services or cold calling. Think of it as going all in without a safety net.
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