# Embracing Transparency for Creative Growth and Development
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Chapter 1: The Journey of Creative Expression
For the past week, I've committed to writing 1,000 words every morning. While not all of this content has been shared on Medium, the initial days were dedicated to personal journaling, helping me reacquaint myself with the writing process. However, today I found myself at a crossroads, pondering whether to write for my own reflection or for publication on Medium.
Photo by Caleb Minear on Unsplash. From this point forward, I've decided to write with the intention of sharing everything publicly.
Section 1.1: Building an Engaging Portfolio
One of the greatest challenges when embarking on a creative endeavor is establishing momentum and attracting an audience. Your primary focus should be on producing as much work as possible in the early stages.
#### Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of a Comprehensive Catalogue
Have you ever stumbled upon an article or song that resonated with you deeply, prompting you to seek more from that creator, only to find a meager selection of 2-3 pieces? It’s truly disheartening. Take Netflix as an example; viewers tend to binge-watch content they enjoy. If you manage to attract a single fan, it’s crucial to offer them an extensive portfolio of your work right away. When I discovered Ayodeji Awosika, I spent days delving into his articles before picking up his book. That’s the experience you want to create with your own body of work.
Section 1.2: Developing Your Skills
It's essential to acknowledge that when you start, you're likely not going to excel immediately. While some may possess natural talent and an understanding of their craft, there remains a vast amount to learn.
Experimentation is key: try various approaches, focus on mastering specific skills, and discover what you enjoy and what you don’t. You might think you have a great ear for music, but without sharing your creations, you may never learn what resonates with others.
Section 1.3: Discovering Your Unique Voice
Finding your niche and developing confidence in your abilities takes time. In the beginning, there are countless avenues to explore, and it may take a while before you identify what truly excites you about your craft.
You might find that writing articles doesn't spark joy, while books or poetry might ignite your passion. It’s all about exploration.
Section 1.4: Embracing the Learning Curve
When I began my job, I frequently used the excuse, "Sorry, I’m new," for over a year. My only reason for stopping was that I transferred to a different location, where I had to explain to customers, "Sorry, I’m new here; everything's different." Eventually, I had to abandon that excuse as customers began to recognize me.
Being a novice grants you a grace period where others understand that you’re on a learning journey. You don’t want to spend years producing unpublished work under the illusion that your skills are refined, only to publish and wonder why no one is engaging with your content.
Embrace your humanity and be open about your challenges. Use this time wisely to share your journey publicly, discover who you are, and identify your strengths.
Chapter 2: Learning From Others
The first video titled "5 Reasons People Don't Do Personal Growth" explores common barriers to personal development and encourages viewers to confront these challenges.
The second video, "Why You Should And Shouldn't Hide Your Subscriber Count On YouTube," discusses the pros and cons of transparency in the digital space and how it can impact your growth.