How to Start Creating Online: Small Steps to Find Your Voice and Share Your Work

Starting to share your work online can feel terrifying, but taking small, consistent steps helped me move from fear to creating content I care about. Your perspective matters, and someone with less experience than you is already out there sharing theirs.

I used to only write for myself. I was afraid of publishing online and thought personal branding wasn't for me. But I always wanted more.

Working 9-5 my whole life, I've dreamed of building something of my own. A space where I could share my passions and connect with like-minded people.

The Unexpected Lesson That Changed My Mindset About Creating Online

Here's something I've never shared before. Last year, I paid a 15-year-old Swedish kid 50 euros for an hour of consulting.

Yes, you read that right. While I was overthinking everything about putting my work online, this teenager had already built an audience of 2,000 followers on Twitter.

The real value wasn't his tactical advice. It was my realization: If a 15-year-old can publish daily and build an audience, what's stopping me?

This principle applies to writing newsletters or podcasts, creating videos, or launching any creative project. Someone with less experience than you is already doing it.

How to Start Creating Online Without Overthinking It

My journey online didn't start with a grand announcement or perfect strategy. It was just a small tweet here or a LinkedIn post there. Each tiny experiment built a little more confidence than the last.

There was no single turning point, just a series of small steps that eventually created momentum.

In 2023, I reached a point where my job wasn't enough. I couldn't connect with the impact of my work, and I didn't use the products I was building. The disconnect was draining my energy day after day.

So, I took time off to experiment with different projects, write Medium articles about topics I cared about, and organize dinner discussions with friends. These weren't significant attempts. Just small tests to see what felt right.

Why Energy Management Is Essential for Creative Work

Of all the topics I've explored, energy is the one I keep returning to because it's the foundation for everything else, especially creative work.

Without energy:

• Your creative projects never start or stay unfinished

• Your work suffers by mid-week

• Your relationships get whatever is left after work

I focused on my energy to work better, but it improved my creative life too:

• I write better when I'm not tired

• Ideas come more easily

• I can overcome the fear of publishing

• I can show up regularly, which is how you build anything

Creating while tired is like driving with no fuel. You might move a little, but you won't get far.

The 20/80 Energy Management Framework for Creators

I'm not an extreme health optimizer. I don't need to be. I've found that doing the right 20% of actions gives me 80% of the results. The same applies to creating online.

My simple energy framework focuses on maximum results with minimal complexity:

1. Sleep well. Nothing else matters if you're running on fumes.

2. Eat whole foods. High protein, high fibre, and plenty of vegetables.

3. Include superfoods. They're called "super" for a reason.

4. Have a meaningful project. Working on something that matters creates energy.

5. Invest in great relationships. Quality connections fuel everything else.

6. Make time for joy. Laughing, dancing, playing. These aren't luxuries.

This straightforward approach keeps my energy high without turning it into another stressful project.

How to Overcome Fear of Publishing Your Work Online

If you're still on the sidelines, I understand the fears swirling in your mind. I worried, too:

• "What if I say something stupid?"

• "Who does this guy think he is?"

• "Why doesn't he just shut up and go away?"

  

These thoughts are normal. Here's what helped me push publish anyway:

• Talk to people you trust. Share your fears. Being vulnerable won't solve everything, but it eases the pressure.

• Remember, the stakes are low. In the worst-case scenario, nothing happens. In the best-case scenario, someone reads and connects with your work.

• You'll never feel ready. This isn't school. You don't need permission to start, and you don't need to be perfect.

• Action reveals the path. You'll course-correct as you go. Perfect plans don't survive contact with reality anyway.

Finding Your Audience: Quality Over Quantity

Here's the truth: when you start, nobody really cares. And that's liberating.

But as you keep showing up and sharing what matters to you, something magical happens. You start to find your people.

You don't need to reach everyone or be an influencer with millions of followers. A small core of people who resonate with your message is enough to create something meaningful.

Taking Your First Step to Creating Online Content

Starting was scary for me, too. But if I can do it, so can you.

What tiny experiment could you try this week? Not a massive project, just a small step toward sharing what matters to you?

Maybe it's:

• Writing a short post about something you care about

• Recording a quick audio clip sharing your thoughts

• Taking a photo that represents your perspective

• Making a simple video explaining something you know

• Creating a small piece of art that expresses your ideas

Hit reply and let me know, I read every message.

Until next week,

Alex

P.S. What's one creative project you've wanted to start but haven't found the courage yet? I'm curious to know what matters to you.