Monday, January 6, 2025

When Frustration Turns to Fury: The Creator's Struggle in a Digital World

 

Photo credit: 3ReadReflectRejoice

I recently took a nostalgic dive into my blog archives, revisiting posts I'd written as far back as 2008. In those early, more prolific days, I was fortunate to cultivate a loyal readership. We formed a close-knit community, eagerly anticipating each other’s posts and sharing glimpses of our lives. Occasionally, others with a more transactional “you scratch my back, I scratch yours” mindset would join in, and we’d reciprocate. But neither of these interactions ever propelled our posts beyond a niche audience—virality, after all, is the domain of algorithms.

As I pondered the evolution of content creation, an incident from April 2018 came to mind—a tragic shooting at YouTube’s headquarters in San Bruno, California. The perpetrator, an aggrieved content creator, believed that YouTube’s algorithms were unfairly suppressing her work. While her actions were indefensible, her frustrations echoed a sentiment many creators have felt: the struggle against an opaque, seemingly unfair system.

Social media algorithms, designed to keep users engaged, often prioritize sensationalism over substance. Poorly crafted or shallow content frequently goes viral, while thoughtful, heartfelt work languishes in obscurity. It’s an irrational system, rewarding engagement metrics over meaningful contributions—a stark reflection of life’s own inequities.

Success in the digital realm often feels like a game of chance, governed by the inscrutable whims of algorithms that cannot measure authenticity or passion. Yet, the playing field may be uneven, but I believe meaningful work—work driven by sincerity and purpose—has a lasting impact that no algorithm can erase.

As I conclude, I pose these questions to you: How do you navigate the challenges of an algorithm-driven world? What strategies have you found to amplify your voice amidst the noise? And, perhaps most importantly, how do you manage the frustration—the urge to go up on the hill and shout?


Note: I have published this post simultaneously in my LinkedIn page




Wednesday, January 1, 2025

2025 - The Passionpreneur's Journey

 

Photo Credit: #ReadReflectRejoice

Some people savor what they do, finding joy in each task. Others endure their work, living for the weekend. It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle, trapped by the gravitational pull of present circumstances. But as AA Milne so beautifully phrased it through Winnie the Pooh:

“I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I’ve been.”

In 2024, I stumbled upon a new word: Passionpreneur.
What’s a passionpreneur, you ask?

The dictionary defines it as someone who discovers their passion, transforms it into a profitable business, and in doing so, positively impacts others' lives. Inspiring, isn’t it?

Yet, embarking on such a journey isn’t always simple. Like a spacecraft breaking free from Earth’s gravity, stepping into a new realm requires its own form of escape velocity. This metaphorical velocity propels us away from unhappiness, self-doubt, and the fear of the unknown.

So, how does one generate this escape velocity?

Experts suggest a combination of strategies:

  1. Shift Your Focus: Embrace positivity and practice gratitude to break the cycle of negative thinking.

  2. Invest in Self-Care: Your energy is your fuel—nurture it with good food, exercise, and rest.

  3. Challenge Limiting Beliefs: Reframe self-doubt by reflecting on your past successes.

  4. Set Goals That Inspire: Break them into achievable steps; every small win builds momentum.

  5. Seek Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who uplift you, cheer you on, and remind you of your potential.

As we step into 2025, my wish for everyone is this: May you find the strength to break free from what holds you back, discover your passion, and embark on a journey of purpose and fulfillment. Whether or not you choose to become a passionpreneur, I hope you unlock the vast universe of opportunity that awaits.

Here’s to a year of boundless possibilities! Have  blessed New Year 2025

Note: This post is posted simultaneously in my LinkedIn page - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2025-passionpreneurs-journey-suman-deb-ray-msc-mciob-ymmxf/



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