The beginner’s dilemma
Every content creator starts with the same burning question: "How do I begin?"
Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE # 220
I was clueless at first.
As a result, my writing habit, what there was of if, wasn’t exactly what you might call regular. Why? Because I thought things had to be a certain way when they didn’t.
On top of this, what I hadn’t bargained for was the beginner’s dilemma.
It’s not just about what to do first, but about being forced to choose between multiple paths, none of which feel ideal.
Here’s the trap I faced. Don’t be shy about admitting to felling guilty about any of these:
1. I thought everything had to be perfect for be to make a start …
The problem: You research cameras, mics, and lighting setups, convinced your content won’t stand out unless it’s polished.
The dilemma: Spend money you don’t have (and delay starting) OR launch with subpar quality (and risk embarrassment).
2. I thought I had to find a unique niche …
The problem: You obsess over being "original," terrified of entering a crowded space.
The dilemma: Wait indefinitely for a "perfect" untapped niche OR start in a competitive field (and feel like a drop in the ocean).
3. I thought I had to post consistently,
The problem: You hear "consistency is key" so often that missing a single upload feels like failure.
The dilemma: Burn out trying to keep up OR post sporadically (and feel like you’re failing the algorithm).
The way out
Dilemmas—choices between one thing or another of which neither is ideal or agreeable—paralyze us because we see choices as final when they’re not.
Here’s how to break free:
For gear: Start with what you have. Your phone is enough. Upgrade after you’ve proven you’ll stick with it.
For niches: "Unique" is overrated. Your perspective is what makes it yours. Start, then refine as you go.
For consistency: Focus on progress over perfection. One good post is better than three rushed ones.
The truth? It doesn’t matter what tools you use to get going, the only thing that does matter is that you make a start.
When you stop treating your choices as carved in stone and as irreversible, guess what? The dilemma disappears! The roadblock evaporates! Suddenly, you’re free!
For me, this moment of clarity came back in 2017 when I took the bold decision to archive and then delete EVERYTHING on this website in order to begin again from scratch!
The simple truth us that your audience won’t remember your early stumbles. Or, if they do remember them, they’re not going to care that much about them. They’ll remember you showed up.
The sooner you learn to get back up after you’ve fallen, the sooner you’re make forward progress.
Now go make something.
As always, thanks for reading.
—Gar
Feel free to follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn
If you’ve like what you’ve seen here, why not share this post with a friend?
P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree: Comprehension vs understanding
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from the U.K., Gary Bloomer is a writer, branding advocate, marketing specialist, and an award-winning graphic designer.
His design work has been included in Creative Review (one of the UK’s largest design magazines). Since 2009, he has answered over 5,000 marketing and business questions in the Know-How Exchange of MarketingProfs.com, placing him among the top 3% of contributors. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.