I’m A Failure… But Success Isn’t The Only Metric
When I started my YouTube channel almost 18 years ago, I had no idea what I was doing, I didn’t have a clear plan, a niche, or even an audience.
In those 18 years, nothing much has changed!
I’ve checked my lifetime stats today, and I’ve racked up a grand total of 150,000 views and about 800 subscribers.
It’s hardly viral!
But I don’t see it as a failure.
Far from it. I love creating and uploading videos … that’s a win for me.
In a world obsessed with overnight success, we often forget the value of simply showing up.
It’s not about chasing big numbers or flashy wins.
It’s about building something that lasts, a body of work that reflects who you are, what you’ve learned, and what you’ve shared along the way.
I’ve mentioned loads of times that my social media posts have never gone viral, that I’ve never had mass engagement, but somehow, I’ve earned enough from what I do every day to live a comfortable life.
That in itself is success enough for me.
If you are struggling for ways to monetise your writing, this is for you.
The Myth of Overnight Success
We’ve all heard the stories: someone posts a single video, writes one blog, or launches one product, and it takes off like a rocket.
But these stories are the exceptions, not the rule.
For most of us, success is a slow burn.
It’s not one big breakthrough but a series of small, consistent steps.
My YouTube channel isn’t a viral sensation, but every video I’ve uploaded represents a step forward.
It’s taught me how to communicate better, how to refine my ideas, and how to connect with people-even if it’s only a few.
The Power of Consistency
Let’s talk about Seth Godin.
If you’ve ever read his blog, you’ll notice one thing, he’s consistent.
He writes a blog post every single day. Not every post is a masterpiece, and that’s the point.
He doesn’t aim for perfection, he aims to show up.
Consistency is what separates those who dream from those who create.
It’s not glamorous, but it works.
By committing to the process, you improve your skills, build trust, and, most importantly, create something tangible.
Your Body of Work Matters More Than One Big Win
Imagine if Bob Dylan stopped after his first album because it wasn’t a smash hit.
Or if Vincent van Gogh had stopped painting because no one was buying his art. (He only sold one painting in his lifetime.)
Their early work might not have turned heads, but it laid the foundation for what came later.
Publishing every day isn’t about perfection but about creating something people can look at and feel inspired by.
Every article, video, or podcast you produce is another brick in the wall. (Pink Floyd reference… see it’s worth it just for that!)
It may not seem like much now, but those bricks form something significant over time.
Numbers don’t Always measure Success
Here’s the truth, the numbers don’t always tell the whole story.
Maybe you have a podcast with only 100 listeners.
But what if those listeners are deeply engaged?
What if they send you emails thanking you for your insights or share your episodes with their friends?
That’s success.
Or think about a teacher who spends their life inspiring students. They’ll never have a million Instagram followers, but their impact is immeasurable.
Success is about more than metrics; it’s about meaning.
Why Keep Publishing Anyway?
You might wonder: if success isn’t guaranteed, why keep going?
Because every time you publish something, you’re refining your voice and sharpening your skills.
You’re building a body of work that can often start to snowball, that next person to read your posts might go onto become a lifelong customer.
You’re creating opportunities ones you might not even see coming.
And maybe, just maybe, you’re inspiring someone else to start their journey.
The Real Metric That Matters
At the end of the day, success isn’t about views, likes, or subscribers. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and sharing it with the world.
If my YouTube journey has taught me anything, it’s this: it’s not about being the best.
It’s about being there.
So, whatever you’re working on, whether it’s writing, creating, or building, don’t focus on how successful it looks.
Focus on how meaningful it feels. Keep publishing.
Keep showing up. And let the rest take care of itself.
Originally published at https://simpleisprofit.com.
