The podcast discusses the concept of setting yearly themes instead of resolutions, reflecting on work, AI, and the changing landscape, the phenomenon of the 'missing middle' in content creation on YouTube, the benefits of yearly themes in personal and professional growth, the struggles and successes of observing the concept of the 'year of the weekend', the benefits of using a buckwheat pillow for comfortable sleep, their yearly theme for 2024 focusing on seeking help from others and letting go of control, and plans for the future including pursuing film studies and using the Theme System Journal to track progress.
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Quick takeaways
Setting yearly themes can help guide personal and professional lives.
The missing middle effect is prevalent in content creation, leading to extreme high-effort or low-effort content.
Work-life balance can be achieved by setting boundaries and prioritizing rest and relaxation.
Content creators need to adapt to changing trends and behaviors, while finding their unique position in the industry.
Investing in relationships and seeking help from capable individuals can lead to project advancement and personal growth.
Deep dives
Year of Work: Health and Travel
One of the main focuses of the podcast episode was the host's Year of Work theme for 2023. Within that theme, two subthemes emerged: work on health and reducing travel. The host discussed the improvements in their health, including a significant drop in body fat percentage and improvements in aerobic health. They also mentioned the challenges of maintaining a healthy routine, such as finding the best time to exercise and incorporating journaling into the morning exercise routine. Additionally, the host reflected on the decision to reduce travel, acknowledging the trade-offs and the personal benefits of not getting on a plane throughout the year.
The Missing Middle in Content Creation
The host delved into the concept of the missing middle as it relates to content creation, specifically in the online video industry. They explained how the missing middle manifests in two axes: high effort vs. low effort content and long content vs. short content. This results in a push towards extremes, with some creators focusing on high-effort, long-form content, while others opt for low-effort, short-form content. The host highlighted the rise of longer videos and extremely short-form content like TikToks as examples. They also touched on the challenges of finding balance in the middle ground and the impact of these trends on content creators.
Work Hours and Focus on YouTube
The host discussed their increased work hours and the dedication to producing YouTube videos, particularly for their channel Cortex. They expressed satisfaction with the quality of the content and the positive reception from the audience. The host acknowledged the many hours invested in video production, as well as the dynamics of the entertainment industry, including the missing middle phenomenon. They reflected on the push towards high-effort, long videos while recognizing the rise of short-form content like TikTok. The host also shared personal observations about their work schedule, highlighting the importance of setting aside time for work even on weekends to enhance productivity and enjoyment of leisure time.
Content Trends and the Future
Towards the end of the podcast episode, the host shared thoughts on current content trends and the future of online video. They explored the idea of AI and its potential impact on content creation, which initially sparked concerns at the beginning of the year. However, they also emphasized the missing middle effect and how it influences the trajectory of content creation. The host urged content creators to consider their unique position, navigate the changing landscape, and find their own place in the industry.
The Rise of Extreme Creators
In the podcast episode, the host discusses the phenomenon of extreme creators, highlighting the example of Mr. Beast on YouTube. These creators, like Mr. Beast, produce high-effort, long-form content that outcompetes others in terms of production value. The episode explores how views and attention are increasingly being concentrated on these extreme creators, leaving creators in the middle with fewer views. The podcast also touches on the idea that the missing middle effect is occurring across various areas, not just in entertainment. It raises questions about the challenges faced by creators and the need to adapt to changing trends and behaviors.
The Year of the Weekend
In this part of the episode, the host reflects on their yearly theme of "The Year of the Weekend." They discuss how they have successfully implemented their goal of not working on weekends, prioritizing rest and relaxation. The host emphasizes the positive impact this has had on their work-life balance, allowing them to spend quality time with their spouse and family. Additionally, they mention the challenges they faced in achieving their goal of being a handyman around the house, acknowledging the need to improve their prioritization skills in this area.
The Year of People
The host introduces their new yearly theme, "The Year of People." They explain their intention to seek help from capable individuals and establish collaborations to push their projects forward. They discuss the success they have experienced in working with a team, allowing them to delegate and focus on their strengths. The host also reflects on the importance of spending time with loved ones and highlights their plan to set better limits on their availability to work, recognizing the impact of their own actions in establishing boundaries.
Year of Small Improvements
In this podcast episode, the host reflects on the past year and shares their theme for the upcoming year. The theme is 'Year of Small Improvements.' The host explains that they want to focus on making small, incremental improvements to various aspects of their life. This includes improving their work processes, tidying up their physical space, and making small adjustments to their daily routines. The host believes that these small improvements will have a positive impact on their overall quality of life.
Year of People
Another aspect of the host's theme for the upcoming year is 'Year of People.' The host wants to invest more time and energy into building and maintaining relationships with the people around them. This includes spending more time with friends and co-hosts, reflecting on the people who have supported them throughout their journey, and being more mindful of the impact others have had on their life. Additionally, the host mentions a personal project they are undertaking, attending a product design course to enhance their knowledge and communication with professionals in their field.
Each year, Grey and Myke establish a Yearly Theme to guide their personal and professional lives. In this episode, they review their Yearly Themes for 2023 and look ahead to 2024.
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