Stop Waiting and Start Creating: How to Build Confidence on YouTube
Most people think successful creators started because they were confident.
The opposite is usually true.
Confidence grows through action—not before it.
In this conversation with Janet Margot, host of Zen and the Art of Self-Publishing, we explore what it really takes to start creating, overcome perfectionism, and build an audience by consistently showing up.
Whether you’re an author, speaker, coach, entrepreneur, or creator, this conversation is about one simple idea:
Stop waiting. Start creating.
🎥 Watch the Interview
🧠 Quick Summary
Perfect for:
✅ Authors
✅ Speakers
✅ Coaches
✅ Creators
✅ Anyone stuck waiting for the “right time”
Length: 59 minutes
Main takeaway:
Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for creating.
Creating is how confidence is built.
✨ In This Conversation
You’ll discover:
✨ Why waiting for confidence keeps so many creators stuck
🎤 How Toastmasters, improv, and YouTube all teach the same lesson
📹 Why your very first video should be private
🚀 The surprisingly powerful 15-second challenge
📈 How over 6,000 videos helped build a YouTube audience of 250,000+ subscribers
💡 Why consistency beats perfection almost every time
🚦The Biggest Mistake Creators Make
For years, I wanted to write a book.
I talked about writing.
I dreamed about writing.
I planned the perfect writing retreat.
I imagined the perfect cabin, the perfect laptop, the perfect cup of tea.
I didn’t write.
Eight years passed before someone challenged me to write every day for 30 days.
That simple challenge changed everything.
Eventually it became 40 books.
The same lesson showed up again when I started YouTube.
The hardest step wasn’t publishing publicly.
It was pressing Record for the very first time.
🎬 Why YouTube Is a Practice Stage
Most people think YouTube is about building an audience.
For me, it started as something completely different.
It became a practice stage.
Every video helped me become a better speaker.
Every recording improved my confidence.
Every upload made the next one a little easier.
Along the way, YouTube became an extension of the same lessons I learned through Toastmasters, improv comedy, and public speaking.
Not because I was naturally confident.
Because I kept practicing.
📱 The Private → Unlisted → Public Framework
One of my favorite ideas from this conversation is surprisingly simple.
0️⃣ Haven’t Started
↓🔒 Private
↓🔗 Unlisted
↓🌍 Public
Most people think Public is the scary step.
I disagree.
The biggest hurdle is going from not creating anything to recording your very first private video.
Once you’ve crossed that bridge, every step becomes easier.
📈 My YouTube Journey
🚀 250,000+ Subscribers
🎬 6,000+ Videos Published
👀 10+ Million Views
📚 40 Books Written
🌍 One Mission: Help people stop waiting and start creating.
💬 My Favorite Quote
“The cost of waiting is higher than the cost of being imperfect.”
That idea has guided my writing, my speaking, and my YouTube channel for years.
🎯 Your First Step
Don’t worry about building an audience.
Don’t worry about subscribers.
Don’t even worry about publishing.
Today, simply do this:
✅ Record one 15-second video.
Keep it private.
Don’t edit it.
Don’t judge it.
Just prove to yourself that you’re someone who starts.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Should authors start a YouTube channel?
If you enjoy teaching, sharing ideas, or connecting with readers, YouTube can become a powerful extension of your books. More importantly, it helps you practice communicating your message.
How often should beginners publish?
Consistency matters more than perfection. One video every week is far more valuable than trying to create the perfect video once every few months.
Are YouTube Shorts worth it?
Absolutely. Shorts are an excellent way to introduce new people to your work and guide them toward longer videos and deeper conversations.
What if I’m afraid of being on camera?
Start privately. Record videos that nobody else will see. Confidence grows through repetition, not preparation.
Do I need expensive equipment?
No. A smartphone and good lighting are enough to begin. Your message matters far more than your gear.
🔗 More Resources
📺 Subscribe to the Repossible YouTube channel
📖 Explore my books
🎤 Invite me to speak at your event
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