A kind commenter mentioned I could try talking slower, which is something I’ve heard my whole life... I talk really, really fast naturally, and I especially do so on camera, and often people can't understand me as a result. I decided to finally try a method I’d heard of but never used... shadow speaking. You listen to your script in one earbud (a bit louder than you talk) and repeat it back with a slight delay (a couple of words or so, but whatever feels natural). The first 5 seconds felt odd because I had to figure out the right delay, but then all of a sudden, the difference was huge. My clarity and pacing improved, which skyrocketed my confidence on camera and made the process of making and recording videos even more fun. And the other thing it did that I did not expect is that I didn't have to look at notes or a script to remember what to say (I do practice once without recording first). I just had to follow the voice. I have used teleprompters in the past but for me this was more effective and easier to apply. The first video I applied it to, I filmed the entire 5-minute script in just two takes, and the second take I did all the way through, which made editing so much easier. I was so excited that I even made my following video (after the success) about the experience and built myself a simple software tool to help streamline the process. I found I needed to interject pauses (sometimes the voice got too far ahead otherwise), which is why I wrote my own. But if anyone else out there has the same issue, you can just use any text-to-speech out there, and if you need the pauses, you could just have it say "pause here" or something... (or, if you don't talk too fast like me, you could just record your own voice while reading your script and then listen in one earbud, not both). Anyhow, just wanted to share and say that I love this community!

Hi! I am new here! I want to be more intentional and consistent with growing my channel this year. Are there any resources or tips you can provide?

My channel hit 400 subscribers yesterday morning and it just hit 500 today at about noon. Woo Hoo!!! To reach the first level of monetization I've got the sub count, but my watch time hours are way too low at only about 700 of the 3000 needed. I'll probably hit 1000 subs before hitting the watch time hours needed. It's still progress and it's still fun to see!! :)

Tyrone recently pivoted away from a niche that wasn’t fully aligned with who he is. When he came to me, his channel focused on finances and budgeting. He had successfully pulled himself out of debt and wanted to help others do the same. And while that story mattered, it wasn’t the full picture of who Tyrone is or what he’s here to do. There was a deeper calling he’d been ignoring—and that disconnect was draining his motivation and momentum. Through some honest (and not always easy) conversations, it became clear that what truly lit him up was something entirely different. Pivoting isn’t easy. Admitting “this isn’t it anymore” takes courage. Choosing what you actually want—and fully committing to it—takes even more. I’m incredibly proud of you, Tyrone. Your commitment, clarity, and work ethic are paying off, and the way you’re showing up now is powerful. This level of drive makes you unstoppable. I’m sharing his story because many of you feel this too. You know you’re meant for more. You feel the pull toward something different—but changing direction feels scary. Here’s what I believe deeply: when you know, you know. And when you listen to that knowing and act on it, it can lead you straight into your best life. Keep going. You’ve got this.2026 is going to be miraculous.

It’s still a very small channel, but it’s very encouraging to see people are interested in the content. I’m excited to keep going. Thanks everyone here for the encouragement and support!!