How To Build A Following Of 10 Million +: Mrwhosetheboss

Aug 30, 2021 1h 35m 12 insights
Aaron Maney, a creator and entrepreneur with over 8 million subscribers, shares his journey from a bullied "lanky Asian nerd" to a confident YouTube star. He discusses overcoming burnout by shifting from hard work to smart work, the importance of internal confidence, and prioritizing quality relationships and purpose over mere metrics.
Actionable Insights

1. Set Incompletable Purpose-Driven Goals

Set ambitious goals that are almost impossible to fully complete, as this provides ongoing purpose and allows you to enjoy the process of striving without the emptiness of reaching a finite endpoint.

2. Prioritize Smart Work Over Hard Work

Shift your mindset from relentless hard work to strategic smart work, focusing on tasks that maximize impact and align with your well-being to avoid burnout and achieve sustainable growth.

3. Build Confidence Internally

Develop self-confidence by making internal peace with yourself rather than relying on external validation like followers or achievements, as true confidence comes from within.

4. Practice Daily Gratitude

Start each day by consciously thinking of three things you are grateful for, as this practice helps to shift focus from insecurities to appreciation for your health and current circumstances.

5. Focus on Fixable Traits & Strengths

Identify aspects of yourself that can be changed and proactively fix them, while accepting unchangeable traits and leaning into your inherent strengths to build self-assurance.

6. Experiment Widely, Quit Quickly

Especially when young, try as many different career paths or interests as possible through cost-effective experiments, and be prepared to quickly quit anything you dislike to find your true passion.

7. Set High Boundaries for Time

Be assertive and establish clear boundaries around your time, even if it means being perceived as “rude” by others, to protect your most valuable resource and allocate it to what truly matters.

8. Maximize In-Person Quality Time

Prioritize and plan in-person interactions over texting or casual communication with loved ones, as quality face-to-face time fosters deeper and more meaningful connections.

9. Analyze Explicit and Implicit Feedback

Actively seek both direct (comments) and indirect (engagement metrics, drop-off rates) feedback from your audience or customers to understand what works and what doesn’t, informing your content or product strategy.

10. Create Interconnected Content Narratives

Design your content (e.g., videos, articles) to be part of a larger “universe” with interlinking narratives or running jokes, encouraging viewers to watch multiple pieces and increasing overall engagement.

11. Practice Dopamine Detox

Periodically deprive yourself of all external stimulation like phones, music, and internet, engaging only in simple pleasures to reset your dopamine sensitivity and re-appreciate everyday experiences.

12. Delay Gratification for Possessions

Resist the urge to immediately acquire luxury items, as humans quickly adapt to new possessions, and instead, enjoy the journey of incremental achievements to maintain appreciation and avoid a “what’s next” mentality.