A simple video about how I ruin everything.
I do this every. single. time.
The act itself is exhausting, but the awareness that I’m actively making my own life harder is what’s truly driving me crazy. It’s an ineffable desire for complexity, and it’s currently dismantling my brain piece by piece.
The "Creator Economy" Hellscape
I’m currently unemployed, which means I have nothing but time. In our modern Creator Economy Hellscape, time is a dangerous currency. We’ve managed to invent a specific kind of hell on earth where we are encouraged to monetize every single hobby.
If I’m not being productive (whatever the hell that means) my brain tells me I’m a failure. If I’m not making money from that productivity? Well, in this society, that’s seen as the ultimate form of worthlessness.
So, to fight that feeling, I stack the deck:
A movie podcast (which I of course over-engineer into a complex "show").
A new webcomic.
Daily vlogs.
Learning a musical instrument.
The Problem-Solver’s Curse
I know the creative process should be simple. Friction is the enemy of momentum. Yet, I find myself pivoting into complexity at every turn.
I’ve realized why I do this: My brain is wired to solve problems. The first episode of the podcast is a beautiful, complex creative conundrum to solve. How do we mix the audio? How do we structure the segments? Once those problems are solved, the mystery is gone.
What’s left isn't "creative problem solving"—it’s just … work. Unpaid, repetitive, complex work. And that’s where the train derails.
Extremes vs. Moderation
My brain doesn't do healthy moderation. I am a minimalist enthusiast by necessity because if I don't have a "Base Zero" calm routine—reading, riding my bike, walking the dog—my brain gets completely fried.
But the moment I sit in that peace, the guilt creeps in. Why aren't you being productive?
The Reality: Complexity kills. But it also feels unavoidable for those of us who can't stop tinkering.
How to Fight Back
I don't have a grand insight or a simple five-step plan to fix this. I’m just being real. If complexity is the default setting for a creative brain, maybe the only solution is constant interrogation:
Keep that Base Zero simplicity in your heart. Always run new ideas through a simplicity filter.
Anticipate the pivot. Know that you will try to make things complicated.
Trust your gut. When a project starts to feel like an overwhelming mess of your own making, give yourself permission to simplify—or just stop altogether.
Let’s Be Miserable Together
Is complexity ruining your life? Are you over-engineering your hobbies until they feel like a second job? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it.
Sometimes the most creative act is just refusing to make things harder than they need to be. Or, you know, just not doing the thing at all if it’s too complicated.
Stay creative—or don't. Either way: just stay sane.
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