Growing A 10+ Million Youtube Following At The Age of 22: Joe Sugg | E172

TL;DR

This podcast episode features Joe, a YouTube star, discussing his journey from starting YouTube at a young age to dealing with imposter syndrome, anxiety, and the pressures of fame.

Transcript

i start to feel anxious getting followed by a guy like my mind is panicking i actually can't concentrate on driving because i know this person is just trying to follow us a strictly fine list written a book a west end an internet sensation you started at 19 20 years old by 22 you had about 6 million subscribers yeah that's [ __ ] nice it was so unc... Read More

Key Insights

• 📚 It's important to address and manage imposter syndrome, anxiety, and self-doubt when pursuing a career in the public eye.
• 🌱 Connecting with nature and engaging in outdoor activities can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
• 💑 Relationships and partnerships that are formed in challenging and intense environments can be strong and enduring.
• 🎥 Social media success can bring overwhelming pressure and a constant need to catch the next big wave of popularity.
• 💪 Overcoming self-doubt and finding a balance between pursuing multiple interests and focusing on one thing can be a challenge.
• ❌ Fear of negative feedback and criticism can hinder personal growth and prevent individuals from pursuing new opportunities.
• 💼 Success and fame can come with a high mental and emotional cost, including anxiety and burnout.
• 🚀 The rapid rise and fall of popularity on social media can lead to uncertainty and self-doubt, requiring a shift in creative direction.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Joe's upbringing and early creative endeavors shape his career in YouTube?

Joe's upbringing in a small town and his parents' creative influence nurtured his own passion for creativity and paved the way for his successful YouTube career.

Q: How did Joe's experience on Strictly Come Dancing and his relationship with Diane impact his mental health?

The intense pressure and scrutiny of the show, along with the public attention on their relationship, amplified Joe's imposter syndrome and anxiety, leading to a greater focus on mental health and self-care.

Q: How did Joe's experience with imposter syndrome and anxiety affect his decision-making and career choices?

Joe's imposter syndrome caused him to doubt his abilities and success, leading to hesitancy and overthinking in his career choices. However, he also acknowledges that imposter syndrome can serve as a motivator and push him to strive for success.

Q: How did Joe balance his personal life and career in social media, especially in terms of public relationships?

Joe emphasizes the importance of separating his personal and professional life, acknowledging the challenges of juggling fame and maintaining privacy. He discusses how being open and honest about his relationship with Diane helped them navigate the public scrutiny and maintain a strong bond.

Q: How did Joe's experience with burnout and anxiety lead to a reevaluation of his career and priorities?

Joe's experience with burnout and anxiety made him question his happiness and the direction of his career. He realized the need for a better balance between work and personal life, leading to a shift in his focus and a greater emphasis on mental health.

Q: How did Joe use gardening and spending time in nature as a way to alleviate anxiety and find inner peace?

Joe found solace in gardening and reconnecting with nature during the lockdown. It allowed him to disconnect from the online world, relieve anxiety, and tap into his childhood memories of living in the countryside.

Answer: Joe's decision to write about the importance of going outside and reconnecting with nature during the lockdown stemmed from his personal experience and the positive impact it had on his mental health. He wanted to share his insights and practical tips to help others find their own balance and well-being in the real world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Joe reflects on his upbringing and early years, including being a loud child, his creative tendencies, and the transition to a larger school environment.

• He discusses his rapid rise to YouTube stardom, the challenges of imposter syndrome and anxiety, and the pressure of being in the public eye.

• Joe recounts how he met his first real girlfriend, Diane, during his time on the popular dance show Strictly Come Dancing, and how they navigated the unique challenges of their relationship.

• He touches on the impact of social media on mental health and the importance of finding a balance between the online world and real life.