The 6 Mindset Shifts That Separate Creator Winners from Quitters

This week on Content Inc., Joe shares a powerful reminder for every creator: feeling “behind” or “not good enough” is not a weakness. It is often a marker of growth. Fresh off the afterglow of CEX, Joe reflects on a conversation between Jay Acunzo and Ann Handley about imposter feelings and self-doubt. Even when we are recognized and quoted, we can still feel like we are falling short. To bring it home, Joe draws inspiration from the legendary golfer Bobby Jones, who once admitted his game felt like it was in “horrible shape” during a stretch when he was dominating every major tournament. The truth? Champions do not measure themselves against others, but against their own potential. For creators and entrepreneurs, that same gap between perception and reality is where mastery lives. Feeling broken can be the best evidence you are leveling up. 👉 Jay Acunzo’s LinkedIn post: [link] Bobby Jones Book Recommendation Key Takeaways: Everyone feels behind, even top performers. Dissatisfaction can be fuel, not failure. Growth often feels uncomfortable, and that is the point. Thanks for listening, and as always… keep building. -------- For more inspiration and a step-by-step guide to building freedom on your own terms, grab Joe’s new book Burn the Playbook (plus a 21-day challenge) at https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/. Resources & Links: My free guide: [Mastering Goal Setting] My new book: [Burn the Playbook] Let’s connect: [LinkedIn]  Subscribe to the Podcast [Content Inc.]

I just got back from the 4th Annual Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX) and my notebook is full. In this episode, I share the biggest lessons that every creator needs to hear: Why replies matter more than followers or likes How to craft a clear, powerful premise that makes your audience’s eyes light up The surprising ways your community can create content with you Why breaking patterns and pushing boundaries keeps you unforgettable The trap of playing small—and how to step fully into your power Why slowing down may be the smartest move in an AI-driven world How trust platforms are beating search engines at their own game These insights hit me hard, and I think they’ll do the same for you. Listen in, take notes, and let’s rethink how we build as creators. -------- For more inspiration and a step-by-step guide to building freedom on your own terms, grab Joe’s new book Burn the Playbook (plus a 21-day challenge) at https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/. Resources & Links: My free guide: [Mastering Goal Setting] My new book: [Burn the Playbook] Let’s connect: [LinkedIn]  Subscribe to the Podcast [Content Inc.]

What if you only had 60 days left to live? In this episode, Joe shares one of the most powerful thought exercises he uses to cut through distractions and refocus on what truly matters...both in business and in life. Instead of letting busy work, endless scrolling, or meaningless meetings dominate your days, the 60 Days to Live Mentality forces you to ask: What would I double down on? Who would I spend time with? What would I stop doing altogether? Joe explains how this simple but radical lens creates clarity, strengthens relationships, and drives focus on the projects that actually move the needle. Takeaway: You don’t need a crisis to start living with urgency. By aligning your daily calendar with what matters most, you’ll make better decisions, create more impact, and build a business—and life—that lasts. Challenge for you: Take 10 minutes today. Write down what you’d do if you only had 60 days left. Then compare it with how you’re actually spending your time. The difference will show you what needs to change. For more inspiration and a step-by-step guide to building freedom on your own terms, grab Joe’s new book Burn the Playbook (plus a 21-day challenge) at https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/. Resources & Links: My free guide: [Mastering Goal Setting] My new book: [Burn the Playbook] Let’s connect: [LinkedIn]  Subscribe to the Podcast [Content Inc.]

Most creators don’t fail because they lack skill or talent — they fail because they never make the mindset shifts that turn effort into results. After more than two decades in content entrepreneurship, I’ve seen what separates the ones who win from the ones who quit. In this episode, I share six powerful mindset shifts that can change your entire trajectory as a creator. You don’t need to adopt all of them today... pick one, live it, and watch what happens. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why your goal is your compass — and how to set one that actually works. How to define and lean into your tilt (your unique differentiation). Why purposeful repetition is the secret to branding that sticks. The one daily habit that protects your creative energy. How your “crew” can either raise or lower your ceiling. Why selling every day is service, not pushiness — and how to make it a habit. Resources & Links: My free guide: [Mastering Goal Setting] My new book: [Burn the Playbook] Let’s connect: [LinkedIn]  Subscribe to the Podcast [Content Inc.]  

Most of the time, content creators are alone...working on content. While this can be productive for the content, it's not good for your mental health or overall business (if you need to be more creative or sell things). So we must network, and often, we need to use forced networking. In this episode, I talk about three ways to do it: Quarterly in-person events Monthly small-group meetings One-on-one planned coffee meetings This process has been instrumental in my creator success. It will be for you as well. Pre-order my new book, Burn the Playbook, here ---> https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Come join me at Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX) in Cleveland August 24-26. Use coupon code CEXDAY to save $200 - https://cex.events/ ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.

Most creators are following the rules...and that’s exactly the problem. They listen to the podcasts, follow the gurus, and try to reverse-engineer success based on surface-level metrics. But the truly successful creators do things a bit differently. Here are six rules the top creators break...and what they do instead. They Don’t Chase Platforms—They Build Homes They Start Tiny They Monetize Early They’re Long-Term Obsessed They Create Signature Content They Treat It Like a Business Pre-order my new book, Burn the Playbook, here ---> https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Come join me at Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX) in Cleveland August 24-26. Use coupon code CEXDAY to save $200 - https://cex.events/ ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.

If you’re a content creator in a business niche and you’re NOT going to live events, you’re missing one of the easiest ways to grow your influence, revenue, and network. But just showing up isn’t enough. You need to be strategic about it. Let me walk you through exactly how to make live events your secret growth engine. 1. Pick the Right Events Don’t just go to every conference in your industry. Be selective. Ask yourself: Will my ideal audience or customers be there? Will the people I want to partner or collaborate with be there? Will there be speakers who are already where I want to be? Will the people in attendance be critical to my business model of the future? Smaller, niche events are often better than the giant ones because it’s easier to have real conversations. 2. Have a Plan Before You Go Treat this like a marketing campaign. Make a hit list of 5–10 people you want to meet. Connect with them on LinkedIn before the event with a simple message: “Hey, I see we’re both going to [Event]. Would love to say hi while we’re there.” If they respond, you can add, let me know if you want to grab coffee while there. It’s an easy ask. Follow the event app so you can see where people are gathering. Most creators go in blind and just “see what happens.” Don’t do that. 3. Work the Room (Even if It’s Uncomfortable) Yes, some of this will feel awkward. Do it anyway. Sit at a different table each meal. Go to every networking event, even if you’re tired. After a speaker session, walk up, introduce yourself, and thank them. 90% of attendees don’t bother, so you’ll stand out. When you sit in a session, introduce yourself to at least one person sitting by you. They will thank you for it as they are probably uncomfortable sitting by themselves. 4. Buy the Book, Get It Signed Here’s a power move: If the speaker has a book, buy it BEFORE the event. Bring it with you, and after their talk say: “I loved your session. Would you mind signing this? I already bought it—it’s been really helpful.” Why? Because now you’re not just another attendee—you’re someone who invested in their work. People remember that. When I first spoke at Hubspot’s inbound, Douglas Burdett from the marketing book podcast, was standing in the back with my book Epic Content Marketing. How could I not stop and talk to him? Since then, we became fast friends and I was on his podcast I think seven times. He did that with so many speakers. 5. Follow Up Fast The magic isn’t just at the event—it’s what you do after. Send a quick LinkedIn or email note the next day: “Great meeting you yesterday at [Event]. Loved our chat about [Topic]. Let’s keep in touch.” If you promised to send someone a resource or an intro, do it within 48 hours. Most people don’t follow up, which is why this works so well. The Big Picture Look, content creation can feel like sitting alone behind a keyboard. But the fastest way to build authority and trust is face-to-face. People buy from people they know—and live events shortcut years of online grinding if you do them right. So don’t just attend. Be strategic. Have a plan. Make yourself known. That’s how live events turn into partnerships, clients, speaking gigs—and real friendships. Pre-order my new book, Burn the Playbook, here ---> https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Come join me at Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX) in Cleveland August 24-26. Use coupon code CEXDAY to save $200 - https://cex.events/ ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.  

Jesse Itzler believes the key to goal setting is in the Misogi Challenge. Jesse's Misogi Challenge is one big, audacious goal that you accomplish during each year. For example, Jesse’s one big goal for 2025 is to run 2025 miles. Every day, that’s the major goal. Sure, he does the things he has to for work and play, but his Misogi goal is always top of mind. 2025 was the first year I tried Jesse’s challenge. My Misogi Challenge was to focus on optimum brain health.  And I have to admit…focusing on the one big goal got me super focused, which is why I believe this all seems to be working for me. Jesse states that to do this properly, your Misogi Challenge goal needs to be three things. 1. It should really push the limit. 2. It should scare you a little bit. 3. It should be for you…not anyone else. What should your Misogi Challenge be for 2025? Need help? Pre-order my new book, Burn the Playbook, here ---> https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/ Come join me at Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX) in Cleveland August 24-26. Use coupon code JP100 to save $100 - https://cex.events/ ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.

For most Americans, the Big Beautiful Bill is destructionist legislation. But, I started to to look at it like any small business owner, entrepreneur should.  There is a silver lining for creators. Congress has just passed one of the biggest tax packages in recent history, billions in adjustments.  And there are four key areas that are critically important for content creators. 20% Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI) No Tax on Tips (up to $25,000) No Tax on Overtime (within limits) 100% Bonus Depreciation This bill is a giant flashing neon sign that says: “We reward people who own things.” ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.

If I am you, and I have a job working for someone else, I’d start moving plan B to plan A right now. Build something that only you can do. That’s your Tilt. Communicate that Tilt out in a regular way. Start building even a handful of followers. At some point, you’ll be able to make a living off of that. If you want to build IP for someone else, go do that…but why? Why not build something that leads to complete and total freedom. We talk about freedom in this country, but most of us don’t actually have it for many reasons. What’s your reason? Could it be self inflicted? ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive my free goal-setting guide today.