It has always been in my heart to create video tutorials like those ones I follow on YouTube. But for years, I would: open YouTube Studio, check microphone reviews, compare cameras, and analyze the works of top-tier creators. Then I’d close the tabs, create a large todo list, and produce zero videos.
Everything changed when I shifted to a Minimum Viable Output mindset. I stopped optimizing for ideal production and started optimizing for clarity and speed. Instead of a fancy camera and complex live command execution, I
- Used mic and screencast functions on MacBook
- Used Notion as my "PowerPoint"
- Edited out word gaps with an online tool Gling
- Swapped risky live CLI demos for clear screenshots of completed steps
- Used no music, no transitions — just teaching.
- Made a quick thumbnail with Nano Banana
- Only spent the longest time making sure the info are well researched and is verified a couple of times.
Perfectionist vs. Creator Mindset
| Feature | The Perfectionist Mindset | The Creator Mindset |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Earning peer respect & looking "senior." | Delivering immediate value to the learner. |
| Technical Setup | Professional mics, 4K cameras, and lighting. | Notion/Docs, screen recording, and clear audio. |
| Handling Code | Risky live coding and CLI builds. | Screenshots and pre-recorded, verified snippets. |
| View of Imperfections | A failure of professional standards. | A natural part of the iterative learning process. |
| Post-Production | Cinematic intros and complex transitions. | Focus on pacing and information density. |
| Output Velocity | 5 years of "researching" and 0 videos. | 2 days of "shipping" and 1 live tutorial. |
| The Outcome | High standards with zero impact. | Functional clarity with maximum momentum. |
The Result
Once I “forced” myself to publish, I felt the new door has now opened for me. I now know where to improve (eg thumbnail, SEO, length, speed, and clarity), instead of guessing. I have clear next steps, and I know I will contiguously make improvements. Nobody laughed, instead everybody applauded me for just getting started:)
The Video
If you’re interested, here’s the result of the video!
Top comments (2)
This really resonates. I wasted a lot of time trying to perfect setup before publishing anything, and it only delayed progress. Once I switched to simple screen recording and focused on clear teaching, shipping became much easier. Your point about “Minimum Viable Output” is key — publishing early gives real feedback, which helps more than endless preparation.
Yes it’s a real skill to publish without overthinking. 😀 Often we are blind to our own skills, always feeling not enough!
I’m still learning and improving. I’m sure the first step is always the hardest!