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Extra Value | Break the F**k Out of Familiar

Extra Value | Break the F**k Out of Familiar

PLUS: New IG updates for content creators, Alex Cooper's newest brand & Jake Shane's rise as a creator!

Creator X & JT Barnett
December 19, 2024

What’s Hot?

An unfiltered conversation with Jake Shane

A great conversation where Jake shares his rise and growth as a creator in today’s industry. His playful nature and ability to become friends with anyone makes his podcast a fun watch— with some big names already making appearances on his podcast. Jake is taking Therapuss, to live audiences with sold out shows!

How will you start using Sora for content?

Open AI is pushing the boundary of AI generated videos. This allows an opportunity for creatives to pave their own paths and start creating some new and unique content! Start playing around with this tool and see how it might help your content!

Instagram now lets you schedule DM’s

Scheduling DMs will be a game-changer for creators and brands, allowing them to send outreach messages at the most strategic times.

New era of content by blue collar creators

A look into how individuals from traditional working-class backgrounds are turning their relatable and real-life stories into massive followings.

X tracks record high usage in 2024

Written content platforms like X, Substack, BlueSky continue to see increased users everyday. These platforms see increased usage perhaps as a good alternative to quick fix scrolling everyone is used to these days.

Snapchat is changing monetization for creators!

They’re dropping the “Spotlight Rewards Program” for a new system where creators get paid for ads on videos over 60 seconds.

Alex Cooper launches Prime competitor

A great breakdown by Ashwin on how Alex Cooper is aiming to take market share in the beverage industry.

View counts on more than just reels

Would love your thoughts on how you feel about this!

Spotlight

@higherupwellness

Michael Smoak keeps it real when it comes to health, fitness, and mindset. His content isn’t flashy or overcomplicated— He keeps it extremely raw and packed with advice that actually works. His account is growing on every platform at an absurd rate just by posting consistent, low production vids with high intent. Something soooo many people can take inspiration from. Whether he’s sharing health tips or teaching you how to level up, Michael’s style feels like a pep talk from a friend who genuinely wants you to thrive. What makes him stand out is his honesty and no-BS approach, he gets straight to the point. That really helps him cut through the noise and gets you inspired to take action.

Founder’s Corner

When I retired from hockey, it was the biggest part of my identity. My entire life was built around that sport, my biggest skill set, and my most familiar place. So when that chapter ended, I was forced to face the unknown. And here’s the thing I realized fast:

I did not want to stay stuck in what was familiar, so I needed to lean into discomfort and embrace the uncertainty.

Building something on your own? It can be scary. Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart. Starting a business will usually push you into uncertainty, discomfort, and doubt. But don’t think of it as something to avoid— it’s the price of becoming who you’re meant to be!

Here’s how I would break the f**k out of the familiar:

1. Where are You Stuck?

Maybe it’s the job you’ve outgrown , or it’s the same routine you’ve been running through for years. It’s scary to even admit you’re stuck—it’s easier to keep moving through the motions than to stop and ask yourself the hard questions.

So grab a notebook, go on a long walk, or just sit with yourself for a few minutes and get honest. What in your life feels too comfortable but no longer fulfilling?

Key takeaway: Write down one area of your life where you feel stuck—it’s the first step toward clarity.

2. Get Uncomfortable

Nobody likes feeling uncomfortable—it’s human nature to avoid it. But growth lives in that discomfort. The first time you try something new, it’s going to feel weird, maybe even painful. When I left hockey, I felt the same!

You don’t have to jump headfirst into a massive life change tomorrow. Start small. Take one step that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

It could be as simple as updating your resume, reaching out to someone you admire, or setting aside 30 minutes to finally work on that passion project you’ve been avoiding. Little steps add up. And before you know it, the thing that felt impossible becomes your new normal.

Key takeaway: Do one uncomfortable thing this week—it’s the fastest way to build momentum.

3. Familiar Isn’t Always Safe

Comfort zones are funny. They trick you into thinking they’re protecting you. But over time, they can hold you back in ways you don’t even notice. Staying in a job you hate or relationships that drain you might seem like the easy option, but it’s costing you something far more valuable—your happiness.

Safety isn’t about familiarity. It’s about living a life that excites and fulfills you. Don’t settle for a slow burn of dissatisfaction when you’re capable of so much more.

Key takeaway: Familiarity isn’t the same as safety—evaluate what it’s costing you to stay where you are.

4. Do It Your Way

The biggest lesson I’ve learned?

There’s no blueprint for this… you get to decide what works for you.

What you really need is the courage to take that first step and start building something that aligns with what truly matters to you. It takes guts, no doubt. Mistakes? Yeah, they’ll happen. But you’ll learn from them, adjust, and keep moving forward.

When I made my pivot, I didn’t have it all mapped out either. I just started trying and testing things—I talked to people I respected, asked a ton of questions, planned out what aligned with my vision, and built something that felt real to me!

Once you start, everything else falls into place The rest? You’ll figure it out as you go.

Key takeaway: You don’t need a perfect plan—just the courage to take the first step.