Free is Costing You
Your 'Free' Addiction is Sabotaging Your Success
I saw an interesting conversation on Twitter, yes I still call it Twitter, about YouTube Premium, whether people pay for it or find ways around the ads. I have the Premium service. I use YouTube a lot on many different devices, especially on my TV, running in the background, watching all sorts of things—podcasts, whatever. So, I see value in it, both personally and professionally. I have no problem paying the price for it. Plus as a content creator, I understand ads pay the bills for creators, so it’s more of an ethical thing for me as well.
This leads to the mindset of value. Is it something you pay for or something you want for free? You can look at that and say, well, who wouldn't want something for free? Which is true. But if someone offers a service you find valuable and there's a cost associated with it, shouldn’t you pay for it? You shouldn't be trying to game the system to get around that cost. It doesn't make any sense, especially if you have a business or a side hustle.
If you're on Twitter( or X), trying to market to your audience, get people to buy your products, your courses, subscribe to your newsletters—do you really want people to bypass that process and get your content for free?
I understand we can talk about big corporations, but to me, the size of the corporation doesn't matter. I don't care if it's a multi-trillion dollar company or someone making 20 bucks a month in their basement. I believe in the free market and the volunteering exchange for privately owned goods and services.
Investing in Your Success
Look, I get it. When you're just starting out in your career, every dollar counts. But here's the thing about paying for services as a young professional – it's not just about getting a product, it's about investing in yourself and your future. Let me break it down for you.
First off, let's talk quality. The paid stuff is usually better. Simple as that. You're getting tools that work faster, smoother, and have actual people you can contact when something goes wrong. That time you save, That's time you can put back into your work or learning new skills.
Now, think about standing out from the crowd. When you're willing to put money into the tools of your trade, it shows. Your boss, your clients – they notice that stuff. It says, "Hey, I'm serious about this." That can give you a real edge.
Here's another thing – paying for services helps you build a mindset for success. It's about always looking to improve, to learn. When you start thinking, "Is this worth my money?" you're actually asking, "How can I get better at what I do?" That's the kind of thinking that'll take you places.
Plus, when you're using legit services instead of trying to game the system, it says something about you. It shows you respect other people's work, that you're professional. Trust me, in the long run, that reputation is worth way more than the money you might save cutting corners.
I know it might seem tough to part with your hard-earned cash, especially when you're just starting out. But think of it this way – you're not just buying a service, you're investing in your future self. Every time you choose a quality tool or service, you're saying, "I'm worth this investment."
Remember, success isn't just about what you know or who you know. It's also about the tools you use to get there. So next time you're weighing whether to pay for a service or go for the free option, ask yourself: "What's the real cost of 'free' for my career?" You might find that paying a little now could mean earning a lot more later.