#5 - Dealing with negative comments, focusing on the right numbers, and plans you can stick to

The podcast explores the anxieties and rewards of putting oneself and one's work "out there" on social media, particularly regarding audience-building. Francis and Ben share their experiences with posting personal content and dealing with both positive and negative feedback. Ben recounts his journey from being an anonymous artist to revealing his face, grappling with critical comments, and learning to prioritize valuable engagement metrics like saves over superficial likes. They emphasize the importance of consistency and finding enjoyment in content creation, cautioning against fixating on numbers and the "hedonic treadmill" of social media validation. The hosts advocate for a sustainable approach, focusing on delivering value and building habits that prevent burnout, while also recognizing the potential for unexpected opportunities and connections.