Read time: 2 min

... Look, I get it. I've been exactly where you are right now. Staring at those view counts, wondering if all this effort is worth it. Maybe you're thinking "This just isn't working" or "I'm not cut out for this." I remember going through a 6-month stretch where every time I would post a video, I'd LOSE subscribers (see below). It made me not want to cut the camera on anymore.

Let Me Share Something That Changed Everything for Me

I learned something called "The Three-Year Rule" from Matt D'Avella and it literally kept me going when I wanted to quit the most.

It's super simple: if you're gonna do something big, commit to it for three years or don't bother starting.

That's it.

I know, I know – three years sounds like FOREVER. But hear me out.

When I was about to quit a few months into my journey, this rule completely flipped my mindset. Instead of freaking out about every video that flopped (and trust me, there were plenty 😅), I started thinking differently.

Here's Why This Works

Picture this: three years means about 156 videos if you're uploading weekly. So when I posted something that totally bombed, I'd just shrug and think "Eh, it's just 1 out of 156." Suddenly, those "failed" videos didn't feel like such a big deal anymore.

You know what's cool about this approach?

• The pressure just... disappears
• You can actually have fun experimenting (wild concept, right?)
• You'll outlast like 90% of other creators who give up too soon
• Your skills sneakily improve while you're not looking
• After three years, you'll have this incredible collection of content

The best part? If you decide to walk away after three years, you can do it with zero regrets. You'll know you gave it a real shot – not just a half-hearted attempt.

Here's what I want you to do right now – grab your phone, open your calendar, and mark the date three years from today. Seriously, do it. I'll wait.

Done? Cool. That date you just marked? That's your "No Regrets" day.

Between now and then, just focus on showing up and making stuff. Some of it will be great, some will be... well, let's call them "learning experiences" 😂

Remember this: The YouTube stars you look up to? They're not necessarily more talented than you. They just stuck around long enough to figure things out.

So what do you say? Are you in for the three-year ride? Trust me, future you is going to be so glad you didn't give up today.

Keep creating! 🚀

Gabe

P.S. If you want to learn my proven systems for growing your YouTube channel, I'll be opening the next live cohort of The 5-Hour YouTuber soon. Join the waitlist here if you haven't yet.

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