A Mistake I See People Make Online (And a Better Way of Handling Such)

One common mistake I see a lot of people make online—especially creatives and beginners—is trying to show up as someone else. They copy other people’s voices, styles, and content thinking it’s the shortcut to success. I used to do this too, unknowingly. I would look at designers I admired, and instead of letting their work inspire me, I tried to replicate their entire presence. The captions, the tone, the layout—everything.

At first, it felt like I was on the right track. My page looked “nice,” but deep down, I didn’t feel confident in what I was putting out. It wasn’t truly me. I realized that in the process of trying to become “successful,” I was slowly losing my own creative identity.

I’ve seen people post just because others are posting, not because they actually have something to say. I’ve seen people pretend they know more than they do just to look like experts. But in the long run, it’s hard to sustain. If you build your online presence on imitation, you’ll constantly doubt yourself, always watching others to know what to do next.

A better way?

Start with who you are. Even if you’re still figuring things out, show up with honesty. Instead of copying, learn. Let others inspire you but don’t try to become them. Tell your story. Share your thoughts. Show your process. Talk about your small wins. People connect more with realness than perfection.

When I started being more authentic with my design journey—talking about my struggles, learning experiences, and little progress—I started to feel lighter. The pressure dropped. I felt more connected to the few people following me. And most importantly, I started to enjoy creating again.

Another mistake I’ve seen is that people wait too long to start sharing their work. They feel they must be perfect first, or they must have all their brand elements in place. I understand the fear. I’ve been there too. But truth is, the best way to grow online is to start with what you have and improve as you go.

Perfection isn’t what builds connection. Consistency, value, and authenticity do.

My advice to anyone starting online is this: Don’t be afraid to be seen as a beginner. There’s nothing wrong with growing publicly. Everyone starts somewhere. And your progress can inspire someone else who’s just a few steps behind you.

Also, be patient with yourself. The online space can feel overwhelming, but don’t rush to match others’ speed. Grow at your own pace. Build something meaningful. Don’t just post what you think people want to see. Post what you genuinely believe in.

The internet rewards real people. So be one.

That’s the mistake I used to make—and still see others make. And that’s the better way I’ve found: be real, be consistent, and never stop learning.

#day18
#brandevocreator’squestchallenge25
#thecreatorsquest

This Is Who I Am (Right Now)

I’m Abdulsamad, and this is who I am right now.

I’m a young creative on a journey of self-discovery and growth. I’m a student studying Surveying and Geoinformatics, a course that has taught me patience, structure, and how to see the world from a technical perspective. But beyond the classroom and fieldwork, I’m also building a name for myself in the creative space as a graphic designer under the brand BJVisuals.

It’s been a journey of learning, trial and error, and personal growth. I started designing out of curiosity, using just my smartphone and apps like PixelLab and Canva. Over time, I fell in love with the process — turning ideas into visuals, solving design problems, and seeing how powerful communication through design can be. Even though I started with basic tools, I kept improving, pushing myself daily to be better, more intentional, and more creative.

Right now, I’m not where I want to be — but I’m far from where I started. I’ve learned to embrace the process, to give myself grace, and to keep showing up even when I feel stuck. I’ve come to realize that growth doesn’t always look like big wins or loud achievements. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet progress, the late-night practices, the failed attempts, and the tiny wins that nobody sees.

What I care about is impact. I want to design visuals that communicate clearly, that help brands stand out, and that create emotional connections. I care about balance — growing in my field of study while building creative skills that give me freedom and fulfillment. I care about people — building genuine connections, supporting others on their journeys, and showing up honestly.

What I’m building is more than just a brand. I’m building a lifestyle where I can thrive both as a tech-minded individual in geoinformatics and a creative voice in the design space. I want BJVisuals to be known for clean, professional, and purposeful designs — not just pretty graphics, but work that speaks. I also want to inspire other students who are multi-passionate, who want to explore their creativity alongside their academics, and who sometimes feel they have to choose between “what they studied” and “what they love.”

I’m still figuring it out. I’m still learning how to balance everything, how to grow my brand, how to show up online with consistency. But I know one thing for sure — I won’t stop. Not now.

So if you’re seeing this and you’re also in your “figuring it out” phase, you’re not alone. Let’s keep building. Let’s keep showing up.

This is who I am — right now. And I’m proud of it.

#day17
#brandevocreator’squestchallenge25
#thecreatorsquest

Something I Was Afraid of That I Finally Did

There was a time I would do everything behind the scenes. I loved creativity, I had ideas, and I kept learning quietly — but the moment it came to sharing publicly, fear always held me back. I would see others post their work, talk confidently about their progress, and I admired them. Deep down, I wished I could do it too. But there was this voice in my head that kept asking, “What if people don’t like it? What if it’s not good enough?”

One thing I was particularly afraid of was putting myself out there as a creative — sharing my designs, my thoughts, my story. I felt like I wasn’t good enough yet. I kept saying, “Let me get better first,” or “Maybe when I have more confidence.” That "maybe later" dragged on for months.

But then, something shifted. I started observing that the people I admired didn’t wait to be perfect before they showed up. Most of them grew as they kept showing up. They weren’t always polished, but they were consistent. I began to understand that courage doesn’t mean having no fear — it means doing it anyway.

So, one day, I told myself, “Just try.” I picked a design I had created, wrote a few words from the heart, and posted it online. My hands were literally shaking as I hit the “Post” button. I didn’t know what would happen, but I knew I had to start somewhere. To my surprise, the feedback was warm. A few friends encouraged me. Some even shared the post. I didn’t become famous overnight, but that small win gave me something huge — confidence.

Since that day, I’ve kept pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I’ve shared more of my work. I’ve told more of my story. I’ve even participated in challenges I never thought I could. And with each step, the fear loses its power. It’s still there sometimes, whispering doubts, but now I know how to respond — with action.

What I’ve learned is that growth hides behind fear. Most of the things we’re afraid of doing are actually the doors to our next level. Whether it’s posting your first design, speaking in public, reaching out to a client, or just believing in yourself — doing it scared is better than not doing it at all.

If you’re reading this and you feel the same fear I once had, I want you to know it’s normal. You’re not alone. But don’t let fear decide for you. The more you show up, the quieter the fear becomes.

#day16
#brandevocreator’squestchallenge25
#thecreatorsquest

2-3 Things I Did That Helped Me Show Up More Online

Showing up online consistently wasn’t something that came naturally to me at first. In fact, for a long time, I struggled with the idea of putting myself out there. I felt like I wasn’t good enough yet, that my work wasn’t perfect, or that I didn’t have anything “worth sharing.” But over time, a few intentional steps helped me overcome that mindset and build momentum. Now, showing up online feels less intimidating and more like a natural part of my journey.

One major thing that helped me was realizing the power of community. I started following and engaging with creators who were ahead of me — not to compare myself, but to learn. I would read their posts, listen to how they shared their progress, their mistakes, and the lessons along the way. Seeing people show up with honesty, not perfection, was a turning point. It made me realize that consistency isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being real and present.

The second thing that helped was developing a simple content plan. Before then, I was always stuck in the loop of “What should I post today?” That question alone would paralyze me, and most times, I’d end up not posting at all. So I created a content folder in my Notes app, where I could jot down thoughts, experiences, and ideas as they came to me. It could be a lesson I learned from a project, something I read, or even a personal struggle I overcame. Having this content bank made it easier to create and post without overthinking.

Another thing that played a big role was learning and practicing design tools. As a graphic designer, visuals are important to me. Once I became more comfortable using tools like Canva and PixelLab, I started creating simple, clean designs that represented my voice and style. Designing my posts gave me confidence — it felt like I was building something unique and it motivated me to share more.

Also, setting small goals helped me stay on track. I told myself, “This week, I’ll post twice.” That’s all. No pressure to go viral or be perfect — just the discipline to show up and share. Hitting those small goals gave me a sense of achievement, and gradually, it became a habit.

Finally, one of the biggest shifts was internal — my mindset. I stopped focusing on “getting likes or followers” and instead started focusing on connection. I began to ask myself: “How can I help someone today with what I share?” That change in intention gave my content purpose, and purpose naturally fuels consistency.

In all, it wasn’t a magic formula that helped me show up more — it was a series of small, consistent actions that compounded over time. Community, planning, practicing my design skills, setting realistic goals, and shifting my mindset all played their parts. If you’re struggling to show up, start small, focus on impact, and don’t wait to be perfect. Just show up as you are. That’s where growth begins.

#day15
#brandevocreator’squestchallenge25
#thecreatorsquest

Why Selling Online Isn't So Easy (At First)

Selling online isn’t as easy as it looks—at least not at the beginning. I haven’t sold anything online yet, but I’ve spent time observing people who do, and one thing I’ve learned is this: almost everyone struggles at first.

It’s easy to scroll through Instagram or TikTok and see creators showing off payment receipts, course enrollments, or product sales and think, “Wow, I need to get in on this.” But what you don’t often see is the backstory—the late nights, the self-doubt, the posts with no engagement, and the moments they almost gave up.

I’ve followed creator like @emekanobis and others who’ve built successful digital products, coaching businesses, and services online. What I find interesting is that most of them didn’t hit success instantly. They had months—some even years—of showing up consistently with little or no results.

One creator shared how she launched her first eBook and made zero sales in the first week. No one bought. But instead of quitting, she went back to work—refined her messaging, studied her audience, improved her design, and started talking more about the value of her product. A few weeks later, her sales began to grow. Not because the product changed, but because her communication and confidence did.

Another guy launched a course and got only two sign-ups. He said it felt like a failure—until one of those sign-ups gave him a great testimonial, which he later used to attract more people. Today, that same course has earned him thousands. But it all started from a struggle.

These stories make me realize that the beginning is meant to be hard. There’s a learning curve to everything. From building trust to finding the right audience, to learning how to write compelling captions or craft valuable content—none of it is automatic. You have to learn, test, fail, and try again.

Most importantly, it’s not just about selling. It’s about building. Building trust. Building authority. Building a community. People rarely buy the first time they see something. But with time and consistency, they start paying attention.

I haven’t launched anything yet, but I’m preparing myself. I’m learning from those ahead. I’m studying their journeys—their mistakes, their breakthroughs, their strategies. And what I’ve picked up so far is this: there’s no shortcut. You have to earn attention before you earn income.

So if you’ve tried selling and it didn’t go well, or if you’re just starting out like me—know this: you’re not alone. The struggle is part of the story. Most of the big names you admire today started from confusion and crickets.

Keep going. Keep learning. Keep showing up.

Because with time, your efforts will compound. And when it finally clicks, you’ll be glad you didn’t stop.

#day14
#brandevocreator’squestchallenge25
#thecreatorsquest