Recently, I made a pretty interesting re-discovery…
I suck at skateboarding!
Well… to be more exact, I suck at skateboarding when trying to skate in a way that I am not used to!
You see, a few days ago, I tried skating on my new longboard using the other side of my body. I normally have my left foot in front, so this time, I tried having my right foot in front!
Well… as predicted, I came off my longboard in a rather embarrassing way!
BUT…
It did remind me about when I first started video blogging (vlogging). And it highlighted some SUPER important aspects any new video blogger should know about.
Inside today’s video, I mention the powerful concept of flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience - aff link), and how you ABSOLUTELY require it for success in video blogging.
Watch my video from today, and learn how you can prevent yourself from “falling off” your video blogging experience!
Gideon Shalwick
PS… Notice how stable this video is even when I skate and glide? Not many people will think that I am filming this myself using my iPhone and my nifty monopod, which I absolutely love. You can get one for yourself here – iStabilizer ISTMP01 Smartphone Monopod (aff link).
Transcript Of Today’s Video
Click Here To Read The Transcript
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The other day I went longboarding; but this time I went for a different reason. I wanted to learn how to longboard using the other side of my body; so, turning the other way around. I’ve never done this before and I actually came off. I almost hurt myself.
Thinking about video blogging, that reminded me about something that was quite interesting. So I accidentally stumbled on something very interesting.
The discovery that I made was that skateboarding or longboarding is actually very similar to video blogging, or at least the beginning of it. What I discovered was that with both of them, if you want to be good at them, you need to know about this thing called “flow”.
At the beginning, when you learn any new skill like skateboarding for example, you find it very difficult. Your brain is not quite used to having that skill and so you have to struggle along, you keep falling off until you have reconditioned your brain.
There’s actually been a lot of research done on this thing called “FLOW”. I like to explain a little bit more to you right now.
There’s this really clever dude with an unpronounceable name that wrote the book “Flow”. It’s basically the study on a research behind getting into a “state of flow”. Often with sports players and tennis players they might say something like they really in the zoom where they are at their best performance. That’s really just another way of saying they are in flow.
This book talks about the conditions of getting into flow and how important it is to get into the flow to be able to do your best kind of work. Just as with skateboarding, as it is with video blogging. When you’re learning for the first time, it’s really difficult to get into that flow state. So at the beginning, a lot of people might give up because they didn’t quite get into that flow state so they never quite get a really nice result.
Three Conditions You Need For Getting Into That Flow State
First is to have a really clear set of goals.
The second one is to have an immediate feedback loop as you’re working towards that goal.
The third one is to make sure that the challenge that you have at hand is matched really well with your skill level. In other words, if your challenge is too big for your skill level, then you might feel overwhelmed and you might not be able to continue; you might want to give up. On the other hand, if your challenge is too low for your skill level, you might get bored and you’ll be out of the state of flow.
You want to make sure that you get into that magic zone where your skill and challenge levels are really well-matched to get you into that flow state so you could be as productive as possible.
How “Flow” Applies To Video Blogging
Next, let’s have a look at how this applies to video blogging because it is really what this is all about. There are five steps and let’s hop through them right now.
Step 1 – Ask the question “Why?”
Why are you doing this?
If I could relate it to my skateboarding or longboarding, the reason why is because it’s just heaps of fun. I love doing it and it is also really good for fitness. It’s a really good way to provide me with motivation.
If you ask that question to yourself why you are video blogging. If you really have a clear and good answer for that, that can often help you with motivation.
Motivation is very important especially when you’re trying to learn a new skill so you want to keep on going. So ask that question why; why you’re doing this? If you have a really good answer, that will help you for your motivation so that you can keep going.
Step 2 – Set clear goals
The next thing is to set some clear goals of what you want to achieve with this new thing that you want to do with video blogging. For me, with the longboarding example the goal for me there is just to become a proficient longboarder or skateboarder so that I can enjoy it. It’s a nice past-time activity for me.
Similarly for you with video blogging, what is your goal there? Do you want to just be proficient? Do you want to use it for getting traffic or a ton of views on YouTube? Do you want to use it just for branding? What do you want to use this video thing for?
Think about that clearly and set that goal so that you have something to aim for. This is going to help you a lot later on as you grow in your video blogging experience.
Step 3 – Get the right information
Next up is to get information on how to actually do it. With me with skateboarding thing, the first thing I did was went on YouTube and I typed in things like skateboarding techniques or skateboarding for beginners or how to skateboard. That helped me tremendously to just figure out some of the basic things to help me achieve this goal that I’ve set for me.
Similarly for you with video blogging and using online video to help grow your business. There’s a ton of information out there to help you succeed. The trick often is finding the right information that can give you the best shortcuts.
I’ve been doing this for quite a long time now and that’s why I wrote that Report, Rapid Video Blogging to help people follow along the path that I’ve gone through and help them get the shortcuts.
There’s a link below this video. If you are interested; if you haven’t got that Report yet, it’s called Rapid Video Blogging. It’s 92 pages long, filled with solid information on growing your business using video marketing, specifically video blogging.
Yeah, you can find other information too if you just google it or go to YouTube. There’s a ton of information that can help you become really good.
So that’s the next step. Find the right information to help you get to where you want to be at. Finding the right information will give you that roadmap for where you want to go, which is very very important.
Step 4 – Get a result
The next step is really where the rubber meets the road. This is where you’ve got to take some kind of an action to get a result. A really key distinction here, this is the one that I learned the hard way with my skateboarding, is that you need to find the action that is really easy, something that you can actually achieve.
With my skateboarding, I tried to do the whole thing all at once. I kept on coming off, it wasn’t very much fun. What I then did was I figured out what are the basic things I need to do to be able to pull this off. And then it was a lot easier. I mastered that first and then moved on to the next step.
The same thing for you, you need to figure out what that next action is for you. What’s a really simple action you can take so that you can get a result. Because once you get a result, you create that feedback loop for you to be able to see whether you are on the right track or not.
This is absolutely critical. This is where the rubber meets the road, or where the skateboard wheel meets the road; whatever analogy you want to use.
Step 5 – Course correct
The final step is to basically course correct based on the results that you are getting from the actions that you’re taking. So if you’re getting a result that is less than stellar, you need to do something to help improve that. For example on my skateboard, if I keep on falling off I know there’s something I’m not doing right. That’s a result, not necessarily a good result, but it’s a result. And that gives me that feedback to be able to course correct.
That’s the beautiful thing about flow. You can have this constant feedback loop so that you can course correct. I think that’s very important. As you’re course correcting, your skill level improves. And if you do that enough, you’ll get into that flow state. Once you build your skill level high enough, once you’ve course corrected enough, you get into that flow state.
The same thing happens with video blogging. Once you’ve gotten over that fear of being in front of the camera, the issues with dealing with the technical stuff, the issue with talking fluently in front of the camera. Once you’ve built up that skill level and get into that flow level, it becomes really really easy and fun to create videos on a regular basis. You will also find that your videos will become more engaging, more effective and more powerful as you go along.
Wrapping Up
Alright, let’s wrap this thing up. There are five steps I believe that you need to take for getting into a flow state for video blogging.
The first step is to ask yourself the question “Why”; why you’re doing this. That will give you motivation for keeping going.
The second step is to set clear goals. They will give you clarity to help you know where you should go.
The third step is to get the right information on where you should go. This will really provide a roadmap for you to get to your goals.
The fourth step is to take just the really easy and simple action just so that you get a result, so that you get some feedback, so that you can create that feedback loop that will help you progress in your efforts.
And the final step of course, is to use that feedback to course correct and to get better, to get into that flow state eventually once you’ve built up that skill.
That’s it. If you’ve liked this video, I did it a little bit different as you can see to my normal videos. Please leave a comment below. Tell me what you thought. If you want to know how I’ve done this, how I set this up. It’s actually quite fun and easy. I’m happy to create another video for that. Please leave a comment below in the comments area if you are interested in this.
Also, make sure you like this video. I love your support. I can only do this because of you. So please like this video and spread it to your friends.
If you haven’t seen my Rapid Video Blogging Report yet, please go ahead and download it. There’s a link below this video. If you click on it, it will go to RapidVideoBlogging.com where you can download my Report for free. Just go ahead and remember to leave your comments.
Thanks so much for watching. I look forward to seeing you inside my next video. Who knows what that’s going to be like? Keep watching and let’s keep on improving. Talk to you soon!
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Your video never gets old
awesome work. you are the youtube star. and you will make more stars from your videos.
Gideon, great video and examples! Inspiring stuff…
Genius vid. Csíkszentmihályi is totally hard to say. But this is DEAD ON great advice. You can apply his chart to everything. Work, relationships and yes blogging.
Gideon, what was your setup for audio and video in this episode? Lapel direct into the camera? Wired or wirelessly? What camera and lapel model? Cheers mate!!
I used to skateboard for 6 years. I actually created a skate video filled with tricks back in 2004 and it was originally uploaded to YouTube in 2005. I reuploaded it in 06 after account issues, but its crazy to see how much my videos have improved and changed since then. And that I’m almost 10 years older lol
I’m really liking the new video style and transitions! Also, if I can give any advice for longboarding, its… practice! Helpful, right? I only got really good by putting in hours per day.
What video editing software do you use.
Very good tips. I like your outside vlogging style, it seems much more interesting than in the office and the camera angle/distance it works pretty well.
Yeah, skating video. Nice longboard, looks like a carving board too given how loose you have the trucks G!
hehe – I knew you’d like it Yaro! Yeah it’s great for carving. But I’m still a noob. Might have to come and get some tips from you
Awesome awesome awesome! Your course correcting so far has lead to a fantastic informative and visually entertaining piece. Great work Gideon! Excited and motivated thank you!
thanks Leanne! And WOW – you have the voice of an ANGEL! Watch your welcome vid on your channel
Thanks man! Yeah I’ll be experimenting (and course correcting) more with these kind of videos. They really are a lot of fun!
I just used ScreenFlow, and then some cool clips from Splasheo . com.
Thanks Gabe! Yeah practice does seem to work really well. Although I’ve found the “right” kind of practice helps even more… which relates to step 3 in my little video today
Hey Ricardo – I show the exact equipment I used inside the previous video to this one. Just my iphone 5 with corded lapel mic and iStabilizer monopod
Thanks! Yeah Csíkszentmihályi is DA BOMB! Loved how he scientifically analysed FLOW in his amazing book. The man is a GENIUS!
Thanks so much! Which part did you like best?
Hehe cheers… although I think I have a long way to go still
Gotta keep increasing the challenge level as skill level increases, in order to stay in focus 
Oh thanks! Great to know
Which part did you like best?
@Gideon Shalwick of course! I literally maxed out the characters allowed in my last comment so I ran out of room for more details lol
Cool video Gideon. I have a question. I got a splasheo video made from you previously. I was wondering. Do you do more tailor made services?
This video was encouraging to me because by looking at the chart, I realize that I’m in the “flow” state! I hadn’t actually thought of it that way before.
hehe – yeah I reckon YT could really increase the number of characters allowed for comments. Maybe they could get a few tips from FB
Yes – Splasheo does have a FULL custom service. Although we only do it for special projects. Please email the team at support @ splasheo . com.
Awesomeness Susan! Now… the only thing to watch out for is that you skill level will keep on increasing as you go about your business. And to stay in flow, you will need to keep on increasing your challenge level as well. That’s how you become a world leader in any field
Longboarding is great fun,,,i regularly go along the boardwalk on the Gold Coast beaches. My daughter rides her scooter,,,great way to keep fit when I am not surfing! thanks for the vid! Marty Ware
Will we see a video on how you put all this together,,that would be very cool! Thanks Marty
Awesome stuff Marty! Yeah it sure if fun – it actually helps me think. Have had some great inspirations hit me while long boarding…
I am planning one yes… and if I get a TON of people asking for it, I will hurry up more
I am very curious to know how you were holding the camera. Especially when you were on the long board..or what the camera was attached to. the camera movement seems very responsive to your breathing which makes me think it wasn’t just in your hand, but then again….just can’t tell.
it was just the iStabilizer monopod that I reviewed in my previous video on my channel – make sure you check it out!
But I will also make another video showing the “behind the scenes” of today’s video…
Ah you’re a legend Gideon – great explanation (and analogy with long boarding) on how to go from newbie to expert. Recaps I should be bringing my board across as I’m a skateboarder from way back. Love your work bud!
yeah man – DEFINITELY bring your board! great skating here
Gideon you are the best, I have learned a ton from you in 2 years. Keep up the good work.
love it
Cant wait to see how you did it Gideon
I’m amazed by how stable the camera is. There is three types of energy: flow, ridge and dispersal. I find when I’m in the flow I’m more productive and interested in what I’m doing than if it’s something not interesting. I’m an artist and I draw, and I get inspired by thoughts and my surroundings where I get lost in what I’m doing when I’m in “flow” where I loose time and it just flies.
Great report I’ve had it awhile probably time for a reread. Thanks for this video loved the setting and the 5 steps. It helped me to realize its time for some changes and new goals for my vlog.
Excellent stuff Keller! I’ll be creating more vids like this from now on…
Excellent! Which part was your fav?
yeah neither can I lol! it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be!
Ooh this sounds interesting Rickey! Tell me more about ridge and dispersal!
Excellent stuff Jill! Yeah, keep on setting new and higher challenges as your skill level catches up. That way you can stay in flow state.
Praying my videos may one day be as good as this. But it took me long enough to even work out how to leave a YouTube comment here so it’s going to be a steep learning curve. Lucky you’re a great teacher. Thanks for the inspiration. And if you do ever need a camera handler let me know
It would be a fun project to come and see how you do it. But in the meantime I’ll be looking out for the next vid with the insider tips 
The principle are the same in business. Management Plan-Do-Check-Take Action the Accountant on the other hand Turns a Plan into a Budget..Management DO (sales) the Accountant takes the income and expenses and turns them into Financial reports Profit or Loss report (Your Performance) Cash flow report (the flow of money) and finally a Balance Sheet (What your result was) These reports give management a score sheet of their performance so the can correct their action or in fact change the plan.
You are a nice guy
This is exactly the kind of video I am planing to make. I liked the various techniques to give the story structure. Many thanks for the ideas Gideon.
great video as always, really enjoying your ‘out door’ videos, keep it up Gideon.
Hi Gideon, I read Csikszentmihalyi’s “Flow” about five years ago, and a few related books as well. I’m a teacher of an abstract subject (it requires math) so I’ve thought about flow a lot since then. Your description of how to develop flow is by far the clearest, most succinct, most helpful explanation of it that I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much! Best, M
Excellent job!
another solid video, Gideon. You do an excellent job of keeping our attention. when you were on your board how were you able to keep the camera steady? that was impressive.
Loved the new video, Gideon! Fun!!
Gideon…. liked the video a lot… I’m tempted to buy a longboard!!! LOL. But do want to know how you shot this… what kind of contraption did you strap to your wife who was running alongside? Or is there some easy swing-around-gyroscope-determined independent thingy strapped to your board that you controlled with a little hand held device? Please, do a how-to video on this. Great fun to watch and learn. Thanks.
Your presentation was really well organized. It made it easy to watch and understand. Thanks!
Awesome. Lovin’ the new outdoor video look and feel. It’s so natural and so much more fun. Also have you heard of Flyboarding before? Check it out on Youtube, maybe it could be just as fun as long boarding. Thanks Gids.
If you have studied physics, everything is space or energy. Matter is simply a ridge of energy. An example of a dispersal is an explosion or an implosion. An atomic bomb is an example of both types of dispersal. The mind contains energy too and functions on the properties of it. When there is pain, there is mass,charge and unconsciousness. Mass has weight and can be measured by an electronic device. Charge is harmful energy in the mind. That’s the simplest explanation I can give.
Thank you
Gideon
No question my friend, you are the best at what you do. Would you assist me to properly set up my YouTube Chanel?
Then we move on to the next step Huh?
Hi Gideon, thanks for your video blogging tips. Useful and will apply them today.
I want do it like you do, thank you Gideon.
Such a cool video Gideon! Absolutely loving your new setup
Love this clip, mate.
I like this video.Thanks
Hey Les – haven’t forgotten about you. Just had to clear a few things out. Will be in touch via email soon…
That’s the first vlog I’ve seen from your site Gideon, and I can say that it’s great. Those steps for the flow that you’ve presented seriously aren’t complicated and are very achievable. You’ve laid them out so well that I’m now inspired to go back blogging. Aight, let’s keep improving.
10:10 u move too much the camera.
how did u film urself from aside meanwhile u r skateboarding_
Thanks Gideon for yet another fantastic video. Never seem to disappoint. Loved the connection you made between skateboarding and online video blogging. Would love a video about your set up for this video.
There is nothing like watching a real person sharing there knowledge!!
Anyone using the new YouTube channel setup? I was looking how ijustine has selected to use the new style. I hope Gideon does a review on the new channel setup.
hi Gideon i was looking for that FREE offer … and its not here yet:) sorry can’t pay YOU:) but we watching You in Poland:) good luck, bonne chance
oh I received link.:)
Thank You
Very informative. . . .I liked this video!!
Great vid, Gideon! Thanks for jumping out into nature. Great backdrop.
Wow, such a great analogy you use with skateboarding. Having skated myself I could,nt agree more. You can feel ‘at one’ with what ever your doing when you get to that flow or zone state. Great stuff man! Btw, are those Sector Nine wheels? I think my brother in law has some on his long board!
you are very interesting to listen to give good info
Great video, great analogy, awesome quality of information… And it’s everything free! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and personal experience!
Hi Gideon,
I like your videos. Who does your graphic designs and logo? I appreciate your recommendation.
HEY GIDEON I DIDNT GET THOSE SPLASHEO TEMPLATES THAT YOU SAID YOU WOULD SEND ME AS PART OF A BONUS FOR BUYING LEADPAGES!! could you send me the bonuses that you promised?
Not sure if you remember me but we actually talked about my site (pungra.com) during one of your webinars!
Hey Marshall – they are on their way… we are just waiting to collect everyone’s details. We’ll probably send them out in the next week or so…
oh ok awesome, would you be interested in doing some work together? I teach people how to do product launches and use the same process as brendon burchard…im sure you are aware of how its working for him
I also teach jeff walkers PLF formula. so hit me up and we can chat! my skype is “marshallhasz”
Hey GIDEON SHALWICK I was wondering if you could check out my channel, it would mean a lot thanks:).
Oh and could you let me know if you did thanks
hey gideon shalwick i subscribed to your channel and i wanted to know if you could check out my channel, because i need some feedback and help because i want to be better at youtube videos, Thanks:0
Hey Gideon! may i ask how did you add that video (right bottom) to your video?
HEY EVERYONE IF YOU COULD CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL IT WOULD BE AWESOME, I UPDATE AND UPLOAD YOUTUBE VIDEOS REGULARLY AND I TRY TO MAKE THEM FUNNY, AND ALSO IF YOU COULD RATE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE, THANKS;)
Awesome video gideon. i enjoyed the content analagies and the out doors background especially the sky n clouds…how did you hold the camera while you were skating