Where have I been?!

Probably staring at my analytics dashboard like it held the secrets to the universe.

You know that morning ritual, right?

Coffee in one hand, phone in the other, immediately diving into yesterday's performance metrics.

I used to refresh my insights more obsessively than checking if my kids remembered their lunch money (spoiler alert: they didn't, and neither did my content engagement).

Every notification felt like a report card from a teacher I was desperately trying to impress.

Each disappointing number hit like a personal rejection letter from the algorithm gods.

But here's where this story takes an unexpected turn...

Lately when life gets busy, priorities shifted, and frankly, I forgot to feed my analytics addiction.

What happened next surprised me more than slipping on that shower gel did.

My content started connecting in ways it hadn't before.

Comments became conversations. People started sharing personal stories. Engagement wasn't just higher but it was deeper and more meaningful.

The authenticity I'd been preaching?

It finally showed up when I stopped performing for an audience of algorithms.

Here's the uncomfortable truth, dear reader: When we create content for metrics instead of humans, we lose our voice in the noise.

That constant feedback loop trains us to second-guess every authentic impulse. "Will this resonate?" becomes "Will this get likes?"

And that shift kills genuine connection faster than my shoulder killed my tennis serve.

So what changed when I stopped checking?

I started writing about things that genuinely excited me. The messy behind-the-scenes moments.

The times I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. Content that felt true to who I am, not who I thought the algorithm wanted me to be.

People can spot manufactured content from a mile away, but they'll follow authentic voices anywhere.

Your unique perspective is already trending—you just need to stop diluting it with metrics anxiety.

The real measure that matters isn't reach—it's resonance. And resonance happens when you quit performing and start being YOU.

Now I check analytics once a week, Sunday mornings with my coffee.

That's it.

The rest of the time? I focus on creating content that makes me proud, regardless of how many people see it.

What would your content look like if you created it for connection instead of clicks?

Until next time,

Matt

P.S. If you'd like to learn more about how to be your own algorithm, you'll appreciate this post here.