The real price of success on TikTok isn’t money – it’s embarrassment. But if you’re willing to push through the cringe, you’ll unlock confidence, skills, and growth that can change everything.
Introduction
Success on social media isn’t free. I’m not talking about the financial cost of equipment, ads, or hiring a videographer. I’m talking about the emotional cost—that sinking feeling of embarrassment when you hit record, fumble over your words, or try to be funny and hear nothing but crickets.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own TikTok or growing a personal brand online, you know exactly what I mean. The idea of posting videos daily and showing up consistently sounds simple until you realise the biggest barrier isn’t technical—it’s psychological. You’re afraid of looking silly, and that fear can be crippling.
I know this because I’m at the start of my own journey. Just a few days ago, I committed to posting one video a day on TikTok. Not because I want to go viral overnight (though that would be nice), but because I know that improving my confidence in front of the camera is a skill that will open doors—not just online, but in life.
Why Embarrassment is the Price of Entry
Let’s get this out of the way: every single creator you admire has been embarrassed online at some point.
The polished fitness influencer? They had to film dozens of awkward angles before finding their “signature look.”
The personal finance guru? They probably made a video about budgeting that got six views (three of which were from family members).
The comedy creator with millions of followers? They’ve bombed more jokes than they can count.
The difference between them and everyone else? They kept going. They were willing to sit with the discomfort of embarrassment and hit “post” anyway.
Why Embarrassment is Actually a Good Sign
Embarrassment isn’t something to avoid—it’s a signal that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. And that’s where growth happens.
Here’s why:
You’re learning new skills
Whether it’s writing a script, editing a video, or mastering the art of storytelling, you’re developing competencies that are valuable far beyond TikTok.
You’re developing resilience
Posting regularly despite minimal engagement or negative feedback builds a thicker skin, which is crucial for long-term success.
You’re finding your authentic voice
It takes time to refine your content style and figure out what resonates. The “cringey” videos often lead to breakthrough moments.
My TikTok Journey - One Video a Day
I’ll be honest—when I started this challenge, I had no idea what I was doing. I spent hours scripting, reshooting, and second-guessing myself. But as the initial days have passed, something interesting happened. I started caring less about perfection and more about progress.
Some videos flopped. Some got more traction than I expected. But more importantly, I can feel myself becoming more comfortable in front of the camera. Speaking is feeling easier, and my delivery is improving.
Here’s what I learned in just a couple of days:
Done is better than perfect – It’s easy to get stuck trying to make the “perfect” video. I realised that imperfect videos often perform better because they feel more authentic.
Consistency beats creativity –Some days, I didn’t feel inspired, but I still showed up. That consistency is slowly building momentum.
Engagement comes later – Right now, it’s about finding my voice and staying consistent. The audience will grow with time.
The Hardest Part: Dealing with Silence
One of the toughest parts of this journey is posting content that doesn’t get attention. Silence can feel worse than criticism because it makes you question if anyone cares.
But here’s the truth: everyone starts at zero. No followers. No likes. No comments. Your job is to keep posting and trust the process. The right audience will find you when you stay authentic and consistent.
How to Push Through the Embarrassment
If you’re considering starting your own social media journey, here are a few tips that have helped me stay on track:
Set A Realistic Goal – I committed to one video a day because it felt manageable. Start small and build up as you get more comfortable.
Focus On The Process, Not The Outcome – The goal isn’t to go viral immediately. The goal is to improve, refine your skills, and grow over time.
Laugh At Yourself – The moments you find cringey now will be the stories you laugh about later. Embrace the awkwardness—it’s part of the process.
Engage With Other Creators – Comment on videos, ask questions, and get involved in the community. It makes the journey less isolating.
Why It’s Worth It
At the end of the day, the cost of embarrassment is a small price to pay for the skills you gain. Confidence, communication, and the ability to tell stories are invaluable assets in today’s world. Whether or not TikTok becomes a full-time gig, the benefits extend to your personal and professional life.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the “right moment” to start, take this as your sign. Embrace the cringe, and hit record.
You never know where it might lead.
