You don’t need a glamorous life to make great content—you need a story, and a reason to tell it. That’s what I learned after watching a video by Joel, a creator who turned a simple woodland trip into a $170,000 creative career. His message? You should film your so-called “boring” life. Not for likes, not for clout—but for your future self. In this as-told-to essay, I’m laying out why documenting the everyday is one of the most underrated tools for clarity, creativity, and growth. If you’ve ever said, “My life’s too ordinary to share,” this might be exactly why you need to start.
The following is an as-told essay based on the YouTube video “you should DEFINITELY Film Your Boring Life” by creator Joel. His original words have been adapted and edited with the help of AI for clarity, brevity, and structure—while preserving the heart of his message.
Myth: My Life Is Too Boring to Film
Documenting my life is the single most valuable thing I’ve ever done for my creative journey.
Last year alone, it helped me travel to eight countries, earn $170,000, and connect with people I would’ve never met otherwise. But none of that was the plan. It all started because I wanted to film a cinematic trip into the woods.
That simple decision sparked everything that came next.
I hear people say all the time, “My life is too boring to film.” That mindset is stopping way too many people from becoming the creatives they could be. It’s keeping them small. What they don’t realize is—we are living in one of the best moments in human history to document your life and actually make money doing it.
All You Need is Your Phone and Free Software
Seriously. You can shoot with your phone. Edit with free software like CapCut or DaVinci Resolve. And if you stay consistent, that alone can open doors.
But this isn’t about going viral overnight. If that’s your goal, this probably isn’t the advice for you.
[RELATED] You Don’t Need a Fancy Camera — You Just Need to Know This
Documenting your life is about telling your story in real time. It’s about creating something for your future self, not just for likes or views.
Think of it like this: One day, you’re going to look back at the version of you that didn’t have it all figured out—the version that was still working through things—and you’ll be glad you captured it.
Process Over Perfection
People connect more with your process than your perfection. Your audience will care more if they see the struggle, not just the highlight reel.
And honestly? When I first started, I wasn’t thinking about an audience at all. I was thinking about myself. About documenting the real stuff. So when I talk to the camera, it’s like I’m talking to a future version of me. That shift alone takes so much pressure off. It makes it easier to show up consistently—because I’m not performing for strangers. I’m archiving my growth.
Here’s the thing: you might think your life is boring, but that’s probably just because you’re too close to it. You live it every day, so it feels ordinary. But to someone else? Your routines, your neighborhood, your favorite restaurant—they could be fascinating.
You Never Know What Will Connect
When I moved from Rhode Island to Charlotte, I almost didn’t film it. I thought, “Who cares?” But I posted it anyway, and people connected with the most unexpected details. Some watched because they’re also Jamaican. Or Christian. Or thinking of moving to Charlotte. Some just liked the same car I drive.
That’s the power of being real. People gravitate toward what they relate to. And when you share honestly, those connections come naturally.
Now, if you genuinely feel like your life is boring—here’s the hard truth: maybe it’s time to change that. You don’t need to manufacture drama. But you can challenge yourself.
Just Tell a Story
Train for something hard. Build something meaningful. Take a risk. You’ll be amazed how documenting the process of growth attracts people. Not because it’s flashy, but because it’s real.
You don’t need expensive gear to get started filming your “boring” life. I use professional cameras now, but I started with my iPhone. What matters more than visuals is storytelling. Always.
Tell the story of your day. Capture the messy parts, the quiet wins, the honest reflections. Show, don’t just tell. Let people feel like they’re walking through life with you.
Here’s How to Do It: Keep Showing Up
Film three shots of every scene—your morning routine, your commute, your late-night editing session. Talk like you’re talking to your best friend. And if you’re feeling something—lonely, confused, frustrated—say it. That vulnerability creates depth.
As for editing: keep it simple. Cut the filler. Use music and sound to enhance moments, not distract. Think of your videos as a story that even a stranger could follow. If something doesn’t move the story forward, cut it.
And above all—stay consistent. That’s the secret. Not gear. Not viral moments. Just consistency. Show up, again and again, for your future self.
So if you’ve ever thought, “My life’s too boring to document,” I’ll leave you with this:
What if it’s not?
What if it’s just waiting to become something worth watching—if only you’d hit record?
