Every creative wants to excel, but here’s the hard truth: trying to do it all is holding you back. The real secret to success? Doubling down on what you do best and collaborating with others who excel where you don’t. As a video maker or content creator, your ability to focus on your strengths and partner with complementary talents can take your work to the next level.

The Power of Knowing Your Role 

I’ll never forget an afternoon with Karl, an Emmy-winning motion graphics artist. We were working on a half-hour show for a major network, and he stopped by my edit bay to review some sequences. As we discussed the graphics he was building, Karl said something that caught me off guard:

“Paul, I’m not a storyteller. That’s what you’re good at. What I do is motion graphics.”

In just three sentences, Karl summed up what so many creatives struggle to embrace: he knows his strengths and focuses on them. Collaboration like this isn’t just practical—it’s transformative. By owning his lane, Karl created extraordinary work, and by trusting him to do what he does best, I was able to elevate the storytelling and the entire project.

Why Doubling Down Works 

To find your lane, start by understanding how you’re wired. Are you an exceptional writer but a mediocre designer? Then focus on writing and collaborate with a designer who excels at visuals. Hollywood directors don’t make movies alone—they work with professionals who are 9s and 10s at what they do.

When everyone focuses on their strengths, the results are world-class. Think of your creative project as an orchestra—when each musician plays their part, the result is a masterpiece. But one person trying to play every instrument? That’s chaos.

How to Double Down on Your Strengths

1. Identify Your Strengths: Be honest about what you do well versus what you do just okay. What’s your 8, 9, or 10 on a scale of 1 to 10? Focus there.

2. Outsource Your Weaknesses: Whether it’s hiring a motion graphics artist or collaborating with a skilled writer, find pros who complement your skills.

3. Collaborate Intentionally: Build a team where everyone plays to their strengths. Not only does this make your workflow more efficient, but it also brings fresh perspectives to your work. The synergy of complementary talents often leads to creative breakthroughs you couldn’t achieve alone.

4. Let Go of Perfectionism: You don’t need to master every skill—you need to deliver excellence in your role. Trust others to do the same in theirs.

A Personal Example 

When Karl and I worked on that show, I could have tried to design motion graphics myself. But it would have taken hours, and the results wouldn’t have come close to Karl’s Emmy-winning quality. By focusing on storytelling and letting him handle the graphics, we created a piece that exceeded expectations.

The Takeaway 

Doubling down on what you do best isn’t about limitation—it’s about liberation. By focusing on your strengths and collaborating with others who excel in their roles, you create work that’s not just good but exceptional.

Call to Action 

Take 10 minutes today to write down your top three strengths and one area where you could benefit from collaboration. Could you partner with a motion graphics artist, a copywriter, or a colorist? Then, visit paulstevenforrest.com for resources to help you build your dream team and create exceptional projects.