It can be a frustrating experience to have a bad release. Completely understand that. And the urge to deconstruct what we did wrong after is super normal. No judgment there. That is helpful to a point.
I just want to add a specific perspective about releasing right now that I think is important to note.
When everyone’s (or a lot of people’s) sales are down, it changes how we interpret the data. When engagement is waning (the combination of world events, economic stressors, and continued difficulty adjusting to post-Covid world), it changes how we interpret the data. When saturation points and discovery difficulty is at an all-time high, it changes how we interpret the data.
Not how we remain motivated. Not how we attempt to win. Just how we interpret the data.
Why?
Because the same tactics don’t work when we’re in disruption or transition. (Depending on which one we’re in.) So as the rules change, we have to adjust to the new rules.
The problem is, some of us are still playing by the old rules. Either “previous to X date” rules, or “old system” rules, or whatever old rules.
We can’t win the game by playing old rules. You don’t win football by playing rugby. You win rugby by playing rugby.
Why do I say this? Because I’m seeing a lot of people taking a lot of personal responsibility for their low release numbers or bad sales that I just don’t think need to do that. Don’t change covers again. Don’t re-do those ads again. Sometimes, the answer to luck turning is, “ok, fine, Loki… I’ll make my own luck.”
But making my own luck is primarily about not being afraid, and learning to roll with the punches.
Ultimately, you did not have access to the machine that would have made things be different. The thing you did wrong was to publish in 2025 and expect it to be 2014. Or 2018. Or 2022.
We learn to release in 2025 by remembering what’s in our control and what isn’t. By learning to play by the new rules. The rules of Loki. When I have done everything I could possibly have done, I say, “thanks past Becca,” and wipe my hands off and jump right back in to a new thing. Because what happened doesn’t define me. Only my ability to adjust defines me.
We do not let the changes rule us. We rule us. Change, do what you will. I’m not going anywhere.
Love to you all.
– Becca
