5 Reasons to Stop Obsessing Over Gear & Start Creating Today

It’s easy to fall into the trap of obsessing over the next piece of gear you want, especially when you’re just starting out. The promise of better quality, smoother shots, or a more professional look can make you feel like the right equipment is the key to success. But the truth is, waiting for perfect gear is one of the most dangerous things a creator can do. It keeps you from taking action, which is the only real way to learn and develop skills. Studies show that 90% of what we learn is forgotten within 30 days if we don’t put it into practice. That means every hour you spend watching tutorials or reading guides is practically wasted unless you start creating content. In this post, we’ll cover five reasons why you should stop waiting for the perfect setup and start creating today. 1. Obsessing Over Gear Stops You from Taking Action When you’re caught up in researching the latest cameras, lenses, or editing software, it’s easy to lose focus on what truly matters: creating. The quest for the “perfect” setup can become a form of procrastination, making you feel productive while actually holding you back from making real progress. Why It Matters: The only way to improve as a creator is by doing. Each day spent waiting for better gear is a missed opportunity to practice, learn, and grow your skills. Tip: Set a challenge for yourself to create something with your current setup. Instead of waiting, start experimenting with the tools you already have and see what you can create. Even basic smartphone cameras can capture impressive content—here’s how to use slow motion effectively to elevate your videos without upgrading gear. By shifting your focus from gear to action, you’ll begin to see real improvement in your work—and you’ll be building the skills that make a difference regardless of the equipment you use. 2. Action is the Only Way to Learn and Develop Skills Watching tutorials and reading about techniques can be helpful, but real growth happens when you put that knowledge into practice. Simply knowing how something works isn’t enough—you need to try it out, make mistakes, and learn from them to truly improve. Why It Matters: Skills are built by doing. Without applying what you’ve learned, it’s easy to forget details and miss out on valuable hands-on experience that will make you a better creator. Tip: After watching a tutorial or reading a guide, take what you’ve learned and apply it in a small project. Even a short clip or simple edit can help reinforce what you’ve just learned. If you’re practicing with your current gear, understanding how focal length affects smartphone video can help you maximize your results with whatever camera you have. Practicing with what you have helps cement your knowledge and allows you to build confidence in your skills, setting you up for even greater success when you do eventually upgrade your gear. 3. Most Information is Forgotten Without Practice Studies show that 90% of what we learn fades away within 30 days if we don’t put it into practice. This means that every tip or trick you pick up in tutorials is likely to be forgotten unless you apply it. Knowledge alone isn’t enough; you need consistent practice to retain and reinforce what you’ve learned. Why It Matters: Without hands-on application, even the best information will slip away, leaving you right back where you started. Practicing immediately helps lock in new skills, making them second nature over time. Tip: After learning something new, commit to using it in a real project within the next few days. Whether it’s a camera technique or an editing trick, applying it right away solidifies it in your memory. 4. Your Skills Matter More than Your Equipment It’s easy to think that better gear will instantly improve your content, but the truth is that your skills and creativity are what truly make the difference. Almost any technique you learn can be applied to a basic setup, and a skilled creator can produce impressive results even with minimal gear. Why It Matters: A talented creator with basic equipment can often produce higher-quality content than someone with expensive gear but limited skills. Mastering fundamentals like lighting, composition, and storytelling will elevate your work far more than any single piece of equipment. If you're looking to refine your composition skills, check out this guide on cinematic composition for essential techniques. Tip: Focus on perfecting core skills—like framing, lighting, and editing techniques—with what you have. These foundational skills will benefit you with any future gear upgrades. 5. There Are No Excuses: Start Creating Today At the end of the day, the tools you need to start creating are likely already in your hands. Waiting for better gear is just an excuse to delay the process. Every successful creator started somewhere, often with minimal or imperfect equipment, and they improved over time by taking action, not by waiting. Why It Matters: Starting now, even with limited resources, builds momentum and allows you to learn and grow. The creators who make progress are those who take what they have and begin, while those waiting for ideal conditions often never start at all. Tip: Take one simple step today—film a short clip, experiment with editing, or create a storyboard. Each action is progress, and each small step builds toward your ultimate goals. Starting today means you’re already one step closer to improving and creating the content you envision. Don’t let waiting for gear hold you back—begin with what you have, and let the journey teach you. Conclusion The obsession with gear can be a huge obstacle to getting started and improving as a creator. While new equipment can enhance your content, it’s your skills, consistency, and creativity that truly drive success. Waiting for the “perfect” setup keeps you from taking action, and without action, there’s no growth. Remember, the knowledge you gain from tutorials and guides will only stick if you apply it. Each project you complete with your current setup brings you closer to mastering your craft.