The Truth About YouTube Success No One Wants to Say Out Loud
When I heard Ali Abdaal say, “I think the main reason I got rich was because I had an unhealthy obsession with making money,” something in me clicked.
Not because it was shocking—but because it was familiar.
I’ve worked with over 2,000 women on their YouTube journeys, and I can tell you firsthand: obsession isn’t optional. It’s the differentiator.
The creators who break through? They’re not just talented or lucky. They’re obsessed. I’m talking midnight thumbnail ideas, voice notes at 2am, laptops on vacation kind of obsessed.
Not in a toxic hustle-culture way—but in a relentless, purpose-driven way.
And Ali’s not wrong. Every successful creator I know has gone through a season where YouTube took over their brain. Not forever—but long enough to build momentum that most people never reach.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Sacrifice is required. Whether it’s time, sleep, or money, you will give something up to make this work.
- Time investment matters. Growth demands hours—hours that most aren’t willing to give.
- Mental bandwidth is the secret sauce. When you start thinking in content ideas, you’re getting close.
But here’s the key: obsession without strategy leads to burnout. Obsession with a plan? That’s how you build something sustainable.
That’s why I created my YouTube Bootcamp—to give you the tools, feedback, and roadmap to turn your creative fire into real, lasting success.
If you’re ready to go all in—smartly—I’d love to support you.
Because yes, it takes obsession to make it on YouTube.
But with the right strategy?
You can be obsessed—and still protect your peace.
Resources
- Register for my FREE Masterclass
- CLICK HERE to get the Audience Attraction System
- Add your name to the YouTube Bootcamp waitlist so you are notified when space becomes available!
- Add your name to the 1:1 Coaching waitlist!
YOUTUBE OPTIMIZATION PLUG-IN I RECOMMEND
TubeBuddy [Use the code ErikasBuddy to get 20% off]
MY FAVORITE BUSINESS TOOLS
Course Creation: Looking to create a course? Kajabi is the BEST platform hands down. I use this for my course after extensive research on all the other platforms.
Live Calls and Interviews: I use Ecamm for my podcast interviews, both audio and for YouTube that you see here on YouTube. It makes it super easy to share my screen and create the split-screen with my guest. I’m not super techie and this software is really easy to use!
Webinars and Live calls: I use Zoom.us for my group coaching calls in my private membership group for female YouTube creators. It’s also the software I use to record my Road to 100k YouTube Subscribers Masterclass!
THE BEST YOUTUBE/PODCASTING EQUIPMENT
After interviewing HUNDREDS of successful YouTube creators, and being asked all the time what equipment I recommend for YouTubers, I created a list! Click here to see all my recommended equipment for YouTubers!
Podcast Music Credit: Boop by x50 @x50music
Music provided by Free Music for Vlogs youtu.be/o52xQkQWzyU
*Erika Vieira is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com.
**Disclaimers: all opinions are my own, sponsors are acknowledged. Links in the description are typically affiliate links that let you help support the podcast at no extra cost.
