Hey! Welcome to the (final) Creator Economy NYC newsletter (of 2025), your weekly dose of insights and strategies to help you build, monetize, and scale as a creator.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday. We’re now entering the weird time-warp period between Xmas and New Years, which I always find is a great time to organize and prepare yourself to hit the ground running in the new year.

So for this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing an updated version of our newsletter from a year ago on two frameworks that transformed my own creator journey. And, I'm giving you the exact templates I used for free.

Plus, announcing out first event of 2026.

Let's dive in.

— Brett

Two frameworks that improved my creator journey (and will improve yours too)

Framework #1: the identity shift

Three years ago, I opened a blank document and typed six words that changed everything:

"I WILL BECOME a networker and connector."

Not just "I will organize events." Not "I will grow my network." I focused on who I wanted to become, not what I wanted to do.

This idea came from James Clear's concept of identity-based habits, and here's why it's so powerful for creators:

When you define your identity first, your actions naturally align. A YouTuber doesn't "try to make videos" - they create because that's who they are. It shifts your mindset from "I have to post content" to "This is what creators like me do."

That single identity declaration sparked what became Creator Economy NYC. Every time I felt uncertain about hosting an event or reaching out to someone, I'd remind myself: "This is who I am now.. a connector."

The results compound:

• A thriving creator community in NYC that now hosts regular events across the city, generating 6 figures in revenue

• Hundreds of meaningful connections that turned into collaborations, friendships, and opportunities

• A natural ease in building relationships because it became part of my identity

Now think about 2026. Instead of "I will post three times a week" or "I will grow to 10,000 followers," what identity do you want to claim?

Maybe it's:

• "I WILL BECOME a YouTuber" (not just someone who posts videos)

• "I WILL BECOME a community builder" (not just someone who organizes events)

• "I WILL BECOME a product creator" (not just someone who launches digital products)

See the difference? When you declare "I WILL BECOME a YouTuber," you start thinking like one. You naturally ask: "What would a successful YouTuber do here? How would they approach this?" The actions flow from the identity.

Framework #2: the power of visual accountability

Two years ago, I set another identity-based goal: "I WILL BECOME a newsletter writer."

But this time, I added something crucial - visual accountability for the actions needed to embody that.

After declaring that identity, I created a simple design: 52 empty orange circles. Each circle represented one promise to show up every single week as a newsletter writer.

I call them "Progress Rings."

Here's why this system works:

It makes the intangible tangible. You can literally see your progress. The simplicity removes all excuses ("The lighting isn't perfect" or "I'm not inspired today"). And it creates a visual streak you don't want to break.

The psychology is powerful:

• Your brain loves closing loops (those empty circles beg to be filled)

• Visual progress triggers dopamine that motivates continued action

• Public accountability creates positive pressure to keep showing up

For me, over two years of using this system, the results speak for themselves:

• 1,000 → 12,100 subscribers (+1,110% growth)

• 168,000 words written

• 56% average open rate

But the most satisfying metric? Those filled circles. Each one represents a promise kept to myself and to you.

And today, I get to fill in the final circle of 2025 for the second year in a row.

Three resources for you

The beauty of these systems is their simplicity. You don't need complex tools or expensive software.

What you need is:

• Clarity about who you want to BECOME

• A simple, visual way to track your consistency

• A commitment to showing up, even when the algorithm seems against you

Because I want to see you actually do this in 2026, I'm giving you three things:

1. The Goal Setting Guide – A simple but powerful document to help you declare who you want to BECOME in 2026. [Get it here for free →]

2. The Accountability System – Your visual companion for consistent creation in 2026. [Get it here for free →]

You'll be prompted to add your email, then you'll get both to edit directly in Canva.

3. F*ck It, Create It (20% off for year-end) - Now here's the thing: declaring an identity and tracking progress are powerful. But the real obstacle is the voice in your head saying "maybe next week" or "I need to plan this more."

That's why I created this course. It's designed to help you overcome the overthinking and analysis paralysis that stops most creators before they even start.

I’d recommend taking the course, then use the workbooks above after. That's the best way forward.

Use code ‘2026’ for 20% off through January 5th. [Enroll here →]

Here's to becoming who we want to be in 2026, one goal and one filled circle at a time. 🍻

Best influencer marketing conference of the year

Speaking of showing up where the opportunities are - I'm heading to Creator Economy Live West in Las Vegas this January, and I think you should come too.

Here's the deal: CEL West is the largest creator-focused conference built specifically for brands, creators, and agencies who are serious about this space.

We're talking 50+ expert-led sessions, six content tracks covering everything from brand partnerships to community building, and 500+ people in the room ready to connect and collaborate.

I'll be there meeting with brands, connecting with creators in our community, and honestly just soaking up what's working right now in influencer marketing.

I snagged 20% off tickets for you - so if you've been thinking about attending… this is your sign. Let's go to Vegas, learn some things, and make it fun.

2026 Creator Economy NYC Kickoff

Our first Creator Economy NYC event of 2026 is officially on the calendar.

We're kicking off the year the right way: drinks, music, good conversation, and a little goal-setting to set the tone for what's ahead. More details to follow.

Wednesday, January 28. Come start 2026 with us.

That's it for this week. Thanks for reading and for being here for all 52 weeks this year. Here's to filling more circles in 2026.

See you in the new year,

Brett