It was the wise and much-loved thinker of our time who said, "The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem." And while Captain Jack Sparrow may not be known for his business insights, this statement holds true in the world of video production. Success in this industry isn’t just about the skills you have—it’s also about how your mind works.

This idea is the foundation for a new series I’m introducing: The Inner Game of Video Production. In a rapidly changing industry, how can you transform your beliefs and your business? How do you move beyond the status quo to forge your own path?

The Game of Business and the Power of Mindset

The world of video production is evolving quickly. AI, automation, and new technologies are revolutionising the way we work. Just as in an escape room, where you follow clues to break free, you must find the strategies and habits that will allow you to escape stagnation and propel your business forward.

Think of it like an aeroplane on the runway. What fuel do you need to reach escape velocity? What systems and processes will help you take off and sustain momentum? Success isn’t about luck—it’s about fortifying yourself, refining your strategy, and building the right habits.

The Non-Negotiable Elements of a Thriving Video Business

To sustain and grow a video production business, certain elements are essential:

• A Reliable Lead Generation System – You can’t depend solely on referrals or paid ads. You need a sustainable, predictable system to attract new clients.

• A Strong Sales Process – Knowing how to convert leads into clients is crucial.

• Consistency in Execution – Success comes from implementing the right strategies consistently, even when they’re not exciting or glamorous.

• A Commitment to Growth – You need to be willing to do what most others won’t, to get results that most others can’t.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

One of the biggest obstacles in business is self-limiting beliefs—convincing yourself that you can’t achieve more, that certain goals are out of reach, or that success is reserved for others. The reality is, these beliefs aren’t truths—they’re just ideas that can be replaced with better ones.

Developing resilience and mental toughness is key. Whether it’s endurance sports, martial arts, or another discipline, practising persistence and discomfort in one area of life helps translate that strength into business. Over time, what once felt difficult becomes second nature.

The Myth of Effortless Success

A major deception spread by online gurus is the idea that success is easy—that you can build a thriving business while working minimal hours. The reality? Those same people worked incredibly hard to reach where they are, and now they sell the illusion of ease. Don’t fall for the shortcut mentality. Instead, focus on mastering your craft, marketing effectively, and developing systems that make your business run smoothly.

Do You Want to Stand Out?

The truth is, not everyone is willing to put in the effort required to build a top-tier video production business. And that’s okay. Some prefer to take on work sporadically or supplement their income elsewhere. But if you want to be in the top 20% of this industry, you need to be prepared to do what 80% of people aren’t willing to do—learn marketing and sales, refine your systems, and lead a team effectively.

Like fitness, once you build a strong business foundation, maintaining it becomes much easier. But you need to be willing to put in the initial work.

Take Action Today

If you’re ready to break free from the limitations holding your business back, now is the time to take action. Developing a system for attracting leads, converting them into clients, and delivering outstanding work on time will set you apart. And the good news? You don’t have to figure it all out yourself.

This is exactly what I help video production business owners do. If you want to learn more, visit ryanspanger.com/coaching to discover how we can work together to build a thriving, resilient business.