Issue # 177 | January 13th, 2026

Hey there,

We’re officially rolling with the 30-Day Video Challenge, and if you’ve already posted your first one or two videos, you’ve probably realized this: the hardest part isn’t hitting record, it’s getting people to actually watch.

That’s where the hook comes in. It’s the single most important thing you can master that could mean the difference between zero views and millions.

Let’s get unstuck.

Quote of the Week

"You only get one chance to make a first impression."

—Will Rogers

Story of the Week

Why Hooks Matter More Than Ever

In a world of infinite scroll, your first 1-3 seconds are everything. If you don’t grab attention immediately, your video is gone before it even starts. The best creators know this, and they obsess over their hooks.

A great hook isn’t just a catchy line. It’s a promise, a question, a surprise, or a bold statement that makes people stop and think, “I need to see where this goes.”

What Makes a Great Hook?

• Curiosity: “You won’t believe what happened when…”
• Bold Statement: “Most people are doing this wrong…”
• Direct Question: “Have you ever wondered why…?”
• Relatable Pain: “If you’re struggling with X, watch this…”
• Unexpected Visual: Something that instantly makes people do a double-take

The key? Make it about the viewer, not about you. The best hooks make people feel like you’re talking directly to them and the problem they're trying to solve.

Your Hook Homework

This week, I want you to do something a little different:

Head over to YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels — not to get lost in the scroll, but to study.

Watch consciously.

• What videos make you stop instantly?
• What’s said or shown in the first three seconds?
• Why did you keep watching — or why did you swipe away?

Save the best hooks.

• Create a folder or playlist of videos with hooks that grab your attention.
• Ask yourself: What’s the structure? Is it a question, a statement, or a visual?

Finally, borrow and remix.

• Use the framework of a great hook and make it your own.
• Stitch or remix videos that inspire you, or just use their hook style as a template for your next video.

Pro Tip: Don’t Overthink It

Your first hooks won’t be perfect. That’s okay. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. The best creators are always testing, tweaking, and learning from what works (and what doesn’t).

Your Challenge

For your next video, spend as much time crafting your hook as you do on the rest of the video. Try out a new hook style, and see what happens. And if you find a hook that works, share it with the community — let’s learn together.

Here’s to stopping the scroll!

You Can Still Join My 30-Day Video Challenge!

Yesterday, we kicked off my 30-Day Video Challenge, and we’re already off to an incredible start!

Over the next 30 days, we’re posting one short-form video every single day on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Check out my day one post here!​

By the end of the challenge, you’ll have a repeatable video series, real performance data to guide your next 30+ days of content, and a growing audience excited to come back for more.

👉 If you’re already in the challenge, keep going! The more you practice your hooks, the more you’ll see your watch time and engagement climb.

👉 And if you haven’t joined yet, it’s not too late to jump in. You might be on a different day than those who started yesterday, but 30 days is still 30 days. What matters most is showing up and putting in the reps!

Whether you’re in the challenge or cheering from the sidelines, be sure to follow #30daysuperfans on Instagram to see what everyone’s posting and show some love along the way!

Interested in sponsoring Unstuck? Fill out a sponsorship inquiry.

SPI News and Notes

Does the 30-Day Video Challenge feel like a step too far right now? Maybe you’re still trying to figure out what kind of online business you want to build. You might have too many ideas… or none at all, but you know you want to create something meaningful. That’s exactly why my free course, Smart From Scratch, exists. It’s designed to help you get clarity before you take action — so you’re building the right thing from the start. If you’re ready to take your first smart step, click here and let’s get started.​

Are you trying to grow your following on LinkedIn but feeling overwhelmed by what to post, how often to show up, and what actually makes a difference? Join Nausheen I. Chen for a live Q&A on Thursday, January 22nd. Nausheen will walk through her real LinkedIn stats, break down the strategic decisions behind her growth, and answer your questions live. This workshop is exclusively for SPI Community members. Not a member yet? Click here to learn more and join!​

If people can get the same information from ChatGPT, your content isn’t strong enough. What worked in the past no longer cuts it. So what drives audience growth in 2026? How do we build brands that stand out in the age of AI? And most importantly, how do we make ourselves irreplaceable? In this episode of The Smart Passive Income Podcast, I tackle these questions head-on and share the mindset shift required to create content with true viral potential. Tune in here!​ Want to get an email from me every time I release a new podcast episode? Click here, and I’ll make sure you never miss out!

Cheers,

Pat Flynn

Co-founder, SPI Media

Dad Joke of the Week

A dragon would never explode…

But a dino might.