We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Parth Patel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Parth , thank you so much for making time for us today. We’re excited to discuss a handful of topics with you, but perhaps the most important one is around decision making. The ability to make decisions is a key requirement for anyone who wants to make a difference and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your decision-making skills.
I developed my decision-making skills by balancing multiple responsibilities that require constant prioritization and time management. With college courses, I need to make strategic choices about how much time to devote to studying and completing assignments while still making room for other activities. This demands assessing deadlines, understanding course requirements, and deciding which subjects require more focus at specific times, such as when studying for any of my business courses or managing other intensive tasks.
Balancing a job with academics enhances my decision-making because it forces me to schedule work hours around class times and study periods. This requires deciding when to work based on energy levels, commitments, etc. Each week, I look over my workload and decide which tasks to prioritize to maintain good performance at both work and school.
My passion for YouTube gaming videos and Twitch streaming adds another layer of decision-making complexity. As a content creator, I have to think about my audience and when to stream or upload videos, factoring in the best times for engagement and how long editing, recording, or streaming sessions take. Deciding when to spend time on content creation versus academic work, for me, It’s about maintaining consistency.
Going to the gym regularly requires planning, especially when I am trying to fit it in with an already packed schedule. I developed the skill of understanding when my energy is at its peak and how to manage my fitness goals without sacrificing other activities. My time in the gym might serve as a mental reset from more cognitively tasks, which helps improve my performance across other areas.
Finally, making posters on Photoshop for fun adds a creative outlet that balances out my more structured responsibilities. The decision to allocate time for this hobby, despite my already busy schedule, reflects an understanding of the importance of creativity and relaxation for my overall well-being. Even though it’s recreational, I use it as a way to recharge and refocus, allowing me to return to other tasks with fresh energy.
Through all these activities, I have developed a strong sense of self-discipline and a method for managing my time effectively. By constantly assessing the importance of each task, balancing priorities, and staying flexible enough to adapt when things don’t go as planned, I have honed decision-making skills that help me thrive across my varied interests and commitments.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My journey into gaming content creation is one of passion and growth. It all began on November 9th, 2012, when I posted my first video on YouTube. I was driven by a genuine love for video games and the excitement of sharing my gameplay with others. The thrill of recording my gaming moments and putting them out for the world to see sparked a fire in me. Over time, I started learning more about video editing, engaging with my audience, and understanding what resonated with viewers. This wasn’t just about gameplay; it was about building a community of people who shared a passion for games. Through consistency, creativity, and dedication, I turned a hobby into a growing platform that reflected my evolution as a content creator.
In 2021, I expanded my creative reach by diving into Twitch streaming. Streaming live added a new level of excitement, as I could interact with my viewers in real time, building even stronger connections with my audience. It took dedication to learn the platform, figure out the best streaming schedule, and maintain a balance between my streams, college, and other commitments. But I kept pushing forward, fueled by my desire to create live experiences that connected people through gaming.
In 2022, all that hard work paid off when I became affiliated on Twitch. This was a huge milestone, one that reflected not only by my consistency but the community I had built. It felt like a personal accomplishment. It represented years of passion and dedication. It solidified my place in the gaming content space, and I felt a profound sense of pride in how far I came.
Alongside my gaming journey, my passion for graphic design has grown in parallel. I have channeled my creativity into making posters that are inspired by my favorite video games, anime, TV shows, and movies. Each poster I design is like a tribute to the stories and characters I love. Whether it’s capturing the dynamic energy of a game or the emotional depth of an anime, the posters I make is an expression of how deeply these forms of entertainment resonate with me.
Photography, too, holds a special place in my creative repertoire. While I may consider it as a smaller part of my artistic journey, it allows me to capture moments. Editing the photos I take brings out a different kind of satisfaction, as I can experiment with lighting, colors, and composition. Whether it’s a landscape, a candid moment, or an artistic shot, photography helps me see the world in new ways and adds another dimension to my creative passions.
All of these pursuits—gaming videos, Twitch streaming, poster design, and photography—are deeply personal to me. They represent different aspects of who I am, from my love of gaming and storytelling to my artistic expression and my ability to connect with people. They’re not just hobbies; they’re a reflection of my passions and how I channel my creativity into things that matter deeply to me. Each project, whether it’s a new video, a live stream, a poster, or a photograph, carries a special significance because it’s part of my journey and an expression of what I love.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey so far, the three qualities that have been most impactful are time management, creativity, and effective communication. These qualities have shaped both my personal and professional growth, helping me balance everything from college coursework to gaming videos, Twitch streaming, and my job.
1. Time Management
Time management has been crucial, especially as I’ve juggled multiple responsibilities like being a college student, a Gaming YouTuber, Twitch streamer, and having a job. Balancing these activities is no small feat, but I’ve learned to structure my time around priorities and use tools like a to-do lists to stay organized. Early on, I realized that setting specific time blocks for each activity helped reduce stress and made me more productive. By planning out my days in advance, I can allocate enough time for schoolwork, work on my YouTube videos, stream on Twitch, hit the gym, and even unwind creatively through graphic design.
Advice: For anyone just starting their journey—especially college students—developing time management skills is essential. Start with small habits like planning your week or setting time blocks for your most important tasks. Prioritization is key: know what requires your attention most urgently and tackle it first. Tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or even a simple planner can make a world of difference in organizing your time effectively.
2. Creativity
Creativity is another quality that has had a major impact on my journey, especially with my work in graphic design, YouTube, and Twitch. I’ve always been passionate about creating new things—whether it’s designing posters, editing photos, or thinking of innovative ways to engage my audience online. The great thing about creativity is that it’s a muscle: the more you practice, the stronger it gets. I started with basic design and content creation skills but always pushed myself to improve. Whether it’s experimenting with new design techniques in Photoshop or trying different styles for my videos, I’m constantly looking for ways to grow.
Advice: If you’re early in your journey, embrace the idea that creativity isn’t just for “creative people.” Everyone can cultivate creativity by challenging themselves to think differently. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes. If you’re into something like design, video creation, or streaming, keep improving by watching tutorials, learning from others, and experimenting with your work. Growth comes from being willing to evolve and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
3. Effective Communication
Effective communication has been another cornerstone of my development. Whether it’s engaging with my audience on YouTube and Twitch or interacting with professors, peers, and colleagues, I’ve found that being clear and thoughtful in my communication is vital. Early on, I learned that successful communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about listening, understanding the other person’s perspective, and responding in a way that adds value. This is particularly helpful in collaborative environments, where the success of a project often depends on how well you communicate with others.
Advice: For college students and anyone looking to improve communication, start by focusing on active listening. Make sure you fully understand what someone is saying before you respond. When speaking or writing, aim to be as clear and concise as possible. In professional settings, this skill will help you stand out, whether in interviews, teamwork, or even networking. Strong communication is one of the most universally valuable skills you can develop.
These three qualities—time management, creativity, and effective communication—are essential in navigating both personal and professional challenges. For college students or anyone in the early stages of their journey, these skills can provide a foundation for success. Start developing them by creating a structure for your time, constantly working to improve your creativity, and enhancing your communication skills. Over time, you’ll find that these qualities not only help you in school or at work but also lead to personal fulfillment and long-term success.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, especially with schoolwork as a Business major while trying to balance my job, YouTube, Twitch streaming, and going to the gym, I’ve learned to take a step back, prioritize, and apply a few key strategies. Feeling overwhelmed is something that happens to all of us, but managing it well is what makes the difference.
What I Do When I Feel Overwhelmed:
Break Things Down into Small Tasks
When I’m feeling like everything is piling up, I break down my tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if I have a major school assignment due, I’ll break it into parts: research, outline, draft, edit, and final submission. This not only makes the task feel less intimidating, but also gives me small wins along the way. I apply the same strategy to making gaming videos or prepping for a Twitch stream. By focusing on one piece at a time, I make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed by the big picture.
Prioritize What’s Urgent vs. Important
Not all tasks are equally important. When schoolwork, my job, and content creation feel like they’re all demanding attention, I sit down and figure out what needs to be done first. Deadlines for school come first, but I also carve out time for the things that fuel my passion, like streaming or working out. Learning to prioritize has helped me make better decisions about where to invest my time and energy. Knowing that not everything needs to be done right now is key to reducing stress.
Set Boundaries and Take Breaks
I used to think that working non-stop was the only way to keep up with everything, but I’ve learned that taking breaks and setting boundaries is essential to avoiding burnout. Whether it’s stepping away from schoolwork for an hour to hit the gym or relaxing by editing videos, those breaks help me reset and return with fresh focus. When it comes to streaming and YouTube, I’ve set limits on how often I’ll post or stream to avoid feeling like I have to create all the time. Giving yourself permission to step back is a powerful tool for managing overwhelm.
Advice for People, Especially College Students:
Develop a Routine
Establishing a consistent routine can help reduce the feeling of chaos. As a college student balancing multiple responsibilities, having a set schedule has helped me manage my time more effectively. Set specific times for study, work, creative projects, and relaxation. Over time, this routine becomes second nature and helps you feel more in control of your time.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Feeling overwhelmed is normal, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Whether it’s reaching out to a professor for clarity on an assignment or asking a friend for advice, getting support can make a big difference. In my case, I’ve reached out to peers, tutors, or even online communities when I’ve felt stuck. Don’t isolate yourself; chances are, others are feeling overwhelmed too, and connecting can lighten the load.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to perform well in school, work, or personal projects, but beating yourself up for feeling overwhelmed only makes it worse. I’ve learned to accept that some days I won’t be able to get everything done, and that’s okay. Recognize your efforts and progress, even when things aren’t perfect. Over time, this mindset shift helps relieve the pressure to be constantly productive.
Managing overwhelm comes down to balance, prioritization, and taking care of yourself. For college students, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in feeling stressed, but developing effective strategies can help you stay on track. Break things down, set boundaries, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menceparth/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ThatParth_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParthGaming982
- Other: Twitch Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/menceparth982 Art/Photography instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/valleyvibezz/
