Unlocking the Secrets to Non-Obvious Content Creation
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Chapter 1: The Rise of Content Creators
The internet has become a canvas for creators everywhere. With just a connection and a little free time, individuals are sharing their thoughts online, transforming the web into a collective consciousness. This phenomenon is exhilarating.
However, it often becomes apparent how similar many of these thoughts are. Perhaps it's that people are merely speaking without truly thinking.
The Meeting Monologue We’ve all encountered that one individual in meetings who seems to relish the sound of their own voice. They can stretch a simple point into a lengthy monologue, rendering listeners disengaged.
“Ah, Brian's at it again. I’ll just plan my dinner instead.”
While his intentions may be good, it’s a recurring issue. Unless someone intervenes to steer the conversation, we’re left in a state of bewilderment until he finally concludes.
Avoiding the Brian Trap It's essential to break this cycle. Our brains seek out novelty—much like a baby exploring new objects. Here are examples of content that typically lack freshness:
- Habits as a Life Hack: Yes, we’ve all read about them, especially in "Atomic Habits."
- Systems to Simplify Life: Sure, I’ve got my Notion setup.
- Reading for Better Writing: I read, I promise.
These ideas are well-trodden ground; we need more depth, more innovative thinking. It’s not about reinventing the wheel but rather shifting the conversation away from it. Your contribution should focus on one of these three aspects:
- Personal experiences
- Applications of science/data
- Connecting seemingly unrelated ideas
Section 1.1: Crafting Non-Obvious Content
This leads us to a crucial question: How can you, as a creator, develop non-obvious content? How can you cut through the constant chatter and make your voice heard?
I’ve devised a method I refer to as the “Flip, Shake, Bake” strategy:
- Flip a Common Idea: Consider habits, for instance, which are often viewed as the key to achieving goals. Challenge that notion: perhaps habits are detrimental and stem from misguided advice.
- Shake in New Ideas: Mix this flipped idea with other concepts such as time of day, life stages, emotional states, happiness, health, polarization, systems, creativity, and personal experiences.
- Bake to Reveal New Insights: From this mixture, you might conclude: While habits can lead to automation and achieving goals, at what cost to our mental and emotional states?
Putting It All Together
Initially, you may be drawn to the obvious or the easy route. It’s tempting to type out a few words and revel in the quick satisfaction of productivity. Resist that urge.
This provides only fleeting gratification and can lead to long-term issues. Instead, aim for depth in your content. Elevating your content strategy will propel you toward your goals.
Join the hundreds who subscribe to the Part-time Creators Club for free. I’ll send you a valuable tip each Saturday to enhance your creative journey.
Chapter 2: Insights from Independent Creators
In this chapter, we will explore content creation through the lens of independent creators, examining how they carve out unique spaces in a crowded digital landscape.
The video title is "Independent Creators You Should Check Out" - this resource provides valuable insights into the work of various creators and how they differentiate themselves from the crowd. Discover their unique approaches and find inspiration for your own content creation journey.