A Supported to Thrive Approach to Content Creation
What exactly is “supported to thrive”? The simple version is giving yourself whatever you need to live/work/be from a full cup at the moment while keeping the big picture in mind. (I wrote a blog post and magazine article sharing about it if you want more details.)
I’ve been noticing a little guilt popping up lately around not posting/sharing my content more “consistently”. It’s an old story that I don’t fall for most of the time, but occasionally it slips through.
It popped up again this week so I’m using it as a catalyst to share my content creation approach and a piece of my journey with you (in case you navigate something similar).
A little backstory…
In 2017 I turned my creative hobby into a business. I learned how you “should” do business and did it with gusto. “Content” seemed to be an important piece of an online business so I went all in on it.
I had a content calendar and created/shared content consistently. A lot of it was inspiring quotes and pictures of my latest wire-woven jewelry piece.
After about a year of that, I found myself creatively burnt out. I was so tired from the need for constant creation (content and my jewelry). So I hired a Creative Coach who helped me bravely pivot my business in the direction I really wanted to go.
From the beginning, I knew one thing was going to be VERY different in my new business. Whatever I did had to be sustainable and joyful.
I wanted a business where I thrived and felt alive. I would no longer run on the “should” treadmill of business that left me feeling depleted and empty.
So I began loads of experimenting and trying on different things to see what fit and what didn’t. Eventually, an approach emerged in an unexpected way.
The theme of “supported to thrive” isn’t just something I use in my content approach but in every aspect of my life. However, for the purpose of this post, I will focus on content creation.
My current approach…
1 - Identify what you want to say/share/teach
Knowing what you want to accomplish with your content is important to creating impactful content. Let yourself find the clarity and begin.
2 - Create it in a manner that fits the resources (time, energy, brain capacity, creativity) you have available
If you’re in flow, go for it and create it! If you find yourself struggling to create then do it in mini bursts. Allow it to come and be intentional in your creative process. Honor what you need, but don’t let fear turn that into procrastination or hiding.
3 - Take any extra steps that feel empowering to you
This could be so many things.
One example is maybe you're beginning to write/create and it feels intimidating, then you might find a colleague that will give kind and honest feedback about what you’ve created.
Another example could be you publish it right away or sit with the final copy for a set amount of time before hitting publish.
4 - Share it and let your best be good enough
Perfect isn’t the goal. Creating and sharing something meaningful is. Do your best and let it be enough.
My current creative boundaries/mantras…
-If I don’t have the resources I’m not going to force it
-Play and create as much as possible
-Share what I want when I want
-Let my best be good enough
-No “shoulds” allowed
Some supportive content creation habits…
-Identify/set your creative boundaries (what you create, frequency of sharing, etc)
-Let yourself play and create as much as possible
-When you feel inspired to create/write something use that to fuel the creation
-Set guideposts for your content creation that are aligned with your business goals
-Capture all of your content ideas in a document/notebook
-Build a simple daily writing habit (100 words) to keep your writing muscles primed
-Write the crappy first draft and refresh and refine it as your skills grow
-Share it when it’s good enough (even if it doesn’t feel ready)
“Perfect isn’t the goal.”
Really a “supported to thrive'' approach to creating content is about giving yourself permission to do it on your own terms from a full cup.
With my approach, I might appear inconsistent on the outside, but I am in fact being incredibly consistent with holding to my values and desire to prioritize my own well-being.
I take brave action with self-compassion. It isn’t always easy (remember the guilt I can occasionally feel from not being consistent in posting) but it’s always worth it.
What are your thoughts?
Do you struggle over appearing/being inconsistent?
What would feel like a “supported to thrive'' approach for your content creation (or other creative practices)?