Read time: 2 min 30 sec​
​
Somewhere between the obsession with “posting 3x daily” and spending as little time as possible on content creation, we lost sight of this simple truth:
​
Contemplation is what creates good content.
​
Call me old school but I'm talking using your own brain, not AI, to:
Make meaning before making content
Find the flaws in status quo
Find ways to innovate and disrupt
Connect dots that only you can connect because of your unique lived experience
Reflect on lessons learned
Analyze your wins
Noodle on thought-provoking questions that you haven't quite figured out yet
​
That's what'll make you stand out, make you money, and future-proof your brand.
​
It's more effective than parroting what other people are saying. Replicating what's worked for them. And of course, outsourcing your thinking to AI. Sure, those things have a time and place and particular contexts where they can be useful.
​
But if that's all you're doing? You're not just leaving money on the table. You're missing out on joy, purpose, and your unique contribution.
​
Plus, contemplation is good for the brain. So, all good things. You want those for yourself, no?
​
You'll hear marketers (including myself) talk about visibility as the lifeblood of personal brands. But visibility without thought is just noise.
​
It's just volume for the sake of appeasing the algorithms and competing for attention. That feels devoid of soul. And it's not gonna work when almost everyone is playing that game.
​
Reflection, on the other hand, is becoming more and more rare. We're getting increasingly impatient and want all things to happen in a fraction of a second.
​
But thinking is worth the time for founders who create content.
​
When you set aside time to reflect, you'll start noticing what your industry normalizes that you refuse to co-sign. You'll notice what your audience is struggling with. You'll notice the patterns beneath the surface issues.
​
And if you create content from that place, you'll say stuff that's worth returning to. Your perspectives and reflections on your lived experiences will build your authority. It will set you apart. It's what sparks lightbulb moments for your audience and makes them think "O wow, I've never heard someone say it like that".
​
AI can help you speed up the articulation of your thoughts but it can't originate your worldview. Your perspective is your brand, your differentiation, and your product.
​
So practice contemplation for the joy, the brain health, and the business ROI. Because I promise you that soulless content ain't gonna fly these days.
​
Here are a few easy peasy ways you can build a contemplation practice that powers your content:
1) Go for solo walks without podcasts, audiobooks, or music.
2) Keep a running list of thoughts with your POV on the topic you want to be known for. I do this on the Notes app on my phone.
3) When you do consume content, take a minute to jot down some reflections before moving on to the next book, webinar, newsletter...etc. If I skip this step, it's in one ear and out the other.
4) Don't be so quick to respond to a question from a client/subscriber/follower. It's ok to take the time you need to provide a thoughtful response.
5) Take a few minutes everyday or week to journal about what was hard, what was easy, what was interesting, what was unusual, what was delightful, what was infuriating.
​
Do those 5 things and you'll naturally start creating content powered by your point of view.​
​
​Also, if you want thought-provoking content prompts that are designed to draw out your unique POV, consider joining Momentum​.​
​
With care,
Natalia
​
P.S. I'd love to hear your POV on this topic. Even if you disagree. Just hit 'reply' to share your thoughts on the topic.