Throughout this post, you’ll find questions to prompt your thinking. I’ve also dropped the questions into this Google Docs document<\/a> so you can use it as a mini worksheet. Importantly, it incorporates the pointers outlined here, which means you’ll be taking first steps towards content developed a la<\/em> conscious creator. You will also find a link below to the worksheet, as well this graphic you can save as a reminder of what to do – and what not to do. \u2935\ufe0f\u2935\ufe0f<\/p>\n This will help:\u00a0>>> Access the conscious creator questions here <<<<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n We live at a time when depth of almost any kind is eschewed in favour of a quick skip across the top. I call this butterflying. I have absolutely nothing against butterflies – love them, in fact – however fluttering around means you never land anywhere, and if you never land anywhere, it’s not possible to dig deep. Other factors prevent deeper work:<\/p>\n Another challenge is that most business owners don’t see themselves as content creators, let alone as a conscious creator<\/strong>. I mean, with so much already on their plate, can you blame them? But as I wrote recently<\/a>, if you have a purpose and you’re in business, there’s a very good case for approaching your content creation and marketing like you care about it. Although I probably sound like Captain Obvious, here’s what I’ve observed:\u00a0most people who have a purpose and are in business don’t<\/em> approach content creation for their business this way, even though there’s enormous value in doing just that.<\/p>\n So, to the question what is a conscious creator? I define it as a business owner with a purpose who takes a more thoughtful, considered approach to their content creation in the interests of sharing what’s most important both to them. They do this in a way that makes sense to their audience without losing the technical integrity of their message, and they are prepared to invest in their content just like it’s any other asset that helps them achieve their business goals.<\/p>\n Before we look at how to be a conscious creator – I realise you’re keen to find out – but just hang with me on this one for a bit. Let’s delve into why<\/em> you’d be a conscious creator.<\/p>\n Okay, so there’s absolutely no pressure here if you can’t see any good reason for being a conscious creator. Why? Because it just isn’t for everyone. Some (most) people just want their content done yesterday. They are looking for the quick-fix-silver-bullet-solution that will free them up to do anything else but content They are a hundred percent A-okay with content that sounds like somebody else’s. But for those among you who aren’t so easily impressed, here are some very good reasons to consider being a business owner who also just also happens to be a conscious creator:<\/p>\n I’ve discovered very few business owners start out with the idea they’ll make content like a conscious creator<\/a>. There’s just too much going on with their business set up and they falsely assume it will be all too hard. In fact, the opposite is true, if you follow the tips below for creating your content consciously.<\/p>\n >>> Also helpful: How to make like a content creator [even if you’re an overwhelmed business owner]<\/a> <<<<\/em><\/p>\n While every ancient wisdom tradition tells us there is great value in slowing down, it’s also widely acknowledged today that the pace of contemporary life doesn’t lend itself to this. In fact, slowing down is\u00a0counter-intuitive to just about every piece of content marketing advice. Keeping pace with changes demanded by every social media platform update and each shiny new marketing bullet does not easily lend itself to slowing down, because if you did, well you might just miss that one thing that will make all the difference.<\/p>\n There is a list a mile long with this approach, which means I won’t cover them all, but here are just a few things to consider:<\/p>\n I know I am not alone in experiencing times of overwhelm from invisible pressure around a limitless list of to-do’s which always pales against the list of ‘dones’. As long as we approach content creation (or anything this way), we will feel we’re running someone else’s race; that we’re swinging on the coattails of someone or something else instead of being centred and clear about what is right for us at any given time. On the other hand, slowing down affords us the opportunity to gain peace of mind that is not possible when we are frantic and rushed. From this position, we can make wise decisions about what is right for us, and to create consciously. Undoubtedly, content created from this position is connected and connects.<\/p>\n Wondering how to slow down when everything about you urges you to do otherwise? Here’s a tip. You can wait until you’re completely overwhelmed, frustrated, dissatisfied, and out of options (think of it as having hit a content brick wall), or you can make a decision to slow down before you reach that point. And if you’re not there yet, perhaps the content conveyor belt isn’t quite painful enough. Slowing down is more a decision than anything else and making it in good time can prevent unnecessary loss.<\/p>\n I find that when we slow down, there is a chance to ask and answer better quality questions like:<\/p>\n As a recovering workaholic, I know my answers to these questions are always about not being\/doing enough. Enough according to whom or what? I don’t know, just some content god that sits on high. But if I’m clear and certain in my purpose and keep stepping in that direction, I can be confident that things will unfold exactly as they’re intended. So be assured slowing down to be a conscious creator will always work.<\/p>\n >>> Read this too: 3 Surprising and essential tools for freelancers [Are these in your emotional toolbox?]<\/a> <<<<\/em><\/p>\n Amongst other things, slowing down is a precursor to thinking more deeply about how we create content for our business, yet many of us resist deep thinking. It’s just easier to follow what others do, right? Wrong. It may be easier in the short term, but it’s not satisfying. When we slow down, we have time to think, to marshal our thoughts, and bring about order before moving forward. It is from this position we can create our very best work. You only need look at those who have been brave enough to value slowing down and thinking. In previous posts I’ve mentioned great thinkers like Abraham Lincoln who made time for thinking like this each day, but in the current always ‘on’ environment, unless we make a conscious decision, this valuable thinking time will elude us, sadly to the detriment of our purpose.\u00a0Thinking has been shown to stretch our minds, allow us to become lost in an activity, while also becoming more connected because we’re in a state of flow. Rather than feeling agitated and rushed, we can create more meaningful outputs that better serve us and those with whom we share it.<\/p>\n If you’re keen to learn more about thinking and working more deeply, read Cal Newport’s Deep Work<\/em><\/a>, which explains these concepts beautifully, then make a commitment to approach the development of your purpose and content this way. Consider too whether you are willing to make this kind of commitment.<\/p>\n Start your deep thinking journey here when you access the free worksheet in Google Docs<\/a> and watch this 2 minute explainer video below\u00a0\u2935\ufe0f\u2935\ufe0f<\/p>\n![\"alt="conscious](\"https:\/\/www.macushlacollins.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/This-not-that-for-people-with-purpose-IG-FB-Story-576x1024.png\")
<\/h2>\nWhat is a conscious creator?<\/h2>\n
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Why be a conscious creator?<\/h2>\n
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#1 Slow right down to be a conscious creator<\/h3>\n
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<\/h3>\n#2 Take time to think deeply<\/h3>\n