Step 1: The Importance of Focus

Research from Cornell University indicates that it takes approximately 9.5 minutes for an individual to regain productive flow after switching between digital applications. Studies reveal that context switching can decrease productivity by as much as 40%.

Spending excessive time refining your content strategy instead of creating can lead to this context-switching dilemma. You're bouncing between the 'big picture' and 'fine details,' which can drain your mental energy. If you find your thoughts consumed by 'content strategy' every time you sit down to write, consider this:

• Designate a day within the next week to concentrate solely on your content strategy.
• Allocate two hours on that day for planning and reflection.
• Commit to implementing that strategy for the next three months.

The problem with content strategies is that one can easily get lost in the pursuit of perfection, ultimately avoiding the very actions that will grow your audience—creating content. It’s more beneficial to devise a strategy once and then get to work rather than spend countless hours fine-tuning elements that may not significantly impact your results.

Step 2: Emphasizing Sustainability

According to the Harvard Business Review, establishing microhabits—small, incremental changes over time—can significantly aid in developing new habits. If you take on too much too quickly, the outcome may be disappointing, and you might find yourself feeling down.

Creating a sustainable content strategy is essential. Extreme bursts of productivity followed by burnout are not a viable long-term strategy. Here’s how I approach my content creation:

• What are my objectives? (growth, income, quality?)
• How do I gauge success? (as mentioned above)
• For what duration will I maintain this approach?

The goals I set at the beginning of each quarter dictate the rhythm and strategy for my content. I establish direction early on and then focus on execution.

Choose a pace that you can realistically maintain. Avoid optimizing solely for output—determine what you can genuinely accomplish in a week and aim for that.

Step 3: Mastering Your Craft

Judit Polgár achieved the title of grandmaster in chess at just 15 years old. Her parents, László and Klara, homeschooled her and her sisters, instilling in them a daily practice of chess. By 2000, all three sisters were ranked among the top ten female chess players globally.

"It's not the time you put in, but what you put in the time." — Josh Waitzkin.

Intentional practice often distinguishes the truly exceptional from the rest. It’s not merely about showing up; it’s about how you engage. In 1985, Professor Benjamin Bloom studied the early lives of 120 elite performers and identified key factors that correlated with their success:

• Intense practice
• Committed mentors

While the timing of your practice matters, dedicating a consistent amount of time (I typically write for 2 hours each day, 5 to 6 days a week) is crucial. However, the focus should be on how effectively you utilize that time.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it's not just about what you create, how often you create it, or even how you do it. What truly matters is the content itself—the ideas you convey and the narratives you share.

Whether it’s a tweet a week or a thread a day, the content you produce defines you, builds your audience, and expands your reach. For those looking to cultivate their creative endeavors while juggling a full-time job, consider joining over 17,500 creators in the Part-Time Creator Club for valuable resources and guidance.

Struggling with content creation? Shift your perspective with these five insights to enhance your strategy.

Learn how I grew my LinkedIn following from 0 to 100,000: My personal journey and actionable steps.