Do you have a piece of content or a writing project that you’ve been putting off (hello, procrastination!) and you really need to get back in the swing of things?

Maybe it’s a blog post that you’re ignoring, updating (or writing) your about page (or other website content), upping your Instagram game, an email series, ecourse or podcast you want to launch, a digital product or new opt in…

#Allthethings, anyone?

If creating content feels like it’s all too hard, you don’t have enough time, and it’s taking your attention away from other areas of your biz, then it’s time for an intervention, my friend.

 

Sarah here. As a web designer, I know that content is what makes a website an effective, hard-working selling machine. So I asked my friend Brogan to talk about the vital importance of content creation. I know you’re going to love this guest post!

 

3 Step Process for Getting Your Content Done

So let’s dive straight into your 3-step process for getting your content project done and dusted (like FINALLY):

Reflect, Review, Plan

While it may seem a bit weird to start here (and not just dive right into your project) it’s really important that we start from a place of reflection, reviewing and planning. That way, we can see what’s worked well in the past, what hasn’t worked so well + put your writing project into the bigger context of your business.

 

Like always, we want to start from your why so that you can use it to drive you forward, gain momentum and see how your one writing project fits into the bigger picture.

 

Try this super simple “year in review” approach from Marie Forleo. It’s applicable at any time of year!

Recognize the resistance

Procrastination is just another name for resistance, my friend. And I’ve got something for that. Well, Steven Pressfield does in his downright amazing book, Do The Work.

Do The Work coaches you through the entire process of a creative project and also steps you through what resistance will throw at you during the beginning, middle and end stages. I highly recommend that you grab yourself a copy!

In a nutshell, here’s an overview of what you can expect throughout the creative process:

 

Beginning

Your goal: Get the basic outline and structure of your project written out.

Resistance: Watch out for the lure of research and planning. Don’t get caught up in endlessly researching and planning your project. Make. A. Start.

“Rule of thumb: The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.” – Steven Pressfield, Do The Work

 

Middle

Your goal: Fill in the gaps of your outline until you get your first draft done (aka get to writing “the end” at the end).

Resistance: Since it’s time to research in this middle stage, again, watch out for the lure of endlessly researching and planning. Also watch out for perfectionism – this is your first draft. It’s not supposed to be perfect. And it’s not supposed to be shared (yet).

“The inner critic? His ass is not permitted in the building… This draft is not being graded. There will be no pop quiz.” – Steven Pressfield, Do The Work

 

End

Your goal: Ship that sucker!

Resistance: The worst thing you can do is not finish. Be on high alert for perfectionism and kick those negative thoughts to the curb (you know the ones… “I’m not good enough / this isn’t good enough / no-one will like it / I suck at writing …”).

“Because finishing is the critical part of any project. If we can’t finish, all our work is for nothing.” – Steven Pressfield, Do The Work

 

Celebrate!

YOU DID IT. Make sure you take the time to celebrate your win (after all, you’ve been procrastinating on this… maybe for a really long time). It is a big deal.

So go reward yourself with something you love – give yourself the afternoon or the day off, buy a book you’ve had your eye on, or treat yourself to your favourite meal at a cafe/restaurant you love. Whatever it is, make sure you take the time to celebrate! No achievement is too small.

 

Need external accountability, strategic direction, and support?

As we know, ideas aren’t always the problem, it’s the implementation of those ideas.  

 

If you’re looking for accountability, support + strategic direction to help you create and implement your content strategy (your way), then I have something just for you!

I’m running a beta version of my new group and 1:1 program The Content Her Way Inner Circle at 50% off the full price.

Here’s a quick lowdown on how the program will work:

For 3 months (starting 19th June) 6 ladies will come together to form the Inner Circle. This cozy group and 1:1 program is designed to help you get your content done – no more procrastination, time wasting and not being able to prioritize content.

We’re going to focus on building a personalized content strategy that matches your business goals and your personality, all whilst making sure it’s efficient, effective, fun AND fulfilling. (Because it can totally be ALL of those things!)

Want in? Find out more about The Content Her Way Inner Circle and apply here.