15 Lessons From 5,000+ Posts
it took me so long to distill these
I’ve written online since 2009.
When I started, blogs were the new big thing.
I watched social media become mainstream, then evolve, and evolve, and evolve some more.
Through it all, I wrote… every single day… no matter what.
It’s a calling.
I literally can’t not write and share.
That’s why I’ve stayed consistent for so long.
It’s a big part of my purpose here on Earth. I feel that on such a deep level.
And as I reflect on this 17+ year journey, here are some of the biggest lessons I learned:
Note: Even if you have no intention of being a public writer or content creator, these lessons can be applied to your spiritual journey, creativity, career, relationships, etc.
1: No one really knows what will work for you in terms of content.
Yes, there are principles. But you need to find out yourself through experimentation.
2: Getting attention can be easy, but building trust is what really counts.
Don’t trade your reputation for shortcuts.
3: Post about things you’re actually interested in.
You’ll burn out quick if you don’t really care. So choose genuine passion over what’s popular.
4: Focus on the process.
Commit to creating consistently instead of some crazy sprint, shortcut, or quick hack.
5: Write down every idea you get.
Keep it all in Notion or your notes app.
6: On days you feel uninspired, draw from your database of ideas.
I literally have thousands of pieces of content I’ve never shared in my Notion lol.
7: Let yourself be imperfect.
Perfection will kill your momentum.
8: Have fun more often.
If you don’t have any fun, you’ll burn out (and stifle your creativity).
9: Show your personality.
AI can do generic, professional-speak. But only you can showcase your unique personality. Own it.
Plus being 100% yourself is the biggest differentiator in a world of copycats and polished images.
10: Find friends, not just ‘followers.’
Genuinely connect with people you vibe with. This opens up opportunities.
11: If you attach your worth to likes, you’re going to drive yourself crazy.
Let go and experiment.
12: You don’t need to have it all figured out (or even pick a niche).
Let your brand evolve naturally over time (based on feedback and what lights you up).
Nintendo started out selling handmade playing cards. Lamborghini started with tractors. LEGO started with wooden household items.
Create, experiment, and be open to pivoting based on what happens.
13: Most people who see your content are silent lurkers.
So no engagement doesn’t mean no one’s paying attention. Sometimes people love your content and never engage.
14: Get really clear on your core values and let them shine through your content.
Make your vision, mission, and values your only creative constraints.
Experiment boldly as long as it’s in alignment with your values.
And use your values as lenses that give your content its own unique flavor.
15: The best content is part of a purpose or movement that’s bigger than your ego (and benefits others).
A higher purpose is the best fuel. And people feel it.
Which one of these resonates most with you?
Let me know.
With gratitude,
Stephen Parato
PS - Have you seen my updated offer suite? Check it all out below.
The Sovereign Creator
What is it?
Over four weeks, we’ll identify where you’re editing yourself, help you express your work more honestly, build a bold daily creative practice, and create opportunities through authentic outreach.
Who is it for?
Conscious creators of any kind (writers, artists, entrepreneurs, content creators, freelancers, coaches, consultants, etc).
Interested? Here’s where to go: thesovereigncreator.carrd.co
Conscious Creator Atlas
I recently launched the Conscious Creator Atlas.
It’s a curated publication and living index that helps aligned creators discover each other and collaborate on meaningful work.
The Conscious Creator Atlas is a space to find collaborators, new opportunities, and build an intentional network of like-hearted people.
Examples of what this could facilitate:
Authors finding high-vibe artists to illustrate books.
Founders of conscious brands finding conscious copywriters.
Mastermind groups forming with people with similar visions/missions.
Finding collaborators and experts to contribute to retreats or workshops.
Discovering your next coach or mentor.
When we share our gifts and shine our light, who knows what amazing things these collaborations will lead to.
My Books & Journals
Fiction:
The Realmwalkers - Story about time travel, sound healing, the Oneness of all, etc.
Sozwik - About an extraterrestrial sasquatch shaman
Non-fiction:
Journals: