Tips For Creating Content That Fills Your Tank vs Simply Filling Your Feed
If you’re in the creative space and leveraging social media for your business, you’ve likely felt it - that relentless pull to release content just to keep up. Every platform requiring a unique approach and a specific format.
It’s easy to fall into the cycle of chasing engagement and sticking to a rigid posting schedule. All of it wrapped in the promise that with each post, you are that much closer to your goals of “growing your business.”
But let’s call it what it really is: EXHAUSTING.
Social platforms weren’t built to nurture meaningful creation. They’re designed to exploit our craving for quick dopamine hits - feeding off our insecurities and pushing us to create for the sake of keeping the algorithm happy. It’s a space where quantity gets rewarded over quality. And when you’re working in the creative space, it’s all too easy to get caught up in this grind.
We’ve all been there—making something not because it genuinely lights a fire in us, but because we feel that we have to. There’s this fear that if we miss that next post, the momentum will stop, and we’ll fall behind. Or worse, we’ll fade into irrelevance. And the platforms? They love that we feel this way. It keeps us producing AND keeps us scrolling.
But here’s the thing - Creating just to keep the machine fed is draining. It leaves you questioning what you’re even working toward.
I’ve learned over time that there’s a better way - a way to focus on filling your tank instead of just filling your feed. It’s about creating work that aligns with your values - that fuels your purpose - and that challenges you to grow.
Work that feels like you.
Because when you come from that place of authenticity, it doesn’t just connect more deeply with your audience—it connects more deeply with yourself.
Creating From A Place of Authenticity
I first realised this during the making of the film Find Your Hidden Gem. It brought me back to those small, quiet moments of wonder and reminded me of why I picked up a camera in the first place. It showed me that there is a way to create content that resonates with your soul and is sustainable—both monetarily and creatively.
When your work aligns with your purpose, something changes. It’s no longer just content—it’s something bigger. Something that pushes you, that reminds you why you’re here, and that pulls others into your story. People feel the passion when it’s real, and that connection? It’s unmatched.
This post is about stepping away from creating for the algorithm’s sake and moving toward work that gets you excited.
Work that fills your tank and helps you grow. Let’s dive into how to shift from just feeding the machine to building a creative journey that truly matters.
Filling Your Tank vs. Filling Your Feed: Finding Purpose in Your Creative Journey
Filling your tank is when you’re creating work that actually means something to you. It’s about chasing personal goals, pushing yourself artistically, and telling stories that matter. It’s the kind of work that fuels you, reminds you why you started doing this in the first place. It’s fulfilling in a way that likes and comments just can’t match.
Then there’s filling your feed. That’s when you’re cranking out content just for the sake of staying visible. No real purpose, no personal connection—just ticking the boxes for engagement or to hit some imaginary standard. And trust me, it drains you faster than you’d think. Yes, you can build your business this way but will it be lasting or will it lead to burnout?
When you focus on creating with purpose—on filling your tank—it’s not just about feeling better about your work. It’s about finding your voice, carving out something meaningful, and building connections with people who actually get what you’re trying to say.
We are creatures who love to create and to continually evolve and adapt. To become better versions of ourselves.
The film below is an example of just that. In this film, Kevin Kossowan discusses why following your passion can unlock incredible opportunities. It was during the filming of this short documentary where everything made sense for me. It reinforced the need to truly follow your north star and chase the vision you have set out for yourself. That doing the hard thing is worth it.
Practical Steps to Fuel Your Creativity
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for intentional and purpose-driven creation, let’s dive into actionable tips that can help you stay aligned with your goals and maintain a fulfilling creative journey that lasts. These tips aren’t just about producing content - they’re about building a framework that nurtures your vision, deepens your storytelling, and balances the demands of creative work with personal growth.
Whether you’re redefining your creative purpose, curating inspiration, or learning to step back and recharge, these tips are designed to help you create with intention and meaning.
Let’s break it down.
Tip 1: Identify Your Creative Purpose and Goals
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that creating without a clear purpose is like wandering in the dark — you might get somewhere, but it’s probably not where you want to be. Taking the time to nail down your “why” and setting meaningful goals can be the difference between work that feels empty and work that actually lights you up and makes an impact.
Define Your Why: Clarify what you want to achieve with your work (e.g., storytelling, advocacy, artistic experimentation).
Set Project-Based Goals: Define specific goals for each project to avoid generic or filler content and ensure each piece contributes to a larger vision.
Revisit and Adjust Goals Regularly: Periodically review your goals to stay aligned and adapt them as your creative journey evolves.
Tip 2: Curate Sources of Inspiration Carefully
Inspiration is everywhere, but let’s be honest - not all of it is worth your time. When you’re intentional about what you take in, you’ll find your creativity feels more grounded and less like you’re chasing after cheap dopamine hits. Focus on taking in content that helps you grow both personally and professionally versus content that distracts you.
Quality Over Quantity: Be selective with sources that resonate with your creative purpose (e.g., films, books, online portfolios, niche channels).
Seek Out Intentional Content: Follow accounts and creators whose work aligns with your goals and offers meaningful insights rather than just engagement tactics. It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking easy wins here. Engage with this content and these creators.
Look Outside Your Field for Broader Perspective: Draw inspiration from outside of your niche or discipline (e.g., architecture, fine art, literature) to enrich your storytelling and visual style.
Tip 3: Limit Social Media Consumption
Social media can be a blessing and a curse, right? It’s easy to get sucked into the scroll and lose hours, but when you set boundaries and use it with intention, it becomes a powerful tool rather than a time sink.
Set Time Limits for Social Media Use: Limit time spent on social media to avoid distractions that don’t contribute to your creative vision.
Prioritize Active Engagement: Use social platforms intentionally, engaging with content that aligns with your goals, rather than passively scrolling.
Use Social Media as a Tool, Not a Destination: Treat social media as a means to gather inspiration or connect with like-minded creators, rather than an end goal for content consumption.
Tip 4: Focus on Storytelling and Meaningful Connections
Storytelling is where the magic happens. It’s not just about putting something out there—it’s about creating something with heart and meaning, something that connects to a broader goal or message. When you focus on the story you’re telling, everything else falls into place.
Ask Yourself “What Story Am I Telling?”: Ensure every piece of content has a clear narrative or purpose that resonates with your creative goals.
Connect to Broader Themes or Causes: Consider how your work impacts the world. Are there any social issues, cultural themes, or aesthetic exploration you can explore?
Document Your Process and Reflect: Keep a journal to record ideas and inspirations, and reflect on what resonates most with your vision.
Tip 5: Balance Creating with Personal Recharging Time
Creativity isn’t endless—it needs space to breathe and grow. Taking time to recharge and reflect is just as important as the time you dedicate to your work. When you prioritise quality over churning out constant content, you not only protect your creative energy but also create work that truly matters.
Set Aside Time for Recharge and Reflection: Regularly dedicate time to recharge creatively without the pressure to produce, allowing ideas to develop naturally.
Practice Mindful Consumption: Use downtime to engage with content that enriches you rather than just consuming for the sake of it.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity in Your Portfolio: Consider creating fewer, high-quality pieces that reflect your growth and purpose, rather than frequent output that may dilute your vision.
Tip 6: Be Willing to Experiment and Evolve
Creativity thrives on curiosity and courage. Being willing to try new things—even if they scare you a bit—can unlock growth you didn’t see coming. And remember, it’s okay to change direction. Let each project teach you something new, shaping both your craft and your purpose along the way.
Embrace Experimentation with New Techniques and Styles: Try new approaches that challenge and inspire, even if they diverge from your usual style.
Reflect on What Resonates Most with You and Your Audience: Use each project as a learning opportunity to refine your artistic voice.
Be Open to Change: Allow your creative purpose to evolve naturally as you gain new insights or inspirations.
Tip 7: Discover the Value in Your Content
When it comes to creating meaningful work, understanding the value of what you’re putting out into the world is essential. But how do you even begin to define that value? I believe it starts with asking yourself a few key questions:
What purpose does this content serve? Is it solving a problem, sharing a unique perspective, or inspiring someone to take action? Content that adds value to your audience’s lives is far more impactful than something created just to tick a box.
Who is it for? Knowing your audience is crucial. When you understand their struggles, passions, and curiosities, you can create work that truly resonates.
Does this align with my values? If the content you’re producing doesn’t reflect what matters most to you, it can feel hollow. The most powerful work comes from a place of authenticity.
By digging into these questions, you’ll begin to uncover the deeper value behind what you create. This not only fuels your purpose but helps you cut through the noise.
Remember, it’s not about the volume of content you produce—it’s about the impact it makes. When you focus on creating value, the likes and comments will come as a by-product of genuine connection.
Creating With Purpose Changes Everything
At the heart of all of this is a simple idea:
Creating with purpose changes everything.
When you take the time to align your work with your values and focus on storytelling that matters to you, the process becomes so much more. It becomes fulfilling both personally and professionally.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to step back and reflect on why you’re creating in the first place. When you approach your projects with intention, your work resonates more deeply - not just with your audience but also with yourself. And that’s the key to building a body of work you’re proud of. Work that stands the test of time.
So, take a moment.
Revisit your goals.
Challenge yourself to create content that excites and inspires you.
Because when you lead with purpose,
the rest falls into place.