How To Stand Out Without Selling Out

Picture this: you're out there in the vast digital ocean, shouting into the void like a lost sailor. Why? Because Most creators follow the same advice, sticking to narrow paths, copying each other without thinking for themselves, and rarely making an impact. Playing a game of follow the leader, but nobody's actually leading anywhere worth going.

And even if some do catch attention, it often comes at the cost of their authenticity and mental well-being.

But today, we're going to change that. I'll show you how to stand out without losing your soul in the process.

What Most People Think:

When I started, everyone told me to find my niche. "Oh, just squeeze yourself into this little box and watch the followers roll in!" they say. But let's be real here: niches are like trendy diets—they might work for a hot minute, but they're not sustainable, and they sure as hell won't make you happy in the long run.

This advice might work for big corporations or ice cream trucks, but for creators like us, it's a trap.

Here are a few reasons why?

• Niches are like tiny prison cells: Imagine locking yourself into a tiny box labeled "This is who I am." Newsflash: you're not the same person you were five years ago, and neither is your work. By limiting yourself too early, you're slamming the door on endless possibilities.
• You're limiting your reach: Sure, a niche might draw in a specific crowd, but what about everyone else? By narrowing your focus, you're waving goodbye to potential fans who could've vibed with your work.
• You're sacrificing authenticity: You are more than the group you are trying to appeal to. Catering to a niche means shaving off the rough edges that make you unique. Say goodbye to authenticity and hello to conformity.
• It's a wild goose chase: The traditional approach is all about finding your target audience and then bending over backward to get them to notice you. Instead of chasing your passions, you're chasing after an elusive audience that may or may not give a damn about what you have to offer.
• It's a creativity killer: Most creators have more than one interest. We are constantly chasing new ideas, always itching to try something different. Creators gonna create, but niches? They're like creativity kryptonite, sucking the life out of your wildest ideas.

I've been there, trust me. Years spent trying to cram myself into a niche-shaped box, convinced it was the golden ticket to success. But every time I thought I had it all figured out, I found myself back at square one, bored out of my mind and itching for something more.

Luckily, there's a better approach!

A Better Way to Stand Out:

Most creators miss the point. It's better to be different than to be small.

Instead of boxing yourself into a tiny niche, why not zoom in on specific problems?

We do this by using the power of storytelling.

Every epic story has its hero facing off against towering obstacles, right? Well, your job is to identify those obstacles and tackle 'em with your own unique viewpoint—a.k.a., your theme.

A theme is your story in a nutshell. It's what makes you tick, what sets you apart, and why anyone should give a damn.

While a niche might scream "unique positioning," a theme whispers "unique perspective".

Most of the time, ideas are too boring or ordinary to really stick with people.

But if we take the time to tell our story and figure out what makes our idea special and different from everything else, we have a better chance of making a real connection with our audience.

Let me explain. Imagine your best friend just recommended a movie.

What was the first thing you asked? "What is it about?" or, in other words, "What is the theme?"

This is how most people decide whether or not they find things interesting. If they do, they will watch the movie.

When people limit themselves to a niche, it's more like picking a specific genre of movies and hoping to snag a few die-hard fans who watch them.

Yes, it can attract people, but most read the description before deciding to watch anyway.

Take Sean Evans from Hot Ones, for example.

He interviews people while eating increasingly spicy wings.

But if you think about it, interviewing people is a very saturated market, and if we were to follow mainstream advice, it would be best to avoid the competition and niche down.

But instead, he decided to do things differently.

Rather than just being different, he was able to capture a large audience because he found a unique angle.

He found a unique and interesting theme.

A niche helps you find small, untapped markets. But having a unique Theme lets you stand out, even when you're swimming in a sea of competitors.

Finding Your Special Theme:

In order to find your theme, we first need to know the story.

Step 1: Define Your Why/Big Goal

Forget about all the complexity for a moment and focus on the basics.

When you strip away all the layers, we all share similar human needs and desires – like good health, wealth, relationships, and happiness.

If you have a goal, chances are thousands of others share it, and would love to hear from you.

Ask yourself:

• What's the big goal you're aiming for?
• Why is this goal worth pursuing?
• What would your ideal life look like if money weren't an issue?
• When you think about your future, what's the one thing that constantly comes to mind?

(Tip: Make it broad; think long-term.)

Step 2: Define Your Problems

Understanding your struggles can help you stand out.

People will listen to you if they're facing similar challenges, even if they have different goals.

Ask yourself:

• What frustrates you the most about your current situation?
• What excuses do you make for not achieving your big goal?
• What do you need to learn or overcome to reach your goal?

(Tip: Consider physical, mental, or philosophical obstacles.)

Step 3: Find Your Unique Perspective (3 Pillar Topics)

Everyone has their own blend of skills, interests, and curiosities that shape how they see the world.

Even if others share your goals or problems, your unique perspective sets you apart.

Don't try to fit yourself into a mold to please others; instead, amplify what you already love and showcase it to the world.

Start by:

• Listing 10 things you can’t shut up about (these can be skills, interests, curiosities, perspectives, etc.).
• Choose your top 3
• Broaden them

Gym Fitness = Health

Philosophy = Self-Mastery

Flipping Houses = Real Estate

By going broad on the topic you talk about, it gives you the freedom to relate anything to it.

For example, my topics are creativity, business, and self-help.

If I wanted to talk about what type of deodorant I use, I could very easily relate it to self-help.

Although I don't think that would resonate much!

Don't limit yourself to narrow categories; think broadly to attract a larger audience.

Your goals and problems are what draw people to you, but your unique perspective is what keeps them engaged.

Step 4: Name Game

When I say:

• Stoicism, you think Ryan Holiday.
• Boring Businesses, you think Codie Sanchez.
• Tyler, the Creator, you think Tyler Okonma.
• Ace Gordon, you think Passionpreneur.

Think of the creators you admire – they're often associated with a specific word or phrase that instantly tells newcomers what they're about.

This doesn’t have to be a new word like mine; it can be whatever you consider yourself or what type of person you create for.

The fact is, people are hard to remember, especially people's names, so you need to give them something to remember you by.

Ask yourself:

• What do I do?
• Who do I help?
• Can I combine words to create something new?
• What do I want people to remember me by?

For example, if you talk about the new creative era you can use the term “New Renaissance” to help people remember you better.

Remember, keep it broad and memorable to avoid limiting yourself.

Step 5: Write your theme

It's time to put it all together and fill in the blanks.

I'm a NAME CLAME who wants to achieve BIG GOAL. Unlike other creators, I focus on PILLAR TOPICS to achieve my goals in spite of PROBLEMS.

I will go first:

I am a Passionpreneur who wants to achieve creative freedom. Unlike other creators, I focus on creativity, self-help, and business principles to achieve my goals, in spite of the starving artist mentality, burnout, and lack of attention most creators have.

In simple terms, standing out in a crowded market isn't about fitting into a small category; it's about embracing everything that makes you unique and offering a fresh take on common goals.

By unlocking your special way of doing things, you can catch people's attention, inspire positive change, and make your mark in a busy world.