Why ‘Finding What Works for You’ Beats Following a Formula Every Time
Have you ever scrolled through social media, spotted someone’s polished five-step plan for success, and thought, That’s it—that’s the answer?
It’s understandable. When the path ahead feels foggy, a clear-cut formula can look like salvation. A content calendar, a launch system, a proven blueprint—it promises simplicity. Predictability. Guaranteed results.
But the truth is, following someone else’s formula—no matter how shiny or successful it looks—is the fastest way to get stuck.
The Hidden Cost of the Playbook
Formulas are built on assumptions. They work perfectly for the person who created them because they fit that person'sstrengths, energy, and structure. They found what worked for them.
But the moment you try to duct-tape their process onto your life, the cracks appear.
They overlook your individuality.
Formulas flatten nuance. They ignore how you think, create, and move through the world. Maybe you do your best work in quiet, reflective bursts—not through daily video updates. Maybe you thrive on depth, not visibility. Your work should flow from who you are, not force you to become someone you’re not.
They breed external pressure.
When you measure yourself against someone else’s system, you end up chasing results that weren’t designed for you. You start asking, What’s wrong with me?—instead of asking, What actually works for me? That’s how curiosity gets crushed and burnout begins.
They block real progress.
Sustainable growth happens through iteration—small, consistent improvements rooted in what you learn along the way. A formula demands adherence. It leaves no room for exploration or adaptation. You end up following Step 3 when the better answer for you might have been Step 3.5.
You have permission to challenge the formula. You don’t need to do it their way to succeed.
The Liberating Shift
The core of my work is simple: Find and do what works for you.
It’s a shift from external authority to internal discovery—a mindset that frees you to build a creative life that actually fits.
In practice, it looks like this:
Autonomy over compliance.
Instead of forcing yourself to post daily Reels because “video converts,” lean into what energizes you. If writing long-form ideas on Substack feels natural, build from there. That’s your strength.
Respecting your limits.
If networking events drain you, stop trying to force extroversion. Build relationships through genuine, one-to-one connection or through the clarity of your written work. Consistency matters more than performance.
Clarity over chaos.
Stop chasing every new tactic. Use grounded frameworks (eg. I use SEEK) to clarify your strengths and direction. Focused effort always outperforms scattered motion.
Your work doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be effective.
It just needs to be true to you—something you can sustain with curiosity, clarity, and calm persistence.
The best plan isn’t the one with the most steps.
It’s the one that fits your life.
If you’re ready to uncover your unique strengths and apply them to your work, start with my free “What Works for You?” Playbook.