How to Stop Feeling One-Dimensional in Your Niche

April 25, 2016

Sitting on a patio during a local mini-mastermind meeting with Sarah and Anthony, they asked me how my business was doing now that I had taken the leap.

I was excited to tell them I had a consistent flow of coaching clients coming in, was working on a few new products I was particularly jazzed about, and that the #createlounge expansions were in full swing, but then I shared something I had yet to say out loud: I was starting to feel one-dimensional.

Feeling one-dimensional is a problem for me since I’ve always been multi-passionate. It’s just how I’m wired. While others stick to the mastery of one craft, I yearn to explore all facets of my creativity.

Luckily, there’s a way to niche down without feeling one-dimensional.

These actions are helping me along the way and I hope they can help you too if you’re starting niching down is feeling constricting.

Find a new creative outlet

Bonus points if it is unrelated to your business! Sharpening a new skill and finding a new place to pour your creative energy into doesn’t have to take energy away from your business. It can instead restore your creativity so you can come back to your work with a fresh perspective and new ideas.

That thing you’ve been meaning to do? You should go do that. For me, it’s watercolor painting, something I never thought I’d try after bad art class experiences with paper mache and sculpting clay. (Don’t ask!) Will I ever start a blog about painting or sell one of my canvas pieces? All signs point to no, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of my time to explore that ache.

Give a behind-the-scenes look into your life

One of the best ways I’ve found to combat feeling one-dimensional is to share something else that is happening in my life. It not only better connects me with my audience, but also gives me more freedom to be who I really am and show up in a bigger way. I do this primarily through Twitter and Instagram, but feel free to choose the platform that fits you best.

Sharing these updates are also a great reminder that there is a real person behind your brand, a person with many interests, perspectives, and values.

Don’t put your everything into one thing

You’ve heard the phrase ‘Don’t put your eggs all in one basket’. The same is true for your business and life. No single facet of your life should make up your full identity. I say this as someone who is recovering from making work my everything. Your title should never stop you from exploring a new facet of your creativity.

Give yourself some space

Listen to cues from your body and mind. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, uninspired? First, know that your feelings are valid. Second, you may need to give yourself a break. If you need to take a small hiatus or take a creative retreat, do that! You’ll come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to tackle your upcoming tasks.