Document, Don't Create
A content strategy focused on documenting your existing work and life rather than creating content from scratch.
Also known as: Document Over Create, Documenting, Real-Time Content
Category: Writing & Content Creation
Tags: content-creation, strategies, authenticity, personal-branding, productivity
Explanation
Document, Don't Create is a content philosophy popularized by Gary Vaynerchuk that reframes content creation. Instead of asking 'What content should I create?', ask 'What am I already doing that's worth documenting?'
**The Core Shift:**
Most people think content requires performance—sitting down to create something new. But you're already doing interesting things: working on projects, solving problems, learning skills, having conversations. Documentation turns existing activities into content.
**Why It's Easier:**
- **No blank page problem** - The content already exists
- **Authentic by default** - You're showing reality, not performing
- **Sustainable** - You're not adding work, just capturing it
- **Unique** - Your actual experience is one-of-a-kind
- **Builds trust** - Audiences see the real you
**What to Document:**
- Your daily work and processes
- Problems you solve and how
- Conversations and meetings (with permission)
- Behind-the-scenes of projects
- Your learning journey
- Wins and failures
- Decision-making in action
**Implementation:**
1. Identify activities worth capturing
2. Set up simple capture systems (phone, notes, screen recording)
3. Extract content from documentation
4. Repurpose across platforms
**The Mindset:**
You don't need a content idea—you need a camera on your life. The interesting moments are already happening; you just need to capture them.
**Caution:**
Documentation still requires curation. Not everything is worth sharing. The skill is recognizing which moments have value for others.
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