A step by step.

Because the most radical thing you can do in 2026 is apparently to think for yourself...

Step 1: Don’t read an article that tells you how to think for yourself.

Seriously.
Go outside.
Talk to people with differing opinions.
Do your research.
Source answers from articles, papers, news outlets, opinion-based content.
Argue, be passionate.
Stand up for yourself.
Do something for yourself (and I don’t mean get your nails done).

In the world of being a business owner, an entrepreneur, a creative it can feel like our autonomy to think has been stripped back to appeal to the masses.

Experience and history shows that if you actually just speak to a really really super niche group of people, your messaging will be more effective.

We don’t want generalists. We want specific, highly experienced, talented individuals that look into our souls and speak directly to us, our fears, anxieties, hopes and dreams.

Don’t forget that your opinion is your point of difference. The way you think — people pay big money for that. Because anyone can technically ‘do’. But your knowledge, experience, values, thought process, inherent wisdom all shows up in the way you think about a problem or challenge or creative solution.

As a group, we’re being dumbed down. Nuanced conversations, the rise of AI, the ‘what about me’s?’ it’s all contributing to a collective of sheep that move and look and speak the same. And in reality, that’s no way of creating a stand out brand.

So, next time you’re tempted to ‘tweak’ an idea you saw on socials, think again.

Think for yourself.
Even if it’s shit — it gets easier.