A personal monopoly is basically the unique combination of your interests, skills, and perspective that only you can offer. It’s not about hype or following trends, it’s about figuring out what you naturally bring to the table that no one else does. David Perell calls this your “personal monopoly,” and building it helps you stand out in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.

Here’s how to create one using a personal monopoly worksheet:

1. List your obsessions: Write down the topics, hobbies, or ideas you keep coming back to, even if they seem random or unrelated.

2. Identify your strengths: What skills or experiences do you have that connect to those interests? Think about things you do well or have deep knowledge about.

3. Find your unique angle: Look for patterns or overlaps in your obsessions and strengths. What’s your particular way of seeing or doing things that others don’t have?

4. Describe your voice: How do you naturally communicate? Are you funny, straightforward, deeply analytical? This is part of your personal monopoly too.

5. Put it all together: Write a short statement or summary that captures your unique combination, your personal monopoly.

Why does this work? When you know your personal monopoly, you stop trying to copy others or chase what’s popular. Instead, you focus on what fits you naturally, which feels more authentic and sustainable. It also makes your work or content clearer and more memorable because it reflects a consistent, genuine perspective.

Use this worksheet whenever you feel stuck trying to figure out what makes you stand out - whether you’re building a career, creating content, or just trying to understand yourself better. It’s a practical tool to help you focus your energy on what really matters: being the one-of-a-kind person you already are.