Let me drop a truth bomb that hit me like a ton of bricks: If you’re still consuming, you’re not creating. It took me a while to wrap my head around that concept, but once it clicked, my whole approach to life and business shifted.
Think about it. We’re living in a world drowning in information. It’s like standing in front of a fire hydrant and guzzling from it, hoping to quench your thirst. Scrolling through endless TikToks, binge-watching the latest docuseries, and reading every word of the latest “how to become a millionaire” blog-a recipe for feeling busy but not productive. I used to be that person. My digital habits felt productive until I realized I was more sponge than creator,soaking in content without ever wringing it out into something of my own.
Picture this: I was knee-deep in YouTube videos about entrepreneurship. I mean, I was devouring them like a kid at a candy store. But rather of being inspired, I became paralyzed. I thought I had to learn every nuance before I coudl share my own ideas. But consuming that much left me in a loop of endless contemplation without action-a purgatory of indecision.
Here’s the kicker: consuming is safe.It feels good, right? It helps you avoid the terrifying blank page staring back at you. But that comfort comes at a cost. The minute you start creating-actually putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard-you’re stepping into the chaos. And chaos is where all the magic happens.
Creating demands vulnerability. It’s raw. It’s messy. You put yourself out there, and the world gets to judge your work-your thoughts, ideas, and, yes, your flaws. I remember hitting “publish” on my first blog post. My hands were shaking, heart racing, terrified of how it would be received. But the feedback was a revelation. Some people loved it, and others? Well, they gave me the kind of constructive criticism that pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. There’s power in that.
Here’s the deal: the act of creation forces clarity.It demands you to take all that knowledge you’ve been hoarding and distill it into something actionable. It often reveals insights you’ve never considered. I started sharing my thoughts on social media with no expectations. I didn’t hold back, sharing everything from marketing strategies to personal failures. And slowly,I stopped being a consumer. I became a creator, shifting my identity in a big way.
Let’s talk about the narratives we tell ourselves. We often think, “I need more information before I can start.” But that’s the lie. It’s like the perpetual student who never graduates. The truth is, the best way to learn is by doing. You don’t learn to swim by reading about diving techniques; you jump in and flail a little until you find your rhythm. Every piece of content you create pushes you forward.
I’m not saying don’t consume. There’s immense value in learning from others.But once you’ve taken in some knowledge, it’s time to flip the script. Share what you know. Develop your perspective. Your unique take doesn’t need to be groundbreaking; it just needs to be genuine. If you spend more time consuming than creating, ask yourself why. Often, it’s fear. It’s the fear of failing, the fear of rejection, or sometimes, the fear of success. That’s powerful, but it’s paralyzing.
As you navigate this journey,consider who you want to be. Identify your voice and wield it with authenticity. Your experiences-your struggles, triumphs, mess-ups-are the ingredients in your creative output. People connect with real stories, not polished sales pitches.
it’s about finding that balance-consuming just enough to fuel your fire without letting it extinguish your creative spirit. Challenge yourself to create. Make it a daily habit,even if it’s just a small contribution to your craft. Trust me, your perspective matters more than you think.
So, what are you waiting for? Go create something raw, real, and resonant. Be bold enough to share it with the world. When you’re entrenched in your own creation, you’ll hardly have time to consume, and that’s where the transformation begins. This is your challenge, your moment to step out of the shadows and into the light. Now go feel the fear and do it anyway.