Consumer to Creator

A note on shifting to being a producer of things

One could say that life boils down to these two things:

1. Consumption

2. Creation

I believe that if we want to live fulfilled, creative lives, we must shift more of our waking hours toward creation rather than consumption.

What are you doing more of?

Consumption

Consumption is easy because it’s generally passive. It requires little effort and tends to be our default state.

Consumption activities include the following:

• Watching movies, series, or documentaries

• Listening to music

• Reading books, magazines, or articles (like this one)

• Listening to podcasts

• Scrolling through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn

• Playing video games

• Browsing and buying items online

• Watching sports

The list could go on.

There are so many things that can distract and leech our time—the list grows with each day. Not to mention the fact that we live in an age where we have the entirety of human history and knowledge at our fingertips on the other side of a glass screen.

The catch is that many of these consumption activities are inspiring. In fact, consumption is an essential ingredient for creativity. We explore what’s out there and get to see what's possible. Food, media, culture, movies, music—getting a barometer on what’s good and what we like. We can then connect the dots and go back to our work with fresh ideas to be incorporated into our art. Mindful consumption is instrumental in the creative process.

Consumption is enjoyable but it lacks deeper rewards. Binge-watching shows or scrolling social media doesn't provide that proud feeling of having made something. And there's little upside because too much consumption doesn't help us grow or develop talents in the same way that creation does.

It’s easy to stuck in a place of cyclical consumption, of not creating anything of meaning. A void, a feeling wanting, of regret.

Creation

It’s hard to shift our mindset toward creation, but it’s possible, and it requires a concerted effort.

Creation activities include the following:

• Making content for online platforms

• Writing a blog post

• Recording and publishing podcasts

• Making music

• Taking and editing photos

• Building apps, websites, or software products

• Creating physical goods, like handmade jewelry, clothing, or art

• Writing books, poetry, and short stories

• Woodworking

• Restoring a classic car

• Cooking up a new dish

Creation activities allow for more fulfillment because we are actively using our skills and talents to create something new. This feels good. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment when we finish a project that we just don't get from passive consumption.

Creation enables us to grow and develop our abilities over time through practice. And there's the potential for our creations to positively impact others, by making something beautiful, useful, or thought-provoking.

Consumption alone leads to comparison and jealousy, but creation stems from an internal drive to be something more. Focusing energy on creating rather than consuming leads to self-actualization and purpose.

Go make something.