Consume or Create

Human behavior seems bimodal when it comes to content — people largely fall into either a creation or consumption mode, with few striking a true balance.

Personally, I've felt the ebb and flow of this. I go through phases where I consume a lot of content, and then I go through creative phases. As of late however, I feel like I'm trapped in the depths of consumption. I find myself scrolling through social media, reading articles, and watching videos, but not creating anything of my own. I feel like I'm in a rut, and I want to get out of it.

I think both sides have benefits - though I feel like the rewards are more outsized when making things. Or perhaps, the rewards aren't as real when simply consuming.

I'm reminded of my experiences at school - just watching a class recording was not enough to learn. I had to grind problem sets, and to write code or build things. I had to make mistakes and learn from them.

In the gym, I can watch other people lift weights on Instagram, but that doesn't help me get stronger. I have to put in the work and do the boring things.

I know this, and yet I still find myself more likely to find another video to watch than to sit down and write something, or play music, or work out.

This post is more of a note to self than anything else. Time to swing the pendulum in the opposite direction.

And importantly, it doesn't have to be for an audience. I can create for myself. I can write for myself. I can play music for myself. I can lift weights for myself. I can make things for the sake of making things.

If you're in a similar rut, I encourage you to join me. Let's get out there and make something.