Consumption vs creation
I consumed a lot in May, perhaps more than usual. TV shows, YouTube videos, blogs, web courses, songs, and a play. I watched, read and listened to it all.
There's nothing wrong with consumption per se, but it's not the most fun role to play. Consumers are passive; they sit on the couch, waiting for the screen to light up so they can be fed all this information. The danger is that others will prey on your eyeballs to make money.
What's the function of consumption? When I look at my own consumption, it falls into three broad categories:
- Entertainment
- Distraction
- Learning
1. Entertainment
I love good stories and storytelling. I really enjoyed The Pitt, The Last of Us, The White Lotus and The Sex Lives of College Girls. These shows made me laugh and cry and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Sports also falls into this category. The excitement after watching Sweden lose out against the US in the ice hockey semi finals... well, that was a surprisingly tough pill to swallow. I didn't think I would care that much, but apparently I did.
2. Distraction
Consumption serves as a way for me to regulate tough emotions. I watch funny or emotional clips when I'm anxious, sad or stressed (usually clips from musical artists or Graham Norton interviews).
Consumption in this context helps to distract me from thoughts or emotions by filling up my senses and directing my attention elsewhere (often to a screen). It works for a while. Until it doesn't. (In which case, going to the gym or calling a friend is a better option.)
3. Learning
This part is seductive. I'm a sucker for blogs, courses, educational videos, online forums and Reddits that discuss tech, psychology, history, personal growth/finance, and nearly any topic under the sun.
I fall into this consumption rabbit hole A LOT. The theme varies, lately it's been privacy or tech-related.
I had a major Roam Research and Obsidian phase, where I would watch videos and read articles for hours. I told myself I was being "productive" but the truth was that I was just keeping myself busy. Mainly searching for "the perfect system" or chasing "the hacks" or top tips. Could this consumption pattern also fall under bucket 1 and/or 2?
Recently, I finished a few web courses as part of my clinical training. Although the videos were informative, it felt like consumption. I watched a bunch of videos and answered a few multiple-choice questions afterwards. I learned a bit from them, but I doubt the information will be stored in my long-term memory.
Balancing consumption with creation
You need both consumption and creation in your life. It's a fine balancing act. But it's more fun to create, to share your voice, and to spark a conversation. It's also way more scary and perhaps that's why so few people do it.
Some of my consumption patterns are clearly a way for me to escape reality for a while and to numb difficult emotions. That's OK, as long as it's not the only strategy I use. That's no bueno in the long run.
When I create, I generally feel better. More active. In charge. "Engaged" as the online gurus would put it. Of course, I like the combination of consumption and creation. Mixing it up, letting one/several inputs affect my outputs. I could toy with a consumption to creation ratio here if I wanted, just to keep things in check.
Consumption pulls me in. It's easy, comforting, and to an extent relaxing. Until it isn't. Until I feel that my life passes me by. That's when I know it's time to get up from the couch, bring out a pen and paper, and start to write. It's a signal that I need to connect with others and the world around me.