Create More Than You Consume

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the whole idea of creating more than you consume. It’s a topic that’s been on my mind, especially as I reflect on my own journey over the years. Now, it’s a bit ironic, isn’t it? Here I am, producing content for you to consume, and yet I’m advocating for more creating. But bear with me; there’s a point to all this.

You see, it’s all too easy to get caught up in consuming endless amounts of information. Podcasts, blogs, videos—you name it. I’ve been guilty of it myself, spending hours soaking up new ideas and perspectives. Don’t get me wrong, consuming content is important. It’s how we learn new things, gain fresh insights, and keep ourselves informed. But there’s a tipping point where consuming becomes a way to avoid actually doing anything.

Take SEO, for example. You could spend decades reading every article, listening to every podcast (hopefully including mine!), and keeping up with every new trend. You might become a walking encyclopaedia of SEO knowledge. But unless you actually apply that knowledge, what have you achieved? Without creating something—be it a website, a blog post, a business—you haven’t moved the needle for yourself or anyone else.

It’s the act of creating that truly propels you forward. When you start putting your ideas into practice, you begin to see what works and what doesn’t. You help others by sharing valuable content, and in return, you learn and grow yourself. It’s a cycle that keeps on giving.

I remember when I first started my podcast. It took me ages to record just a few minutes of audio. I was nervous, overthinking every word, and honestly, the end result wasn’t anything to write home about. But I gave myself permission to be rubbish. I accepted that I wouldn’t be brilliant straight out of the gate, and that’s okay. The important thing was to start.

Over time, recording became easier. The content flowed better, and I began to find my voice. I’m still not saying it’s perfect—far from it—but it’s improved. And along the way, it’s helped me solidify my own thoughts and even change my mind on certain topics. The process of creating has been just as valuable for me as, hopefully, it has been for you listening.

There’s this misconception that you need to be an expert before you can create anything worthwhile. But the truth is, expertise often comes from the very act of creating. It’s like learning to draw. No one picks up a pencil for the first time and sketches a masterpiece. It takes practice, patience, and a lot of dodgy drawings before you start producing something half-decent.

The same goes for any form of creation. Whether you’re writing a blog, starting a business, or launching a podcast, the first attempts might be a bit rough around the edges. That’s perfectly normal. What’s important is pushing past that initial discomfort and continuing to create. Each piece you produce is a stepping stone, a chance to learn and improve.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that creating helps reinforce your own knowledge. There’s something about the process of putting ideas into your own words that makes them stick. And if you take it a step further and teach someone else, it solidifies that knowledge even more. It’s one thing to passively consume information, but actively engaging with it makes all the difference.

Now, I get it—putting yourself out there is daunting. There’s always that fear of criticism or that nagging thought that what you have to offer isn’t valuable. But here’s the thing: not everyone will like what you do, and that’s okay. Some people might listen to this very podcast and decide it’s not for them. That’s just part and parcel of the creative process.

But for every person who isn’t interested, there might be someone who finds real value in what you have to say. Someone who needed to hear your perspective or benefits from your expertise. And isn’t that worth the initial discomfort?

In my own experience, creating content has opened up new opportunities. I’ve connected with people I wouldn’t have otherwise met and discovered new paths to explore. None of that would have happened if I’d just stuck to consuming and never took the plunge to create.

So, if there’s something you’ve been hesitating to start—a blog, a project, a piece of art—just go for it. Give yourself permission to be not-so-great at first. Embrace the learning curve, and remember that everyone starts somewhere. The more you create, the better you’ll get, and the more impact you’ll have.

At the end of the day, creating more than you consume isn’t just good advice—it’s a mindset that can transform how you approach life and work. It pushes you to contribute rather than just take in, to be an active participant rather than a passive observer. And who knows where that might lead you?

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start creating. Trust me, you won’t regret it.