Chapter 1: Understanding the Creator's Struggle

Are you someone who creates but finds it hard to stop consuming? The paradox of generating more while taking in less is a fascinating topic.

"Congratulations! You’ve set a new record with your reading streak: 108 weeks!"

Though I was not shocked by this statistic, I was unaware that my Kindle monitored my reading habits. I do know that I tackled over 100 books last year, predominantly focusing on self-improvement and productivity. Among those, I even compiled a list of the top twenty-five nonfiction books I read in 2021:

The 25 Best Nonfiction Books I’ve Read in 2021

Most of these focus on self-betterment, so skip them if you're already flawless!

However, a peculiar thing occurred recently. I began reading yet another "Transform Your Life!" book that had been on my reading list for a while. The specifics of the book aren’t important; what mattered was my sense of boredom while reading it. I realized I had gleaned no new insights from it; everything felt repetitive.

Coupled with my 108-week reading streak, I started to ponder if there was a lesson hidden beneath the surface—have I been stalling on taking action by convincing myself I’m still in the learning phase?

Chapter 2: The Analysis Paralysis Trap

In my case, I’ve realized that I often use input as a means of procrastination. This inaction can also stem from a phenomenon known as "analysis paralysis." Those who seek perfection (like me) may fall into this trap. The situation is assessed, and viable options for action are identified. But when faced with the fear of making a wrong choice, nothing happens. Instead, we continue to analyze, endlessly searching for an ideal solution.

You might visualize the perfect outcome in your mind, and a single misstep could seem catastrophic. Consequently, rather than taking a step that could resolve the issue, you remain stagnant. If this resonates with you, consider these strategies to overcome it:

3 Barriers to Getting Started and How to Overcome Them

Insights from The Art of Taking Action

Chapter 3: Breaking Bad Habits

Another way individuals hinder their progress is through the development of negative habits formed by repetition. For instance, you may have resolved to write daily, and you generally stick to it. But one day, motivation eludes you.

That’s perfectly fine. You’re human, and perfection is unattainable. However, here’s what will differentiate you—here’s how to achieve what many have failed to do: avoid skipping two days in a row.

This is the essence of habit formation. For example, Sam brushes his teeth every morning without thinking. It has become second nature. But I can bet that it didn’t start that way. His mother had to coax him, bribe him, and possibly even punish him to establish that routine. Her persistence paid off, and years later, brushing his teeth is automatic.

Apply this principle to your writing. If you consistently show up and write each day, it will gradually morph into a habit—something you do without conscious thought.

Conversely, failing to write consistently creates a different habit: the habit of NOT writing. Missing a day occasionally is acceptable, but don’t allow it to become a routine, or you’ll reinforce the habit of inaction.

So, Are You a Creator or a Consumer?

As James Clear states, every action we take is a vote for the kind of person we aspire to be. Do you aim to be someone who solely consumes information, or do you want to produce and create?

Output is undoubtedly more challenging, but it brings greater fulfillment. This is what struck me when I noted my 108-week reading streak. I aspire to be a creator, not merely a consumer. I intentionally disrupted that reading streak as a reminder that for me, consuming content can often be a form of procrastination. While I will always cherish reading, I must remain mindful of how it impacts my productivity. Ultimately, engaging with others' work will never provide the same satisfaction as crafting my own.

A Challenge for You: The Creator Within

This week, take a moment to evaluate how much time you spend consuming versus creating. If your projects are stagnating, your personal input-output ratio may hold the key to understanding why. Where are you truly investing your time?

Your input shapes your perspective. Your perspective influences your output, and your output determines your future. — Zig Ziglar

Video Description: This video dives deeper into the transition from consuming content to taking actionable steps that can lead to personal transformation.