Finding the Balance in Creation v Consumption

One of my 2020 goals was: “create more than I consume.” It was a phrase I had heard here and there, and resonated with me so much in December/January. I had SO many BIG ideas for 2020 (lol) and I couldn’t wait to create, create, create.

And then the world changed completely. What I thought was true of the world changed completely, and I was faced with the very real need to consume - not just new knowledge and new perspectives, but I need to consume friendship, community and HOPE to fill my soul back up after everything we’ve been through.

Being a consumer-based society, there’s a negative connotation with the concept of ‘consumption.’ It’s greedy, insatiable, and one-way. For me I associated it with the hours a day I spent scrolling the ‘gram (ugh, sad but true), consuming content that wasn’t necessarily business-driving or soul-growing, and my ultimate guilty pleasure of a Bravo reality show every now and then.

Creation to me felt good, because I thought it was supposed to. It was showing up, educating, sharing, serving, creating opportunities, building communities...it was also exhausting. And while the Lives, blogs, newsletters, webinars, collaborations, guest speaking and influencer engagements filled my day, I was exhausted, worn out, and I desperately needed to consume to truly fill my cup back up and to be able to serve you guys better.

I needed to learn about news laws surrounding COVID so I could properly educate my community on how to operate their businesses safely. I wanted to learn everything I could regarding the requirements and legalities of operating an online business to ensure that when you pivoted online, you did it correctly. And I had to listen and learn with an open heart as the Black Lives Matter movement taught us how to be anti-racist, inclusive and fight for equality.

Consumption wasn’t bad. Creation wasn’t always good. There had to be a balance, right? Right.

So here are the ways that I’m creating AND consuming purposefully, to become a well-rounded and overall better business owner...and I recommend you do too.

Create engaging, purposeful content that aligns with your larger goals and purpose. Remember last week, when we learned how to create that awesomely productive schedule, we  talked about purposeful action? How our actions should align with our goals, and each is a step in the (reverse engineered) process to get there? It’s back, because its *that* important.

Before you hit ‘post’ on that cute IG pic or blog, ask yourself, “am I supporting the larger vision for my business and brand?” and “how does this fit into the larger picture?” If you can’t answer these questions, it’s time to pause, set some goals (together maybe?!).

Consume new information that will level up your business. In order for me to stay on top of relevant laws and developments, I am constantly watching webinars, reading articles and learning. Consumption to me allows my business to remain up-to-date, compliant and ultimately serve you best.

While your exact business or job might not require that level of maintenance, I cannot recommend enough the importance of lifelong learning. Learn new workout philosophies and concepts (hello continuing education credit for your fitness cert!), learn a new tech/life skill on Skillshare that will help you finally conquer that *thing* you haven’t been able to figure out (PS - here’s TWO FREE MONTHS on me, because that’s how much I believe in lifelong learning, and a platform that gives you modern and relevant courses)

Create opportunities - for yourself and for others. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your business is to stop waiting for that thing to show up on your doorstep and instead go out there and MAKE IT. Chose to bet on you, your dreams and your abilities and instead of waiting for someone to give you the opportunity - make it yourself.

The truth is, someone out there is hoping, praying, googling and actively looking for exactly what you’re creating. Don’t disappoint them.

Consume timely, relevant and unbiased data and information in limited quantities. This one is big for me right. There is so much ‘us versus them’ out there, that I prefer to read facts, hear both sides of the argument and decide what my perspective will be. In order to truly be informed, we have to know the whole picture.

I am also a huge believer in limiting this form of consumption because you can drive yourself mad if you spiral deeply. Mental health is always our priority, fam.

Create that THING, the one that keeps knocking on your heart. For many in the health and fitness space, it’s an online business. It’s finally starting your newsletter. It’s engaging your community to sell that program you created. It’s finally registering your business and opening a bank account. It’s setting up your online platform so you never again have to use IG Live or Zoom.

For me, I am creating a comprehensive course to teach fitness + wellness professionals how to take their business fully online and it's going live in August! From inception and setting up your entity, to the financial and the tech stuff, to growing your email list and engaging your community, to every automation and ‘how-to’ in between....this one’s been knocking on my heart for a while. I cannot wait to share more information about it with you, including registration dates and more course details.

The moral of the story is that creation is GOOD, consumption is GOOD, and that if you do them right, find a balance and keep those eyes on the prize, you’ll be golden!

x, D

Author: Danielle Stead Blanton

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