How to Stop Consuming and Start Creating

We live in a very consumer centric society.  We are constantly being bombarded with messages asking us to consume as much as we can.  It can be consuming by spending our money on something to buy or it can be by using our attention to consume our time.

Either way, our attention is being directed by outside forces to achieve their aims.  This is not a new concept and has been around for over 150 years.  It began with signs and billboards advertising products and services, then to print ads in newspapers, radio and television ads and now internet ads that pop up as we are on our devices.  The main issue is that they have become so intrusive that we almost do not notice them, but they are always there enticing us to the latest product, service or app.

Creators and Investors

What if we could flip the situation around and become creators and investors instead?

What is the difference?

A spender buys the latest computer or video game console because they like to consume entertainment.  An investor puts their money into short- and long-term investment vehicles for their future because they like to create their own path in life. 

Think a new laptop every year vs. putting away 10% of your income.

A spender downloads the latest app on their phone to consume other people’s creations.  An investor downloads apps that will help them learn and understand information they can use to improve themselves and create a better future.

Think (insert latest phone game) vs. an app to learn a new language.

A spender looks at pictures and stories of celebrities and TV shows to consume easy entertainment.  An investor reads books and blogs to create a body of knowledge.

Think entertainment TV vs. information books and blogs.

A spender gets a generic college degree to consume time until they are “ready” for the real world.  An investor gets a degree that is proven to get them the opportunities and career they want to create.

Think General Arts vs. Accounting, Engineering, Dental, Medical, Nursing, Teaching.

Please don’t misunderstand, it is not easy to change your mindset.  The world is constantly tempting you with the latest and greatest ways to consume. 

Careful of Advice!

This can also be in the form of unsolicited advice that is totally inappropriate.  I have spoken to many people who have gone back to school to get a professional degree against the advice of people who did not know better.  One person invested $28,000 for a teaching degree and was promptly hired full time at $58,000 per year!  Another invested $60,000 to go to medical school and was hired at $210,000 per year upon graduation.

I’m sure we can agree that investing $28,000 to immediately get $58,000 (per year!) is certainly an excellent investment and not an expense.  Even if the degree cost double, the return on investment is still very strong.

It is certainly much easier to consume than to create but there are plenty of ways for us to create and invest that will improve our situation both today and in the future.