Do You Produce? Or Do You Consume?

Posted by Nathan

May 31, 2008

This is something I think about pretty often. For the past couple of years I’ve noticed a shift in my mindset to produce more than I consume, when it comes to value. And value is a fluid term.

The foundational concept is that nobody remembers someone who consumes. People remember those who produce.

People appreciate, talk about, remember and bless those who give. The more you give (produce), the more you are blessed.

Practical applications of this mindset:

Instead of watching TV, you create TV (YouTube or otherwise)
Instead of always reading, you take the plunge to begin writing
Instead of playing video games, you learn how to create video games
Instead of just eating, you learn to cook meals for friends and family
Instead of always buying, you try inventing

The point of balance is when I’m with company. Sometimes it can be difficult (impossible?) to produce while around certain friends and family members. Now, to the best of my ability, I leave my times of consumption when I’m with them. (It’s my goal to be in production mode 90% of the time while I’m alone.)

The production goes towards the building of Legacy. A topic for another post.