Producing vs Consuming

I think every year in January I make the firm resolution that I am going to do more producing than I do consuming. By which I mean I am going to write more than I watch TV. I am going to build more websites and tools and applications than I am going to read blog posts or browse Facebook. I am going to make my dinner more than I am going to microwave something from the freezer or pick up carryout.

I seriously think this is either Kylo Ren or Tom Hardy’s grandfather

How it’s going

Well, as you can see, I’ve written a blog post every day for about two weeks. That’s a decent start. I have noticed I have read significantly fewer articles on medium lately. Maybe because I feel like I have had my fill of the site while writing, or I’ve lost my taste for the other stuff on the platform. Who knows.

I have been cooking more lately. I used to cook a ton, I’m trying to get back there. It’s so much more enjoyable to put together your own meal. Measuring, slicing, dicing, cursing… That’s the best.

Facebook is a total piece of garbage. It’s not worth anything. It provides absolutely zero intrinsic value to it’s users. I literally do not care what anyone from highschool is doing. Every single second you spend on Facebook, in my opinion, is an absolutely wasted second in your life you’ll never get back. No one is going to be laying in their death bed wishing they had spent more time on the couch swiping up.

Options for Producing More and Consuming Less

A little list of ideas:

  1. Learn how to make a basic picture frame and hang something on the wall. Anything. Hell, frame and hang the plans you printed out to make it in the first place.
  2. Make your meals.
  3. Get a hobby like soapmaking. It’s actually super easy and will save you a ton of money on soap. One 7lb batch will make you like 25 bars of soap. Never buy that shit from the store again.
  4. Write letters. Write poetry. Write essays. Write in a journal. Use your goddam brain.
  5. Stop watching TV altogether. If you need something to stimulate your mind, read a book. I consider this neutral — you are consuming something, that’s true, but you are also enriching your mind, improving your vocabulary, and really experiencing new things.
  6. Do something with your hands. Sand your floors. Fix a squeaky door hinge. Help your mom fix her lawnmower. You’re a lot more capable than you think.
  7. Sign out of Facebook. It’s actually a really great feeling when after about two days they start sending you emails begging you to come back and ‘see what you’ve missed!’… Which is absolutely nothing.

I’m done producing for right now.