Are You a Content Glutton?

Should you really be reading this post right now?

Don’t you have more productive things to do?

I’m half-kidding. I mean, I appreciate your attention. I’ll make it worth your while.

But I must ask: How much time are you spending feasting on other people’s content versus creating your own?

All-you-can-eat content

This fairly new notion of ‘free’ on the Internet is turning out to be the most massive buffet of content ever. It’s whatever you want, whenever you want, all for free.

And the best part is—there’s no line, and the food is just how you like it.

But that’s the catch. It’s too easy.

Right now there are legions of feeders out there, complacent at their desks—browser tabs ablaze—gobbling down articles, blog posts, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, yesterday’s email. And more.

It’s content gluttony, all day long, every single day.

It’s not really free, you know

With content gluttony, you end up paying in time, life’s most precious commodity.

Time which could be spent creating content for other people to feast on…and love…and eventually pay for.

How to beat content gluttony

First of all, fortify your decision to produce more and consume less. Declare it.

Then, rally around your ideas. Make them real by writing them down and sharing them. Refine them. Then package and sell them.

And when you do consume content, do it the right way.

Be ultra selective about what and who you read. Develop the ability to link other people’s ideas to yours. This way, your time is never wasted.

Take action now! Don’t be left with a noggin full of great ideas but nothing tangible to show for it. The sooner you balance your content diet, the sooner you’ll embody the linchpin.

As Brian Solis says:

You control the Information Age.

I suggest aiming for a 5 to 1 ration of producing to consuming. It totally works for me.

Illustration by Vlad Mateescu.