If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my journey as an entrepreneur, it’s that I have a talent for getting “stuck” in research mode. You know how it goes — you’re excited about a new idea, so you dive into every article, book, and podcast that promises wisdom on the topic. Then, when you’re all researched out and have pages of notes, somehow taking the actual first step seems… intimidating. Sound familiar? 😬

I’ve found myself in this loop more times than I’d like to admit, and it’s especially tricky when you’re a perfectionist (or a “recovering perfectionist” like me). All that preparation feels productive, but without action, all those hours of research remain just potential, and potential doesn’t create impact. I began to notice that this cycle was holding me back from actually creating — from putting things out into the world and letting them be what they are, mistakes and all.

That’s when I decided it was time to break the habit and embrace the philosophy of “create more than you consume.” This isn’t about never doing research or skipping preparation altogether; it’s about giving ourselves permission to do — to build, launch, and share — without letting the pursuit of perfect information or planning slow us down.

Why Creating More Than You Consume Matters

Every idea or plan is only as powerful as the action behind it. We live in a world where consumption is so easy; information is at our fingertips 24/7. But if all we do is consume, we can get overwhelmed by information overload and find ourselves paralyzed by indecision.

When we prioritize creating over consuming, something magical happens. We begin to:

• Build momentum: Taking action, even if imperfect, puts us on a path forward. Every step builds confidence, and the process itself becomes fuel for more action.

• Learn by doing: Creation is the best form of hands-on education. With each project, we gain real-world insights that no amount of research alone could provide.

• Focus on progress, not perfection: As we take action, we’re practicing being okay with the imperfect, understanding that every draft, every launch, and every product is part of a journey.

How to Start Creating More

If you’re ready to flip the balance from consumption to creation, here are some simple steps to help get you there:

1. Set small, immediate goals. When you have a new idea, break it down into the smallest actionable steps. Commit to completing one small action right away, like writing a rough outline or sketching out the basics.

2. Limit your research time. Give yourself a strict limit — say, 30 minutes — for initial research. After that, it’s action time! You can always return to research once you’ve started creating, but too much up-front can paralyze progress.

3. Set a launch date. Whether it’s a new business idea, a blog post, or an art project, choose a date to “release” your creation to the world. Having a deadline helps prevent endless tinkering and pushes you to wrap things up and move forward.

4. Embrace “good enough.” Aim to complete, not to perfect. Give yourself permission to do a “good enough” job with each task, knowing that you’ll improve as you go. Remember, each time you create, you’re one step closer to mastering your craft.

5. Reflect and refine. After you launch, take some time to look back on what you’ve learned from the process, and use those insights in your next creation. This helps keep the cycle of creating and learning going.

In the end, choosing to create more than we consume is about giving ourselves the freedom to grow, to share our gifts, and to move forward even if things aren’t perfect. So, the next time you find yourself endlessly researching or planning, try a different approach: take that first step. Start creating, launch, and learn as you go. The world needs more of your creations, not just more consumption.