By: Rhett Seitz
Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been someone who loves to research. Whether scrolling through articles, watching YouTube videos or googling late at night, I’ve always been curious—maybe even a little obsessed—with learning.
I thought that the secret to success was to constantly stay informed. I wanted to know everything that was happening, whether in the job market or the latest sports news.
For years, I thought the formula was simple: research, research, research. Stay up to date, thus stay ahead. But over time, I realized something was off. No matter how much I consumed—news, videos, posts, podcasts—I still felt behind. I had to do more and research more. Somewhere along the way, “staying informed” turned into an addiction.
Looking back, I think what I was afraid of was falling behind. I thought that if I just consumed more, I’d be safer, smarter or more prepared. But instead of feeling fulfilled, I felt drained.
That’s when it hit me. I was doing what the world wanted me to do: consume.
We live in a culture that’s built around consumption. Every scroll, every click, every ad is designed to grab your attention and keep you coming back for more. We’re constantly bombarded with information, entertainment and distractions. It’s never been easier to consume and never been harder to think for yourself.
But here’s the truth: we weren’t made solely to consume. We were made to create.
When I finally started crafting, writing, building and designing, something changed in me. It was like a spark had returned. I realized that creation isn’t just about producing something cool; It’s about expressing who you are and what God put inside you. In Genesis, the Bible says that we were made in the image of God and describes God Himself as a Creator. That means creating is part of our design.
I think one of the biggest reasons people feel unfulfilled today is that we’ve replaced creation with consumption. We chase quick dopamine hits. Whether it be a new post, a funny video or a trending topic, nothing truly satisfies. Creation, on the other hand, takes time. It’s messy. It’s imperfect. But it’s real. And when you make something from your own effort and imagination, it gives you a deeper kind of joy that no amount of scrolling can replace.
If you’re feeling stuck in the consumption cycle, here are a few things that helped me:
1. Just start. Don’t wait to feel ready. Most of us never begin creating because we’re scared to look foolish. But failure is part of the process. You’ll probably fail at first, but that’s how you learn.
2. Pick one thing to create. You don’t have to do everything. Write a song. Paint a picture. Build something. Start small and go all in.
3. Set boundaries. Doomscrolling is a trap. Set limits on how much you consume each day. Replace that time with creative energy. You’ll be amazed by all that you are capable of.
In the end, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s participation. God didn’t make us to simply watch the world happen. He made us to shape it, build it and bring beauty into it.
So, stop waiting for inspiration. Pick up your tools, whatever they are, and start creating. That’s where real fulfillment begins.
