PRODUCE MORE than you CONSUME: a general orientation to a non-terrible life

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If you want to avoid some of the major avoidable pitfalls of being alive, then "produce more than you consume" is a good general orientation to life. In this episode, I begin by applying this principle in some obvious domains (i.e., physical health and financial well-being) before moving on to the topic of content consumption and creative production. Many people are now consuming so much content that they no longer know which thoughts are their own -- or even how to think independently. This is not associated with a good life for several reasons.

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Presented by Orion Taraban, Psy.D. PsycHacks provides viewers with a brief, thought-provoking video several days a week on a variety of psychological topics, inspired by his clinical practice. The intention is for the core idea contained within each video to inspire viewers to see something about themselves or their world in a slightly different light. The ultimate mission of the channel is to reduce the amount of unnecessary suffering in the world.

#psychology #lifestyle #growth

[psychacks]

If you want to avoid some of the major avoidable pitfalls of being alive, then "produce more than you consume" is a good general orientation to life. In this episode, I begin by applying this principle in some obvious domains (i.e., physical health and financial well-being) before moving on to the topic of content consumption and creative production. Many people are now consuming so much content that they no longer know which thoughts are their own -- or even how to think independently. This is not associated with a good life for several reasons.

Social Media


Become a Psychonaut and join PsycHack's member community:

Book a paid consultation:

Sponsor an episode:

Presented by Orion Taraban, Psy.D. PsycHacks provides viewers with a brief, thought-provoking video several days a week on a variety of psychological topics, inspired by his clinical practice. The intention is for the core idea contained within each video to inspire viewers to see something about themselves or their world in a slightly different light. The ultimate mission of the channel is to reduce the amount of unnecessary suffering in the world.

#psychology #lifestyle #growth

[zuhairreza]

You do realize that now we are going to hold this as one of your most-famous quotes, “If you’re consuming but not creating, it’s almost like you’re eating but not shitting”… right?! 😅😂😁

[JessicaFayToday]

Consuming content seems much like a salve for anxiety, much like overeating. It is the only way to remain in a state of non-production without going flat out crazy. If we take off the band aid of other people's voices, and allow our own feelings and thoughts to rise to the surface, it is only then that true inspiration and meaningful words flow through us. That energy is meant to come out, not be tamed. And our words will find an audience, as what we are experiencing is simultaneously being experienced by many others. Cutting edge means cutting out the molds and tapping into the Holy Spirit. Cutting out the "goals" and blooming exactly where we are planted.

[grititdone]

"If you’re consuming but not creating, it’s almost like you’re eating but not shitting” No wonder I've felt so constipated recently.

[Terrapin-sy]

I agree. When you start creating it gets easier to discern the quality of what you consume.

[CalNeva]

Simple logical connection between our budget and the actions of our life. Good stuff Orion.

[marriagecausesdivorce]

The PsycHacks sauce tastes so good. Pause. Creating is very important for sure. RIP whoever sent PsyHacks an angry email about this content. This guy is the best red pill psychologist on You Tube.

[biljanao]

Deservingly a stellar name. On point, no nonsense.

[Eclectic]

From 30+ years of hard experience, I would revise this aphorism. Don't do it alone. It should read:
"Minimize consumption and produce only enough materially and creatively to best maximize production of caring relationships."
From roughly age 30 to 50, I lived mostly miserably with ever-increasing patterns of consumption. ("Mostly, " except for parts of 10 years working as a mental health counselor, parenting a child and one super-loyal buddy friendship.) That's because I was disillusioned with the results from the way I lived throughout by 20s; I adhered ascetically to "Minimize consumption, produce enough and maximize creativity." I rarely "consumed, " much less expected, any caring and affection from others.

[jaimiejin]

Last week my friend was visiting and from my observation, what a good person he is - strict with himself, but kind to others. He undereats( which is how he lost 100 lbs) and is just the most considerate person. I am still thinking about it and striving to be like my dear friend.

[imsodone]

Creating after absorbing is very important, more important than that desk job where you steal away time to view social media

[jaimiejin]

Brian, thanks for stating this general principle of life. I just started realizing that I am not happy and fulfilled, as I am more of a taker than a giver. People that implement this principle in their life are fit, happy and fulfilled. What a simple rule, to produce more than you consume, but not everyone can implement it.

[jamespain]

This dude is blowing up holy !!! W content

[howardkeil]

Exactly my philosophy and it works but you explain it so simply like no one else can.

[mynametrong]

Totally love it. I always found myself so happy whenever I used to make videos, just the whole process and feeling like I made something I could be proud of. Consuming is fun but it starts to feel meaningless if I don't use ever get a chance to use it.

[dirkdiggler]

I like this one a lot. I’ve actually had a talk with myself numerous times about this and now I’m hearing you say it. Great videos

[ModernPianista]

Such a great video! Love how you tied in consumption of food, material things and media. It’s all true and I completely agree! I laughed when you said, “it’s like eating but never 💩ing” 😂😂

[Slowensko]

why tf are you so smart and can articulate what most people think/know but are unaware of? I felt the relieve of creating after consuming previously but I never realized it consciously

[moderngraffics]

"way of making sense of what youve consumed" transformational idea while overcoming the creative part and moving into it entirely once youve figure yourself out and are ready to share unapologetically

THANKYOU for inspiration

[Messi]

Thank you. Subscribed because of this video very well put after years of consuming psychology videos now ill start creating something