Subscribe to my newsletter - the Step Up! You'll get an inside look into my thoughts, mental models, and ways of going about life - with the goal of helping you do the same. Take the first step and join me on this journey. Newsletter every Thursday at 4:30pm CST.
The Step Up - Volume 5: From Consumer to Creator
Volume 5: From Consumer to CreatorIn modern life, it's extremely easy to consume. Food, clothes, technology, online content - the list is endless. We consume all day, every day. Our systems are intentionally designed to increase how much we consume (consumerism isn't a term for no reason). But think of this: how often do you create? I saw this girl on TikTok who made an agreement with herself that every time she opened the app, she'd create a video and post it before she'd go on to scroll. That's such a powerful mindset shift. We are creative beings. We build. We develop. We invent. We innovate. But in today's age, we're conditioned to consume. As best as you can, shift from consumer to creator. Creating is energizing. It provides purpose and fulfillment. It helps us grow. Go out and create something and try to tell me you don't feel good from doing it! This doesn't mean you need to suddenly create complete products and services or do what that TikTok girl does. Just simply create value. Create value for yourself or others more than you take value from yourself or others. Recent personal example: I volunteered as a first-time bartender for Festival Acadiens this past weekend, and even just making the simplest drinks in the world - literally one liquor and one mixer - was surprisingly empowering. Like "Yeah, I made that!" Aim to say "Yeah, I made that!" a little more often. Shift from consumer to creator. Or at least aim to progressively create a little more or consume a little less. In other words, give more than you take. If you need inspiration on creativity and how every action (even life itself) is a creative act, I highly recommend Rick Rubin's The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Rick is a blessing to our world, and his description of art and the human act of creativity will change your view on every day life. From consumer to creator - "Yeah, I made that!" See you next Thursday, Steppers. We will succeed, Grayson Song of the Week:
St. Paul & The Broken Bones are BACK with their self-titled album, and it's another amazing R&B/Soul/Funk project. While I almost highlighted Fall Moon (another absolute bop), Ooo-Wee has just been stuck in my head all week. Ever wanted to slide across the kitchen floor in your socks while using the broom as a mic? Then this is your song! |
Grayson Stepanek
Subscribe to my newsletter - the Step Up! You'll get an inside look into my thoughts, mental models, and ways of going about life - with the goal of helping you do the same. Take the first step and join me on this journey. Newsletter every Thursday at 4:30pm CST.
Vol. 11: The Power of Thanks Friendsgiving at Cafe Bella Today's all about giving thanks. There's so much power in that mindset. Thankfulness. An "attitude of gratitude," as the Boomers call it (shoutout Zig Ziglar). But it's true. Poising your mind to be in a state of thankfulness is so, so powerful. Gratitude puts you in a positive headspace, reducing fears or negativity. It makes you more present and aware, pulling you from the future's "what if's" or the past's "why's." It reduces...
Vol. 10: If This Isn't the Time of My Life, Then When Is? This made me pause. This was the ending screen at EDEN's concert, and it's been a motto around his recent album DARK. It relates to one of my biggest struggles: constantly focusing on what's next and often forgetting to appreciate the present. If this isn't the time of my life, then when is? It's so easy to get caught up in the pursuit: Living for the weekend Attaining the next promotion or award Chasing that next PR I struggle with...
Vol 9: The Myth of Youthful Energy My actual calendar from last week Last week was a whole month. Literally the busiest week of my year. A productive, fun, meaningful busy - but busy nonetheless. It made me think about how people say they appreciate someone's "youthful energy" when the other person is doing a lot, and that's always stuck with me, but not in the way those people intend. "Youthful energy" is a myth. Putting myself in these shoes: I know people older than me who are working...