My eldest nephew was almost 4 kilos when he was born—a healthy baby with an even healthier appetite. Let me tell you, you did not want to play with him when he was hungry. Food first, then smiles and cuddles later.
As he grew up, that appetite didn’t fade. If you let him, he could polish off three or four whole pizzas and end up getting sick. When he was invited to birthday parties, my sister had to sit him down beforehand and remind him: “Leave some for the other kids. Eat only what your stomach can handle.”
It wasn’t easy, but after years of patience and teaching, we finally helped him control that impulse. No more family embarrassments at buffets.
But here’s the thing—now, when I look around, I see that many of us have become gluttons at a different kind of buffet. The buffet of information.
We consume, consume, and consume. Articles, podcasts, YouTube videos, online courses, social media posts—we jump from one to another, without moderation, without taking the time to actually digest what we’re consuming. And just like my nephew at the pizza party, we end up mentally bloated, overwhelmed, and sick from too much intake and too little action.
Why You Need to Consume Information with Intention
If you’re trying to grow in a specific area—whether it’s starting a business, improving your health, or building financial literacy—you don’t need to gorge on everything out there. You need to be selective. Intentional. Otherwise, you’ll drown in information overload.
Let’s say you want to start selling clothes online. Instead of following 100 business influencers, reading 20 books on entrepreneurship, and downloading every free PDF guide you come across, try this instead:
- Pick 2 or 3 books on sales, marketing, and branding.
- Enroll in one quality course on entrepreneurship.
- Find one podcast you’ll listen to regularly.
- Stick with these resources for a year and go deep. Study them, take notes, apply what you learn, and give yourself the time to actually create something from that knowledge.
My Own Journey: Less Consumption, More Creation
I’ve reached a point in my life where I must remind myself every day: I have enough.
I already have enough books and courses to last me three years—I don’t need to buy anything new right now. Instead, I’m focusing on growing in the areas that matter most to me: mindset and money.
I’ve carefully selected a handful of books that I’m reading and re-reading. I watch documentaries on money and mindset. I revisit the courses I’ve already purchased.
And you know what? It’s making a difference. Because instead of chasing the next shiny piece of information, I’m actually integrating what I’ve learned.
Life Is About Living, Not Just Grinding
And here’s another thing—life isn’t just about constant learning and grinding. It’s about living. Read books or listening to podcasts or documentaries or TV Shows that are about living life full out.
I recently bought a book called Wander Love: Lessons, Tips & Inspiration from a Solo Traveller by Audrey Daquinag, and it’s been a beautiful reminder to embrace adventure, joy, and the present moment.
So, ask yourself: Are you a glutton at the buffet? Are you mindlessly consuming, or are you choosing with intention, creating space for growth and for joy?
Because life isn’t about how much you can pile onto your plate. It’s about savoring what truly nourishes you. 💫
Journaling Prompts to Help You Consume Information with Purpose
Take a moment to reflect on your information consumption with these journaling prompts:
- What are my top three personal or professional goals right now?
(This will help you clarify what areas of knowledge actually matter to you at this stage of life.) - What types of information am I currently consuming the most?
(List the books, courses, podcasts, and content creators you’re following.) - Which of these resources are truly helping me move closer to my goals? Which ones are just distractions?
- Am I creating as much as I’m consuming? What could I create with what I already know?
- What would intentional learning look like for me over the next 6-12 months?
(Think about what topics you want to dive deeper into, how many resources you’ll focus on, and how you’ll measure your progress.) - How can I bring more joy and balance into my life beyond learning and working?
Use these prompts to guide your next steps. Remember, you don’t have to consume everything—you just need to consume what truly nourishes your mind, heart, and soul.
Salima
Just thinking out loud over here