Life is like a flowing river. You can either let the current carry you wherever it wants (consuming), or you can steer your own boat and decide your destination (directing).

Many people spend their lives consuming—absorbing entertainment, following trends, and reacting to circumstances. They let the world dictate their actions instead of creating their own path.

But those who take control—who direct their time, energy, and focus—are the ones who shape their own destiny.

So, which one are you? Are you passively consuming life, or are you actively directing it?

1. Consuming Means Letting Life Happen to You

A consumer mindset is passive. It means absorbing what’s given to you rather than shaping your own experience.

What Consuming Looks Like:

Scrolling endlessly on social media instead of creating something valuable.
Watching Netflix for hours but never working on your own goals.
Complaining about problems instead of solving them.
Following the crowd instead of thinking for yourself.

Example:

Imagine someone who spends hours watching fitness videos but never actually works out. They’re consuming information but not directing their actions toward real progress.

Lesson:

Consuming gives you temporary satisfaction but no real growth.

2. Directing Means Taking Control of Your Life

A director mindset is active. It means choosing how to spend your time, energy, and attention to create the life you want.

What Directing Looks Like:

Setting goals and taking action, instead of waiting for things to change.
Creating content, businesses, and ideas instead of just consuming others’ work.
Managing your time intentionally instead of letting distractions control you.
Leading your own life instead of following what society expects.

Example:

A person who writes a book instead of just reading books is a director. They are creating instead of just consuming.

Lesson:

Directors shape the world. Consumers watch it happen.

3. The Balance: Consumption Should Fuel Creation

This isn’t about never consuming anything—it’s about using what you consume to direct your life.

How to Balance Consumption and Direction:

Consume with purpose—watch, read, and learn things that help you grow.
Take action after consuming—if you learn something valuable, apply it.
Limit passive consumption—don’t let endless entertainment steal your time.
Be intentional—ask, “Is this helping me move forward?”

Example:

Instead of just watching motivational videos, use that energy to take action on your goals.

Lesson:

Consume wisely—but always direct more than you consume.

4. How to Shift from Consumer to Director

Create More Than You Consume – If you watch, read, or learn something, produce something of your own.
Control Your Attention – Cut out distractions and focus on what truly matters.
Take Immediate Action – After learning something new, apply it right away.
Be Intentional With Time – Don’t just “spend” time—invest it in things that move you forward.
Own Your Life – Make choices based on your goals, not external influences.

Example:

If you’re passionate about business, don’t just watch entrepreneurs—start your own side hustle.

Lesson:

Your life is a story. Are you just reading it, or are you writing it?

Final Thought: Direct Your Own Life

You have two choices:

Consume endlessly, letting life pass you by.
Direct your time, energy, and actions toward something meaningful.

Be the creator, the leader, the driver of your own journey. Because in the end, the people who direct their lives are the ones who truly live.