Mindset Monday - Creation Before Consumption
“If we are constantly consuming, then we are not creating” – Joshua Fields Millburn
Most days we wake up, roll over and immediately check the cell phone. Usually starting with emails, then we move on to the next red dot on the next app. For me most days, this would result in scrolling through Instagram or checking Facebook notification/messages. Some days it still does, it’s a work in progress. These app developers are really good at what they do.
Once I was sure that none of the emails in my inbox were world enders (which they never were), I move on to scrolling. For others they may flip on the TV to catch the news, Netflix to continue the binge of their favorite show, or in my case, what happened overnight on the social channels. Regardless of the medium, we start with consuming. I don’t believe the news, Netflix, or our social media channels are all bad. I DO think that we have become dependent on the consumption of other people’s content, and that it is robbing us of the time that would otherwise be reserved or available for creativity.
I was recently listening to an author who was talking about the idea of creating before consuming. Making it a habit to create something before you consume anything. Set the phone on airplane mode and don’t allow yourself to take it off airplane mode until you have created something. He was talking about it in the context of being an author and how it helps to inspire him to prioritize his own projects.
Now creating doesn’t have to mean creating a grand work of art, or writing a book every morning. We just have to get the creative juices flowing.
How do we take this idea of creativity into the mortgage space? You may not think loans, or your role in the process requires you to be creative. To enjoy the work and attack each day, it does. It doesn’t have to be complex. It can be as simple pouring into a sales training for your team, creating a process for your work flow, working on a marketing idea or piece for a potential referral partner, developing a game plan and specific talking points for your next realtor call. Anything that forces your to focus on a singular task and create.
This doesn’t have to be work related, just create. The momentum that it creates in your day will carry over into the rest of your daily tasks. You will find you are more engaged and finding new solutions in all things when you start your day this way.
Grab your cup of coffee sit down with a pad of paper, and get the ideas out. This doesn’t have to take long, but be sure to get the whole idea out, work through it and refine it. No shortcuts. Otherwise it will just be another incomplete task on your to-do list. Having this sacred space for creativity changes the entire trajectory of your day. It also changes the relationship with what we consume. We tend to find more ideas and ammo for the next creation sessions. You may even notice your algorithm changes after a while based on what you are interacting with after periods of creating. More idea based content will start to show up.
Wake up. Coffee. Find flow. Create.
Written by Chris Catania
Chris Catania entered the mortgage industry in 2005. As a seasoned Branch Manager and coach at Fairway, Chris has consistently been at the forefront of providing, creative problem solving, exceptional service and tailored financial solutions. His commitment to excellence and deep understanding of the mortgage landscape have made him a trusted advisor and a leading figure in the field.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is a Army veteran, devoted husband and father. He is an avid outdoorsman and hunter. Chris also brings his leadership experience and skills to the community as a coach, where he mentors individuals, teaching them the values of teamwork, discipline, accountability and perseverance. Chris Catania's blend of professional acumen, family dedication, and community involvement truly sets him apart as a respected professional and valued community member.
