Focus Friday: Let's Focus on Consuming

When we get overwhelmed, stressed, or scared, it's easy to turn to consuming instead of producing.

Just look at the graphic I made for this week's post. Some people spend lots of time on the computer or phone, researching new ideas or escaping into movies or cat videos. Some people keep reading book after book after book instead of writing their own (ahem...moving on). Some people eat when they're not hungry just to dull the pain of whatever is stressing them out. Some people drink too much so they can forget whatever is bothering them (probably something a little harder than Pepsi, but that's all we have).

Consuming.

Do you ever do that? I sure do.

None of the things in the picture above are bad things when they are used or consumed in moderation. They only become bad when we consume them in excess to avoid something productive.

I'm still figuring out how to push through the uncertainty I feel and get something done (producing) instead of running to the computer or the pantry or the fridge (consuming).

Being aware is one of the first steps, but that doesn't make it easy. It takes lots of practice to get into new habits that will lead us to more productive choices.

I think reading the Bible is also important (and the only thing that we can never consume too much of). Knowing what the Bible says will give us encouragement and strength for making those tough choices to do our work instead of consuming, to stay away from too much food or drink instead of consuming, to invest in our relationships instead of consuming. 

With time and effort, we can get better at producing.

We'll enjoy better relationships, cleaner houses, healthier bodies, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

And then we can reward ourselves with a hilarious cat video.

Click here to watch a funny cat video.

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV)

Are you stuck in too much consuming? How can focusing on God help you to form better habits and become someone who produces instead?