Huma Siraj
Americans use the Internet for seven hours a day on average, and even though we want to be more productive, that number keeps going up. We are constantly in contact, consuming information through emails, social media feeds, podcasts, and newsletters.
The issue is that all of that input could subtly stifle output. And our mornings are the best time to see that.
Your content calendar and email list aren’t the most valuable assets for a creative, marketer, creator, or solopreneur. Additionally, you are wasting your energy on other people’s priorities before addressing your own if you spend the first hour of the day consuming—scrolling, reading, and reacting. As a result, even a small behavioral adjustment could have a significant effect. This is something I originally heard from author and businesswoman Marie Forleo: Create first. After that, eat.
Why prioritizing “Creation first” can boost productivity
You change your Energy from reactive to proactive when you start your day in creation mode. You make something that wasn’t there before the meetings, before the client asks, before the world cracks up.
This approach is effective because it
- Supports in your early-morning efforts and momentum building.
- Keeps your sharpest mind for the arduous work ahead.
- Enhances the positive effects of creativity by being consistent every day.
It actually goes down to who owns your time. You create something original—before the meetings begin, before the client makes a request, before the world gets loud.
By creating first, you take control of your time, message, and mindset before anybody else can take up residence in your thoughts.
What happens to your drive to be more productive when you take it all in first?
Your work mornings may resemble this if you’re anything like I was then. You check your email first after opening your laptop. That alone equates to a solid ten to thirty minutes of drinking. You then look at your phone. It only takes a few taps to read three articles, save two more for later, and reply to a few LinkedIn comments. When you’re ready to begin generating anything, you’re already mentally disorganized, watching the clock, and feeling a little stressed.
Does that sound familiar?
First consumption results in:
- Mental exhaustion before starting the actual task.
- Inadvertent analogies to other artists and companies.
- Reactive mode: reacting rather than creating.
- A misleading sense of productivity that overlooks your actual to-do list.
The irony? It’s likely that you seen information that encouraged you to produce, but you never did.
How to boost productivity by making creation a priority, even on busy days
Determine what creating means to you first. It could be:
- Composing a 250-word mail or blog post.
- Creating a framework for a podcast or social media post.
- Recording a brief voice memo containing a novel concept.
- Developing a marketing or client pitch using key bullet points.
- Journaling, particularly when you’re having difficulties or are stuck.
Here’s how to start the new practice easily if you want to give it a shot.
Prepare a beginning point the night before; you may work on a prompt, an idea, or a headline. You might also open your journal.
When you initially sit down, turn off notifications. If necessary, place your phone out of reach.
Don’t overthink setting a timer. Even fifteen to twenty minutes will do.
Momentum, not perfection, is the aim.
Final Thoughts On Being More Productive
You already produce for your clients, Consumers, and community, you see. However, if you made something for yourself first every morning what may change? prior to email. prior before Instagram. prior to the news cycle. Only you, your thoughts, and a few fortunate, undisturbed minutes.
More content is not necessary for your viewers. They require more of your material.
