Lessons from a Reformed Info-Hoarder

Our generation struggles with the worst focus in history.

But we live in an era of unprecedented information access.

A world of knowledge lies at our fingertips.

Just a few clicks, and it’s there.

And so, for years, I was trapped in an ocean of information.

Productivity videos, blog posts, newsletters—I was consuming it all.

Yet, despite the endless input, I wasn't moving forward.

I was “productive“.

My success was measured by the number of books I read and the videos I watched.

But it was an illusion.

After each book, I’d eagerly search for the next.

I thought this was the path to self-improvement.

Then, something changed.

I started creating content.

It was a wake-up call: real progress isn’t about consuming; it’s about action.

Growth happens through doing, not just learning.

And I know I’m not alone.

A friend of mine, equally obsessed with consuming content, was also stuck. He’d watch videos, read, and listen to podcasts constantly.

Yet, something felt off.

He wasn’t making the progress he wanted.

I shared my revelation with him.

Consuming without a clear goal is like wandering in the dark.

He took my advice, setting aside time specifically for action.

The result? He felt unstuck. He began making strides in his career, transforming knowledge into tangible results.

When you have a goal, everything you consume becomes a tool for achieving it.

Information takes on purpose.

And your role is to distill, curate, and connect ideas to that goal.

This process turns passive consumption into active creation.

Many fall into the trap of random consumption.

We read, watch, and listen, hoping for inspiration.

But without a clear goal, this approach fails.

Knowledge remains unconnected, and progress slows down.

Imagine your toolbox filled with random tools, but no project to build.

The tools are there, but they’re useless without a plan.

This is why people feel overwhelmed despite their extensive learning.

Without direction, consumption is just noise.

I faced a turning point when I decided to build my own website. I could have watched endless tutorials, read countless guides, and subscribed to every related newsletter.

But without taking action—buying the domain, setting up hosting, installing WordPress—I’d have made no progress.

This experience was a turning point for me, a clear example of how action triumphs over consumption when it comes to personal progress.

Here’s a framework on how you can do the same:

1. Define a Specific Goal: Choose a project or objective. Whether it’s starting a newsletter, building a website, or applying for a new job, make it clear and concrete.

2. Identify Necessary Knowledge and Skills: Pinpoint what you need to learn. What ideas, skills, and information are essential for achieving your goal?

3. Curate and Connect Information: As you consume content, relate it back to your goal. Connect the dots between what you learn and how it helps you progress.

4. Apply and Build: Transform the knowledge into action. Build, create, and see your goal come to life.

Next time you dive into content, ask:

What’s my goal? How can this information help me achieve it? 

With a clear goal, every piece of information becomes a stepping stone.

Don’t let your learning go to waste.

Set your goal, and turn your consumption into action.

Imagine the progress you’ll make.

Your next step?

Define your goal and start connecting everything you learn to that goal.

Your journey will transform into something meaningful and productive.

To your progress,
Vikko