Welcome to the world of endless scrolling, where social media feeds constantly compete for our attention.¹ We know you feel that overwhelming sense of drowning in a sea of information.
It’s like being stuck in a digital vortex; the more we consume, the less satisfied we feel. We’re here to remind you of the power of mindful content consumption.
Grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s get started!
Boost Yourself with High-Quality Content
Incorporating high-quality content into your daily routine can transform your creativity, knowledge, and mental health.
It’s the same as surrounding yourself with the right people—surround yourself with the right content!
1. Unleashes your creative juices.
Ever feel like your creativity is stuck in a rut?
It’s time to immerse yourself in the world of high-quality content! Whether you’re a fan of art, music, literature, or any other form of media, exposing yourself to quality content can spark new ideas, ignite your imagination, and fuel your creativity and innovation.
Classical music is classical for a reason. Its timeless beauty, complexity, and emotional depth appeal to generations that transcend cultural and contemporary boundaries. Try listening to Mozart, Bach, or Tchaikovsky—it’ll surely put you in a better mood!
2. Expands your knowledge.
Want to learn more about a particular subject? Watching or reading quality content can provide a wealth of information, offer fresh insights, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
You can read or watch historical documentaries. Often these things aren’t actively advertised but seeking knowledge around us is so much easier. You can surf the web and learn about historical events that are even available on video-sharing platforms like YouTube. You can also change the channel occasionally, to Nat Geo or Discovery Channel.
Dive into high-quality content, and watch your knowledge expand!
3. Improves your critical thinking.
When watching a gripping documentary or reading a thought-provoking book, engaging with quality content can challenge your preconceptions. It can also help you gain new perspectives and insights. Here are some popular books that you can check out:
- “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
- “Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking” by Malcolm Gladwell
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
You’ll find yourself becoming a more effective problem-solver and decision-maker.
4. Better for your mental and emotional health.
You can build your capacity for empathy and develop a greater understanding of others when you expose yourself to other people’s experiences and perspectives.
Take a break from your daily routine and step into someone else’s shoes! From memoirs to documentaries to fictional tales, you are transported to new worlds that challenge your assumptions. We all need a break every now and then! So, it’s vital to permit yourself to indulge in mental and emotional self-care.
Absorbing high-quality content like a novel or soothing album can provide a much-needed escape from stress and anxiety. You might discover your next big idea while enjoying your favorite book or film!
Embrace the Heat: Using Diverse Content to Fuel Your Creative Fire
It’s not enough to simply understand the importance of intentional content consumption. We must actively incorporate it into our daily lives.
1. Identify what type of content brings you joy.
What lights your fire? Do you love getting lost in a thrilling novel, bopping to indie music, or exploring the world through documentaries?
Identifying what kind of content motivates you is a critical factor in incorporating high-quality media into your daily life.
Whatever your preference, focusing on what brings you joy can help you discover more high-quality content in that area. Let your imagination run wild, and your passions guide you toward finding more of the content that inspires you.
2. Make time for consuming content.
Carve out intentional time for consuming content that fuels your creativity and sparks your imagination. Whether reading a few pages before bed or tuning in to a thought-provoking podcast during your morning coffee ritual, make sure to prioritize this time for yourself.
The key is finding a schedule that works for you and sticking to it until it becomes a habit.² This way, you can keep fueling your creative energy every day.
3. Create a dedicated space.
If you want to take it to the next level, you can transform your home into a creative haven by designating a specific area for indulging in high-quality content. It can be a cozy reading nook, a state-of-the-art home theater, or a stylish art studio.
It’s important to find a space that speaks to your creative soul. This way, you’re taking control of your creativity and giving yourself the inspiration, you need to thrive.
4. Mix up your content.
Don’t limit yourself to the same type of content day in and day out. As much as you love those cat videos (we know they’re adorable), watching them on repeat isn’t going to do much for your creativity or expand your horizons.
If you’re used to reading fiction, why not try nonfiction for a change? Or, if you’re a die-hard Netflix binger, why not switch it up with a podcast or audiobook? Diversifying content consumption, like diversifying candidates, brings fresh ideas, perspectives, and experiences to the table.
5. Take notes.
Get interactive with your content! Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows, engage with what you’re consuming by taking notes. Scribble down your thoughts and reactions to what you’re watching, reading, or listening to.
It helps you process the content on a deeper level and can also spark new ideas and perspectives. Your notes could even inspire your next masterpiece!
6. Share it with others!
Make your content experience a social one! If you found a new favorite book, movie, or podcast episode that inspired you, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with others and open a whole new world of conversation and inspiration.
Host a book club or movie night with friends, or simply chat about your favorite podcast over coffee. Who knows what kind of creative spark you might ignite with someone by sharing your experience and insights?
7. Don’t forget to disconnect.
It’s essential to take a break from our busy lives. But, to fully appreciate it, you need to disconnect from the digital noise and distractions around you.
Put that phone on silent, turn off the notifications, and create a quiet and peaceful space where you can fully immerse yourself in the content you enjoy. Trust us, taking the time to disconnect will allow you to savor and enjoy the experience truly.
FUEL YOUR CREATIVITY WITH PORTFOLIO CREATIVE
At Portfolio Creative, we believe intentional content consumption can lead to a more fulfilling and creative life. That’s why we encourage our readers to make space for high-quality, diverse content in their daily routines.
And when you’re ready to take your career to the next level, whether through a revamped resume, a killer portfolio, or an exciting new job opportunity, we’re here to help.
Let’s ensure your professional life is as fulfilling and innovative as your personal one.
References:
- Woolley, Kaitlin and Sharif, Marissa. “The Psychology of Your Scrolling Addiction”, The Harvard Business Review, Jan. 31, 2022, https://hbr.org/2022/01/the-psychology-of-your-scrolling-addiction
- DePaul Kristi. “What Does It Really Take to Build a New Habit?”, The Harvard Business Review, Feb. 2, 2021, https://hbr.org/2021/02/what-does-it-really-take-to-build-a-new-habit
