Why You Feel Off

On scrolling, creating, and the ratio that matters

I’ve been tired lately. Not from training. From doing things.

Building something. Writing. Reaching out to people. Learning. And here’s what I noticed: I feel more alive than I have in a while.

Not because any of it is easy. It’s not. But because I’m learning first hand that creation fills and consumption drains.

I’ve been scrolling less. And when I do scroll, I notice how most of it is just forgotten a moment later. It washes over me. Numbers, pictures, highlights. I don’t care. I keep moving.

But sometimes I stop.

I stop when someone shares how they actually felt. What was hard. What they overcame. What’s been quietly wearing them down. The rare moments when people don’t perform, but create something real. A story. A reflection. An honest glimpse.

That’s what lands. Not the stats. The stories.

I come to realise that what we actually crave from others is their creation. The thing they made from their experience. The thing we can see ourselves in. The thing through which we connect.

Creation is broader than we think

It doesn’t have to be art. It doesn’t have to be writing.

A long walk is creation. You’re creating an experience.

Reaching out to an old friend is creation. You’re creating connection.

Learning something new is creation. You’re building knowledge that didn’t exist in you before.

Making something with your hands. Cooking a meal with intention. Having a real conversation. All of it is creation.

And running. Running, too. You’re not just logging miles. You’re building someone. Net positive. That’s why we keep showing up, even though it sometimes doesn’t feel like it.

The ratio

Here’s what I’ve learned: when creation outweighs consumption, I feel like myself. When consumption gets ahead, I start to feel hollow. My mood shifts. My energy dips. I feel like I haven’t done anything, and that feeling alone drains me further.

It’s not about guilt. It’s about noticing.

This week, I spent more time building a project I care about than I probably should have. It’s work. It takes effort. But it gave me more energy than it took. That’s the difference.

So here’s my invitation. Nothing big.

Just notice the ratio this week. Creation versus consumption. When do you feel filled? When do you feel drained?

You don’t have to change anything yet. Just watch.

And maybe, if you catch yourself scrolling and feeling hollow, try the smallest act of creation instead. A message. A walk. A few honest words in your notes app.

See what shifts.

What’s one small thing you could create this week?

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Your training story could help.

Switched apps? Left a coach? Changed approach because life got messy? I’m building something for runners like you and want to listen.