I hate to write this inquiry and is why it must be asked.

A bit of backstory. In the mid-80's I started consuming personal development books and tapes when I signed up as an Amway distributor, and I never looked back. I appreciate the optimism and call to action that is a mainstay of the personal development genre.

I have an encouraging response from Og Mandino, author of The Greatest Salesman in the World, in my records. Today, my library overflows with annotated and underlined works from the best of the best. Podcasts and audio books have maintained my sanity (self-assessment and no scientific data to back up this claim) during my commute.

I am a fan of Tim Ferriss (@timferriss) and the work he has done through his books and podcast. He continues to ask great questions of an eclectic panel of guests to pass on nuggets ready for analysis and application. Most of which, I never would have sought out for advice.

I have listened to all of his interviews. How much has penetrated the 7mm into my brain and taken root is another matter. The wisdom of the ages continues to swirl around us. Derek Sivers said, "If [more] information was the answer, then we’d all be billionaires with perfect abs.”

Single ladies, no need to direct message, Derek is right; I don't have the billions or the abs.

Consuming the material without action is engaging in personal development porn. The satisfaction is empty and doesn't bring about billions or the six-abs. It fosters the desire to listen to more and learn about others who are making it happen. This behavior keeps us on the sideline, and as Henry David Thoreau said, "lead lives of quiet desperation."

Where do you confuse consumption with action?

Reading about the degree or signing up? Listening to other married guys talk about the perfect way to pop the question, while your beloved waits? Taking courses about starting a business without setting up a landing site? Reviewing writing software packages at the expense of putting words on the page for the next great American novel?

I have 235+ days of writing under my belt. The action is starting. As a fellow traveler, use today as the day that you become one of those "action" people vice a consumer.

What is one action step you can take toward your goal?