In this age of information explosion, we are 'inputting' every day—scrolling through short videos, reading articles, listening to podcasts, attending classes, reading books. However, what truly changes a person's destiny is often not how much you input, but what you 'output'.
And the thing with the highest return on investment in life is often: cultivating an output-oriented hobby.

What is an 'output-oriented hobby'?


Simply put, you are not just passively receiving information or entertainment; you are creating, expressing, and sharing. For example:

  • Writing: writing public accounts, novels, blogs, Zhihu posts

  • Video creation: editing, filming vlogs, producing educational videos

  • Programming: writing tools, doing projects, open source

  • Teaching: being a lecturer, recording courses, writing tutorials

  • Design: doing UI, creating illustrations, building models

  • Music creation: singing, writing lyrics, composing, releasing albums

  • Even fitness: if you document the process and share experiences, it can also translate into output

The core feature of output-oriented hobbies is: you are creating content, influencing others, while also solidifying your own understanding.

My story: writing for 10 years changed the trajectory of my life


Since 2013, I have been writing intermittently. The initial motivation was simple—emotional release and documenting thoughts, with almost no utilitarian purpose. But during that time (2013-2016), writing provided me with significant emotional support. It was like a steadfast listener, accompanying me through anxiety and confusion, helping me find inner order and tranquility in the lines.

After 2017, the market changed rapidly, and I also faced my first turning point in life. At that time, my Weibo follower count began to grow explosively, more and more people saw me and heard my voice.

In March 2018, I officially began writing continuously on Bihu, from observing the blockchain industry to cryptocurrency investment strategies. At that time, content was scarce, and attention was highly concentrated. Writing gradually became my true production tool, evolving from a 'small corner of personal expression'.

At my peak, my writing income on Bihu reached 200,000 yuan in a month—this income can already compete with that of an average author on Qidian Chinese Network.

But more importantly, the indirect returns from writing: accumulation of influence, emergence of resources, appearance of opportunities, the satisfaction of being recognized... These seemingly 'intangible' benefits are actually the most vital compounding returns, more sustainable than any single viral article fee.

In 2021, an investment failure plunged me into a dark period, and I remained silent for a few years. Until recently, I picked up writing again, this time without anxiety about the input-output ratio or being entangled in traffic fluctuations, simply writing what I wanted to write, what made me feel fulfilled.

Surprisingly, my entire mental state also returned. Occasionally, someone leaves a comment saying my words helped them a little, and I feel—it's all worth it.

Why is the return on investment for output-oriented hobbies extremely high?


1. Inner growth: input is just knowledge; output is ability

Reading a hundred books is not as valuable as writing ten book reviews. Taking ten courses is not as beneficial as teaching one. Output is 'deep processing', a shortcut to cognitive upgrade.

2. Personal brand: you leave a mark in the online world

Every output establishes your influence in a certain field. Once you form a 'personal brand', opportunities will automatically come knocking.

3. Social connection: output attracts like-minded people

When you output, you are sending signals to the world. Those with similar values and compatible ideas will gather around you.

4. Long-term monetization: side jobs, career, or even asset creation

Output-oriented hobbies are the easiest to transition from interest to side job, from side job to main job, and ultimately into a long-term sustainable personal asset.

Is the threshold for output-oriented hobbies high?


The hardest part is not the technology or tools, but the persistence to start.

You don't need to start by writing viral content or creating masterpieces. Just start producing, and a positive cycle will form:
Input → Output → Feedback → Optimization → Skill enhancement → Influence expansion → Opportunity increase → Greater motivation

You will find that output itself is the source of growth and a sense of value.

In conclusion: stop just watching how others live; you can also become the protagonist.

Most people are 'spectating' the wonderful lives of others.
Output-oriented hobbies allow you to move from the audience to the center stage, becoming an expresser, creator, and source of attraction.

A hobby you are willing to pursue for ten years will ultimately nourish your entire life.

Don't wait for your skills, opportunities, or timing to mature—just start producing content, and you are already ahead of 95% of people.

Now is the turning point for changing your life.