In a world full of distractions, where you can endlessly consume content, there’s a significant difference between the person who creates daily and the person who spends their time only watching others. In history, we can look at the innovators, creators, and visionaries who shaped the world. It wasn’t by chance that they became influential, but because they took action. They decided to create rather than just consume. In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of creation, share a real-life example of someone who decided to take that first step, and highlight how teamwork and communication can turn small beginnings into global moments.
The Creator vs. The Observer
At the core of creation is the act of doing. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or innovator, creating requires action. Creating means you’re actively shaping the world around you with your ideas, skills, and efforts. It involves risk, uncertainty, and even failure. But it also offers the greatest rewards: growth, achievement, and the ability to make a lasting impact.
On the other hand, the person who watches is merely an observer. They consume what others have made, but don’t contribute anything themselves. While there’s nothing wrong with learning from others, constant consumption without action can lead to a passive life. The watcher may enjoy the works of creators but never step into the arena themselves. Over time, this can lead to a sense of stagnation, as watching others creates a false illusion of progress without the actual challenge of creating something meaningful.
A Simple Decision: Shemaiah Reed’s Story
Let’s take a closer look at the real-life story of Shemaiah Reed, who started his podcast in 2017, a decision that is now becoming his popular TEDx moment. Shemaiah didn’t have all the resources in the beginning, but he took that crucial first step: he created. His story shows how small beginnings, when combined with hard work and the support of others, can snowball into something far greater.
In 2017, Shemaiah began his podcast, I Am Refocused Radio, in a local barbershop in San Antonio. The owner, Rico, generously offered space and food for his guests. This was the initial push Shemaiah needed, but it was just that: the beginning. Shemaiah didn’t sit back and let the world happen around him. He had to create the content, edit the show, manage the website, find guests to interview, and form a team to support the mission. All of this was essential in making the show successful.
While the support of a local business played a key role in helping Shemaiah get started, it was his determination, work ethic, and ability to build systems that allowed him to grow. He had to turn his idea into reality and keep moving forward even when resources were limited. This is the heart of creation: making things happen regardless of circumstances.
Teamwork: The Backbone of Success
One of the most powerful lessons from Shemaiah’s journey is the importance of teamwork. Behind every successful creator is a team. Shemaiah’s podcast didn’t grow by sheer individual effort alone. It was the collaboration with others—his team—that helped him build the content, fine-tune the show, and push forward each day. Communication and collaboration turned a small barbershop project into a global platform.
This is true in all fields of creation: whether you’re building a business, a product, or a piece of art. Success is rarely achieved alone. It’s the collective effort of passionate individuals working together toward a common goal that makes the difference. When communication systems are clear, and everyone plays their part, the possibilities are endless.
From Barbershop to Global Moment
In 2025, Shemaiah’s podcast has become more than just a local show—it’s a global moment. His story has inspired countless others to create. The podcast, once recorded in a humble barbershop, now reaches people around the world, telling powerful stories that resonate across borders and cultures. It’s the power of creation, teamwork, and determination that turned a simple idea into a global platform.
Create Today, or Watch?
The question we all need to ask ourselves is: Which person are you? Will you be the creator, the one who takes the first step and starts building something? Or will you continue to be the observer, watching others chase their dreams while yours remains dormant?
History is filled with people who decided to create. From Thomas Edison, who invented the lightbulb after countless failures, to the Wright brothers, who dared to dream of flight, each breakthrough began with a simple decision to create.
Shemaiah Reed’s story reminds us that even with limited resources, you can make a difference. It’s the decision to take action that matters. Create today, or continue watching others. The choice is yours. Your TEDx moment is waiting to be born.
About Shemaiah Reed:
Shemaiah Reed is the creator of I Am Refocused Radio, a platform that has shared over 1,000 stories and perspectives since its inception in 2017. His journey from a local barbershop podcast to a global platform is a testament to the power of creation, teamwork, and determination.
