I like information. It allows me to be more creative and make connections between ideas.
But, when information no longer feels like a delight I know it’s time to do my Information Reduction Plan.
Stop Information Inflow
- Quit reading magazines
- No watching the news or getting it online
- No web surfing unless I need a specific piece of information
- No buying books, ebooks, or audio programs
- No going to the library to browse
Reduce Other Sources of Information
- Limit my reading of blogs in my Google Reader to 5 posts. I scan to see which look the most interesting.
- Limit newsletter reading time to 5 min a day
- No multi tasking like reading while eating or watching TV while checking email
- Read only one book at a time
Add Quiet
- Usually when I feel information overload it is because I have been stuffing my brain, but not allowing anything to digest
- Sit and do nothing every day, let the mind wander and process
- Journal before bed to get things out of the head
When I feel balanced again I slowly add more information – reading a few magazine articles, reading blogs for 15 min a day, slowly going through books or audio programs I have already bought and allowing myself time to implement or think on them.
Eventually I end up getting bogged down in too much information again. Curiousity does that to a person. But I know I have my Information Reduction Plan available when that happens.
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And I thought I was the only one that became overwhelmed and consumed by gathering and processing information! Thanks, Beth, for such a clear, well-laid out plan.
Count me in too Mary. I do it all the time and it makes me and those around me crazy.
Like Beth, I am curious about everything, but where I really get into trouble is thinking I have to know everything there is to know about something before I can make a decision or move forward.
Not only do I end up with paralysis of analysis, but a complete overload on my brain. This renders me totally useless, which is the exact opposite of what I was trying to accomplish.
Having a specific plan like this is a great idea, Beth. I will definitely be doing this. Thanks!
Mary – it’s easy to forget how many information avenues we have right now and how easy it is to get overwhelmed
Sherri – That’s why I always have to get myself a research time frame or I would just research, research, research and never decide
Oh my goodness! What a great list! Information overload should be made a classifiable mental disorder!