What are you going to do with this information?
I don't care how many browser extensions, apps, or updates Apple makes to their iPhone software, there is never going to be a filter that stops information overload.
I don't care how many browser extensions, apps, or updates Apple makes to their iPhone software…
there is never going to be a filter that stops information overload.
I grew up in a house that had repeating news headlines as the soundtrack from 5:00 until Jeopardy came on. When I moved out, choosing not to have the news cycle consume my evenings was a massive highlight.
I met up with some friends on Saturday night.
Eventually, the conversation turned to the recent murder of a young mother from a nearby town. The coverage has been incessant.
I shared that I knew the basics, but that was it. I deliberately stopped consuming the story.
I told them my rule. When learning something, I try to ask myself:
What am I going to do with this information?
In this particular instance, continuing to read each update of the murder would only distress me. That question acts as my filter.
The basics of the story had already left me with my calls to action. For right now, I am done reading about the murder.
Aside from headlines, this question can be handy when we learn new things about ourselves or other people.
For example, I rarely consume alcohol. However, I had one drink Thursday night and one drink Saturday night. Both times, I woke up with a headache. Coincidence, maybe? But it is still data.
So, what am I going to do with that information? My answer might change depending on the day.
If it's a Friday and I don't mind starting my Saturday morning off a little bumpy I might go for it.
If it's a Monday night I might not have a glass of wine.
I might choose to simply note my discovery and nothing beyond that.
I might choose to challenge my hypothesis, and the next time I have a drink remain curious about what the next morning brings.
Asking that question gives me power. It demands that I am intentional as I move throughout the world. Now, it’s my turn to ask you…
What are you going to do with this information?
Wholeheartedly,
Maggie