How To Handle Information Overload Challenges

In today’s post, I’m going to teach you how to handle information overload challenges. These are challenges that are brought about by an abundance of information. To start our journey, here is a thought provoking quote by martial arts icon Bruce Lee;

"Absorb what is useful. Reject what is useless. Add what is essentially your own."

To help us follow Bruce Lee’s lesson, we will ask ourselves five questions.

What sticks? 

What information stands out? More importantly, why is it relevant? I find that the best literature provides practical advice or puts our mind at ease. 

You may read text that means nothing to you today. Years later, the lessons may suddenly be essential. 

What repeats?

If you’re getting bored of hearing the same lesson from multiple resources, it’s a sign. You must apply it. 

You don’t need to learn something new to benefit from another’s writing. The quantity in which a lesson is reinforced simply indicates its power.

What is timeless?

In 1440, German blacksmith, Johannes Gutenberg invented the first ever printing press. 

Prior to this invention, society relied on the written word. Only the most precious literature survived. This includes key events in history and philosophical teachings. Read anything that you can which was written before 1440. 

What’s the one thing?

In his New York Times bestseller “The One Thing”, Gary Keller brought about the focusing questions. It goes…

“What’s the ONE thing I can do, such that by doing it, everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?”

This is a universal question that may be applied to any area in life.

What are my goals?

Planning your goals is bringing your future to the present so that you can do something about it today. If you haven’t planned your goals, all information becomes irrelevant.