Information Overload

Are you drowning in a deluge of data? Between social media, email and traditional media sources we are subjected to a barrage of information. See the Internet in 2010 In Numbers for some amazing statistics on this issue.
This amount of information we receive reaches the point of overload when we are unable to process it and make good decisions or we make mistakes or utilmately burn out. Awareness that you may be suffering from information overload is the first step to dealing with this challenge. Here are a few ideas on how you can manage the amount of information you deal with:

• Set Boundaries – make sure you are clear on what you need to know versus what is nice to know. Cut back on gathering information that is unessential to accomplishing your goals or not adding value to your life.
• Be Selective – on the sources of information you allow into your life. For example, what magazines are you getting delivered and do you really need to follow that many people on Twitter?
• Ask Precise Questions – if you are thoughtful, clear and direct in asking a question you have a better chance of getting a helpful answer which results in better information.

Be good to yourself and truly consider what information matters most to you; then receive only that information.  Then take some time and pick up the phone and call a friend, I promise you it will make them feel different that reading your text or tweet.