Decision: Should You Filter Information?

Decision Step Three (of Four): Solution

The solution to any problem can have singular or multiple answers. Our problem is information overload. One part of the solution is to recognize the symptoms.

First, overload yields confusion…confusion is identified by:

Distraction
Disorientation
Chaos
Errors
Bewilderment
Disorder
Defeat

If either by accident or design, you find yourself feeling the above symptoms, you may want to take stock. Here’s a verse: Psalms 71:1

“In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust, let me never be put to confusion.”

The next part is the weight you assign to the problem…Considering the symptoms, we would suggest that you rank this right up there as an active battle…even talk in war terms. It can get serious.

Even though technology is a major part of the problem, we believe the basis of the solution will be found in technology (a dichotomy).

To start, simply search the topic: “Solutions for Information Overload” which should yield at least a million results on most engines. Still overwhelming? Then start narrowing down to the specifics that fit you and your activities.

A prominent technology coach said:
“Most people’s approach to dealing with more information is an incremental one: work harder, catch up on the weekend, etc…but there has become too much data to just accept it all. You have to zero down.”

Another said…
“The competitive advantage we gained from getting more information faster is starting to disappear; now it’s how to get more relevant information. That applies to corporate and personal issues.”

In other words, to solve this problem, the design work will need to be tailored by you and for you using the miracle of technology to get there. It sounds simplistic, but that’s our goal…not to create more overload.

Zero down…simplify…order…control. A few links we would point to:

http://www.technotheory.com/2009/06/information-overload-an-invitation-and-some-new-videos/

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/info_overload_the_problem.php

http://blogs.bnet.com/entry-level/?p=2586

Again, there are zillions of examples, but using specific search terms should get you there in short order.

Now, to bake this cake, take your ingredients from the above, design a written plan, subscribe various dates of completion to it, and try to include some form of accountability in the process.

That’s Step Three.