Avoid the information overload

Today, information is power and how you process it can determine your success. Photo: Thinkstock

We live in the information age. We’re all bombarded by tens of thousands of information bits in some form or the other every day. But what should you pay attention to, what should you hold on to and what should you ignore? Today, information is power and how you process it can determine your success. Here is some advice 

1 Balance is important in life: The world around us is full of choices and opportunities. Don’t restrict yourself to any one particular activity or area. It’s good to seek information, but there is more to life than that.

2 Conceptualise information: Becoming a sponge and just absorbing everything around you can at times be ineffective and draining. Instead, focus on understanding and consolidating your concepts.

3 Prioritise your work: There’s far too much to read and know, but everything isn’t equally important. It’s a good idea to keep your long-term goals in sight.

Prioritise!

4 Be organised: It’s good to be curious and more often than not you’re likely to seek information that won’t be found in your textbooks. While it’s good to branch out, don’t get carried away. Organise your hours well. Give more time to information that is more important and relevant to your goals.

5 Do not over-indulge: Thanks to television and the internet, there’s now a never-ending stream of information always available. But it’s very easy to get lost in this web of content. Maintain a sense of equanimity and don’t over-indulge.

6 Become a doer: Seeking information just for the sake of it is not enough. Instead, develop the ability to apply it practically. Utilise your knowledge in your day-to-day activities.

7 Take expert opinion: All sources of information aren’t reliable, especially since the advent of the internet. It’s best to go to the source; talk to the experts in the field.

8 Learn to filter: All information isn’t important, accurate or worthwhile. Prioritise and learn to filter information based on your needs, interests and authenticity of the source.

9 Put it into perspective: It’s not always easy to make sense of all that you see or hear. Share what you have gathered with others, be it teachers, family or peers.

It might make things clearer and offer you a better perspective of looking at things.

The author is director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare

Courtesy: http://www.hindustantimes.com/HTEducation/Chunk-HT-UI-HTEducationSectionPage-OtherStories/Avoid-the-information-overload/SP-Article1-894805.aspx