11 Universal Steps To Combat Information Age Ailments 

Information-age ailments (IAAs) are self-destructive behaviours that stifle personal growth. The abundance of information and technological advancements partly enables them. As the internet grows, so does the amount of quality information and the need to consume it. The more electronic devices, the easier it is to access information.

I found myself on the brutal receiving end of these information-age ailments, and I do not wish it on anyone. It’s an endless vicious cycle that can lead to a meltdown. IAAs include Information Overload, Information Junkie, Learners Syndrome, Analysis Paralysis, Credulous Behaviour and Perfectionist Procrastination. Below are different ways I find compelling when combating information-age ailments.

Consciously And Deliberately Cap The Amount Of Information You Consume

People will not stop writing articles, making videos and doing podcasts – that’s a given. It’s up to you to evaluate the information and determine if it’s worth your time. You must be careful not to take too much in and not know what to do with it.

You must have a purpose, a limit, and discipline when you consume information. Pre-set a stop button in your mind that alerts you when you’re going into overload. Better yet, time yourself and immediately stop when that alarm goes off.  

Don’t veer off your main goals because you’ll consume irrelevant information. Keep things simple, maintain a clear mind and constantly prepare for the next day. When you go off on rabbit holes that you find informative, try to apply the information somehow. 

Break Down Large Projects Into Smaller Doable Parts 

Breaking down large projects into smaller manageable parts is a well-known technique in project management. You’ll be able to put timescales on your project and track landmarks. That’s because you have everything mapped out from the get-go. 

Tackling a big project is not easy. You might feel overwhelmed from the beginning and eventually quit. Many unfinished projects are rotting inside drawers, unable to see the light of day. The best way to do it is to take small, manageable steps until you complete the project. 

Once you understand how this process works, you can apply it to anything and everything. Do this, even with daily chores, and notice how your life changes for the better. Breaking down projects allows you to pinpoint and deal with bottlenecks quickly and easily, making you efficient.

Take Breaks And Downtime From Electronic Devices 

I don’t need to stress all the negative impacts caused by prolonged engagements with electronic devices. This type of behaviour risks your progress, health, and relationships.

You must find ways to clear your mind after long periods of facing the screen, from smartphones to televisions, I mean anything with a screen. You must use these devices for something positive and not just entertainment. It will come back to haunt you when you realise that everyone around you has progressed and you haven’t moved an inch.

Walk outside in nature and take deep breaths of fresh air. Meet and chat with different people or visit friends occasionally. Because of the current pandemic, ensure everything you do is within the laws of your resident country. Stay safe, be healthy, and call your family regularly.  

Only Keep Track Of Significant Milestones

Keeping track of everything can become too much. I suggest you record only essential milestones and a summary of how you got there. This will allow you to have reference points should any problems arise. Like breaking down big projects into smaller parts, tracking only significant milestones enables efficiency.

Keeping track of only significant milestones leaves your mind free of noise with room to breathe. One of the best ways to keep track of your progress in the information age is to start a personal blog. If you cannot record your progress for any reason, it’s wise to note the direction you’re taking each day.  

Be ruthless with yourself, make no compromises, and remember: the more comfortable you are, the slower the progress. The only downfall of obsessive tracking is falling into the trap of perfectionism, so you must be very careful. That’s why I encourage only keeping track of significant milestones.

Master How To Balance Learning And Taking Action

If you’re reading this article, I presume you know that action without knowledge is foolishness. It’s also true that having lots of knowledge and no action is wasteful. You must know how to balance learning and taking action to succeed. 

Learning and practically applying something in the real world is the only way to improve. In other words, the best way to balance learning and action is by doing both simultaneously. It doesn’t matter whether it’s at a job or home – the law is universal. 

The first step is knowing your best learning style and finding the best resources. I believe the perfect balance between learning and doing is to apply the 80/20 rule. That means you must spend 80% of your time doing and 20% learning because taking action is more important.

Be Clear On How You Are Going To Use The Information

You must ensure the information aligns with your immediate or long-term goals. The next question is whether the information is actionable immediately or within the short run, and if so, it’s primarily worth pursuing. 

You can make this easier by matching your goals, desires, and strategies to the information you consume. If you’re consuming information that does not relate to your plans, objectives, or life purpose, you must stop immediately.  

Clarity saves time and money because you’ll only consume what you need. Whether researching a project or becoming well-versed in a particular topic, you must be clear on why, how, and what you will use the information for. 

Be Willing To Alter Your Standards 

We all have principles we live by, but sometimes, we find ourselves trapped within our creations. Altering your standards means making minor adjustments to accommodate growth. It also shows that you’re willing to work with others civilly and respectfully.

Altering your standards relieves you from perfectionism and procrastination. It also makes you aware of unrealistic expectations and that most people don’t care about your actions. So, let go of trying to be perfect if you want to be successful. Rigidity is a well-known killer of progress.

Perfectionists are their worst critics, so do yourself a favour, be your number one fan and grow. Altering your standards doesn’t mean lowering them, but knowing nothing lasts forever. You must be willing to accept that you’re not the be-all and end-all but a part of some. 

Learn To Trust Your Gut 

Your gut instinct is like a guidance counsellor who always wants what’s right for you. If you don’t listen, you might end up in the gutter and find it difficult to get out. There are ways you can learn to listen to your gut instinct, and if done correctly, you’ll be able to pull off some incredible feats. 

When you feel like saying no to someone but don’t, I liken that to self-harm. It’s okay to say no sometimes because you’re only human, and it’ll make you feel better. Our bodies have ways of telling us if something is off or on. You must learn to listen because it can be a matter of life and death or success and failure.

You can obtain intellectual depth and insight by listening to intuition. Next time you’re facing an important decision, look out for bodily reactions like sweaty palms, tingling sensations, lightheadedness, etc. Your body will let you know whether what you’re getting into is good or bad.

Take Your Time On Big Decisions 

Don’t dwell on decisions that have less impact on your life; on the contrary, take as much time as you need when making life-changing decisions. Deciding what to wear shouldn’t take as much time as choosing a career. You’d rather spend your energy on something worthwhile than trivial nonsense.

If you’re confused, you mustn’t hesitate to ask for help because no man is an island. Try to have fun when making big decisions, be flexible and try different ways to reach your goals. Once again, you must learn to trust your gut when making big decisions.

On the other hand, making a big decision requires you to reflect, gather information and analyse it. You’re the captain of your ship, and it’s all on you to steer it in the right direction. As Mark Manson puts it, make decisions based on the path that leads to the least regret in the future.

Acquaint Yourself With Information Age Navigation Skills 

The general information-age navigation skills you need are communication, creativity/curiosity, teamwork/collaboration, and problem-solving/critical thinking. We now live in a knowledge-based economy; most companies and entrepreneurs rely on those skills to thrive.

Information-age navigation skills reduce anxiety and ease technophobia. You must know your way around computers to stay relevant in this era. You don’t have to be a master, but learning the basics is essential to survive in the digital age. Relevant digital skills will give you an added vantage point in today’s world.

In a knowledge society, you must learn independently and understand how to manage knowledge. With knowledge rapidly changing and information sources increasing, it’s up to you to keep up. You must know how to search, assess, apply and disseminate information within a specific setting.

Establish A Daily Spiritual Practice

Many people have or are becoming spiritual in the broader sense of the word. Most of us have finally come to realise the power the universe harbours. Our connection with nature and others is something of great significance. A holistic approach is what you need to lead a fulfilling life. That means balanced nurturing of the mind, body and spirit.

By tapping into your spiritual side, you reduce surrounding noise and cultivate a peaceful mind. In today’s world of non-stop action and speedy apps, you must find time to calm your mind daily. Start by practising meditation or mindfulness and then gradually expand your spirituality.

Spirituality is a journey best felt by the individual experiencing it. Don’t be afraid to read, research and practise different spiritual activities. There are many ways to find out what stimulates you spiritually. You’ll be surprised but ready when everything makes sense, and things seem to go your way.