Information overload managing
How do I filter information and only consume what's truly relevant to me?
Projekt-Plan
Why: This framework, popularized by physicist Richard Feynman, acts as a mental filter to determine if a piece of information is worth your time.
How:
- Write down 12 open-ended questions you are currently trying to solve (e.g., 'How can I scale my business without hiring?' or 'How do I improve my sleep quality?').
- Keep this list visible on your workspace.
- Use it as a gatekeeper: If a piece of content doesn't help answer one of these, discard it immediately.
Done when: [A list of 12 specific, high-interest questions is documented]
Why: You cannot fix what you haven't measured; identifying 'junk' consumption requires data.
How:
- For 72 hours, log every source you consume (news sites, social media, newsletters, podcasts).
- Categorize each as 'Just-in-Case' (procrastination) or 'Just-in-Time' (solving a current problem).
- Note the emotional state after consumption (e.g., inspired vs. drained).
Done when: [A log of 3 days of consumption with 'Signal vs. Noise' ratings is complete]
Why: Usually, 20% of your sources provide 80% of your actual value.
How:
- Review your audit log.
- Identify the top 3 sources that consistently provide high-signal information.
- Mark all other sources for potential removal or aggressive filtering.
Done when: [Top 20% of high-value sources are identified]
Why: Separating 'finding' from 'consuming' prevents the rabbit hole effect.
How:
- Choose a modern tool like Raindrop.io (best for visual/general) or Wallabag (best for open-source/self-hosted).
- Install the browser extension and mobile app.
- Rule: Never read an article in the browser tab where you found it. Save it, close the tab, and move on.
Done when: [Read-it-later tool is installed on all devices with browser extensions active]
Why: Newsletters in your inbox are 'pushed' interruptions; an aggregator makes them 'pulled' resources.
How:
- Use a tool like Kill the Newsletter to turn email newsletters into RSS feeds, or use the built-in newsletter feature in Readwise Reader.
- Unsubscribe from the email version once the feed is set up.
- This keeps your primary inbox for communication only.
Done when: [Inbox is free of non-essential newsletters; they are moved to a dedicated reader]
Why: RSS allows you to follow specific creators without the algorithmic noise of social media.
How:
- Install NetNewsWire (Open Source, Mac/iOS) or Fluent Reader (Cross-platform).
- Add only the top 20% of sources identified in your audit.
- Disable all 'unread count' badges to reduce psychological pressure.
Done when: [RSS reader is configured with high-signal feeds only]
Why: You need clear boundaries to survive the test phase without breaking your professional life.
How:
- Essential: Tools required for work (e.g., Slack, Work Email, Maps).
- Optional: Everything else (Social media, News apps, YouTube, Podcasts).
- Write down the rules for the next 7 days: 'No optional tech except for 30 mins at 6 PM'.
Done when: [A written 'Rules of Engagement' document for the 7-day test is ready]
Why: A hard reset breaks the dopamine loop of constant checking.
How:
- Delete 'Optional' apps from your phone for the week.
- Use a website blocker like Freedom or Cold Turkey to lock news sites on your desktop.
- When you feel the urge to consume, refer back to your '12 Favorite Problems' and reflect on why you feel the need to distract yourself.
Done when: [7 days of restricted consumption completed]
Why: Identifying when you reflexively reach for info reveals your deepest habit triggers.
How:
- Keep a small notebook.
- Every time you reach for your phone or open a news tab out of habit, make a tally mark.
- Note the context: Was it boredom? Stress? A difficult task?
Done when: [A tally of habit-triggers is documented by the end of the week]
Why: The Lindy Effect suggests that the longer a piece of info has been relevant, the longer it will stay relevant.
How:
- Prioritize books and long-form essays over daily news.
- Only reintroduce sources that you genuinely missed during the 7-day fast.
- If a source didn't provide value during the fast, do not add it back.
Done when: [A curated list of reintroduced sources is finalized]
Why: Batching consumption prevents it from bleeding into your productive hours.
How:
- Set a specific time (e.g., 5 PM - 6 PM) for reading your Read-it-Later queue.
- Outside this window, your only job is to 'Capture' (save for later), not 'Consume'.
- Use 'Focus Modes' on your phone to hide all reading apps during work hours.
Done when: [Calendar invite or recurring alarm for the 'Consumption Window' is set]
Why: To prevent 'Read-Later' from becoming 'Read-Never', you must process what you read.
How:
- Capture: Only save what 'resonates'.
- Organize: Use the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives).
- Distill: Use 'Progressive Summarization'—bold the most important sentences, then highlight the best of the bolded parts.
- Express: Turn the info into a small output (a note, a tweet, or a task).
Done when: [First 5 articles in the queue are processed using CODE]
Why: Information systems naturally decay into chaos without regular maintenance.
How:
- On the first Sunday of every month, review your RSS and Newsletter feeds.
- If you haven't opened a source in 30 days, unsubscribe immediately.
- Be ruthless: If it's not a 'Hell Yes', it's a 'No'.
Done when: [Monthly recurring task is set in your task manager]