Information Overload - Your Plan of Attack to Keep From Drowning in Information
By: Deanna K Lawrence
Submitted: 2011-11-26 01:02:56 | Word Count: 870
I've been sitting at my desk for over an hour now doing what I normally do first thing every day, check my web statistics, email, Facebook notifications, etc., and it just dawned on me I've visited about 15 different sites and fan pages in that bried span of time. I ran across some really great material to help me with my business, but, man, I'm on information overload.
So, as soon as I became aware of what I was doing, I immediately brought to a halt all the surfing, page liking, and signing up for free e-courses. I got myself back on the right path, and headed over to my website to write today's post. You see, I realized if I didn't bring and end to my web surfing, I'd find it more difficult as time passed to sit down and write my post. Why does this matter?
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It concerns my marketing plan. I have chosen to develop my business fundamentally with blog posting and article marketing. I made the commitment to do it every day, so I would see the kind of results that other marketers I know have gotten. Writing doesn't always come that easily to me. (Some days it takes me 2 hours to write 500 words.) So by designating it my number one priority every day, I'm sure it'll get completed. Then I can go back to exploring the fun stuff, like new marketing methods.
How to Manage Information Overload
If you also fall prey to this, here are some tips to help you exercise your self control.
1. Most importantly, you must have a day-to-day routine. When you set guidelines for what you're doing on a daily basis, it's easier to filter out the extraneous stuff that causes overload.
2. In addition to your routine you should have a game plan or objective for what you're trying to accomplish. Like I stated above, my marketing plan is focused for now on blogging and article marketing. I know I must give my attention to only the information that will help me with those two areas. I avoid, or at least save for later, everything else.
3. The feeling of information overload often comes from realizing that we haven't marked off anything on our "to do" list. I think it's better to have just 3 or 4 must-dos a day. Again, putting a limit on what you want to finish in one day eases the pressure you put on yourself. Besides, it's easier to chalk up a "win" for the day.
4. Give yourself a set period of time for email, web surfing, Facebooking, etc. When your time runs out, quit.
5. Make a routine of bookmarking websites you want to return to when time allows. If you can sort your bookmarks, that's even better. Then all your information will be segmented by subject.
6. Stand up and take a breather. When you're really in deep, the best thing you can do is walk away for a minute or two. Information overload can really tire you out mentally making it hard to concentrate on anything. Completely withdraw from the situation by a physical activity such as taking a walk or playing with your dog. Eating a light, healthy snack can also help free up your mind.
Author Resource:-
Remember, the best defense against information overload is to stay laser focused on your goal. When you have one objective clearly planted in your mind, it will become easier to block out all the extra information. I have found, the absolute best way to increase your ability to stay laser focused is by meditating. Follow this link to get a free introductory audio CD of one of the most popular meditation systems available.
