Turning Down the Noise of Information Overload

Faithful on the Clock is a podcast with the mission of getting your work and faith aligned. We want you to understand Who you're serving and why so you can get more joy and legacy from every minute spent on the clock. Thanks for joining us and taking this step toward a more fulfilling job and relationship with God!Want to join us on social media? We'd love to have you stay up-to-date with the show on all our platforms!TwitterFacebookPinterestInstagramLinkedInYouTubeIn this episode...Faithful on the Clock https://faithfulontheclock.com/turning-down-the-noise-of-information-overload How can you keep all of the information that bombards you from stressing you out? In Episode 33 of Faithful on the Clock, you’ll learn how information overload can look different in different people, and we’ll outline four steps to turning down the noise to a manageable level.Timestamps:[00:05] - Intro[00:40] - Companies are concerned about information overload and how it influences speed and productivity.[00:56] - Companies also are concerned about information overload because of its potential to influence wellbeing. They understand that it creates stress and that it can manifest in multiple ways. [02:07] - Information overload can accumulate either quickly or slowly.[02:25] - Information overload doesn’t translate the same for everyone.[02:42] - Information overload is not a new problem, as shown in Ecclesiastes 12:12. God understands what we are dealing with and how it can damage us.[03:32] - There are many hacks that can help you manage information overload, such as the Pomodoro technique.[04:17] - Although information overload “hacks” are useful, you need a larger information overload management framework to hang them on. The first point on this is to identify and reframe emotions.[05:27] - The second pillar of the framework is to recenter around your priorities and subpriorities.[06:08] - People often struggle with the second pillar because they believe that more is better when it comes to information. Let that ideology go.[07:11] - The third pillar is to create your process. This might involve pulling in the hacks you’ve heard about. I do this with my email. Whatever process you create should be repeatable. Think of Joshua walking around Jericho the same way every day until the wall crumbled.[08:42] - The fourth pillar is to identify and delegate to trusted messengers. These might be people or tools, but they are always at your right hand as trustworthy servants and sources that reduce input and keep input quality high.[09:54] - Controlling information overload is not so much about which routine or tools you’re using so much as it’s about knowing exactly what you want to achieve and then setting boundaries and repeatable sequences that can keep you laser-focused on that finish line.[10:34] - Most of us overestimate the amount of information we need to make a choice or move forward, as research proves. The drive to impress factors into this. So focus on internal motivation and just doing the best you can each day. Good impressions will happen naturally if you do that.[11:21] - Prayer[12:05] - Outro/What’s coming up nextKey takeaways:Organizations are concerned about information overload because of the negative influence it can have on productivity and speed. But they also worry because it can influence worker wellbeing.Based on the fight-flight-or-freeze response to stress, reactions to information overload can vary. Information overload also can happen quickly or more gradually over time.Information overload is not a new problem. But we must learn how to manage it to be good servants for God.There are many “hacks” that can help reduce information overload, such as using the Pomodoro technique. But more generally, you can tackle it with a four-step framework, customized to your own situation and needs.The four steps of the information-overload management framework include: 1) Identify and reframe your emotions with specificity, 2) Recenter around your priorities, 3) Create a replicable process, and 4) Identify and delegate to your trusted messengers.Controlling information overload is about knowing exactly what you want to achieve and then setting boundaries and repeatable sequences that can keep you laser-focused on that finish line.Controlling information overwhelm requires confidence.Relevant Links:How to Save Yourself from Information OverloadWhy You’re Probably Wasting Your Time with Every Decision You Make (and How to Stop)CTAs:Use the four-step information overload management framework to simplify your workflow and reduce stress.Use confidence-building strategies as much as necessary until you are able to hold the line and be clear about what information matters to you and which doesn’t. What’s coming up next:Mentors can take a lot of the sting out of career and personal development. Finding the right one, however, can be a bit of a bear. Episode 34 of Faithful on the Clock identifies the top qualities great mentors should have, along with practical techniques for approaching people you’re interested in working with.Support the show!Visit the Faithful on the Clock Patreon page to choose a tier plan and become a supporting member. You'll gain access to goodies like early episode access, newsletters, and more based on the plan that's right for you.Support this Podcast