Written by: September 15, 2024
The ‘information diet’ to sharpen your thinking (and reclaim time):
Principle-First
Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of information? Between endless social media scrolling, news alerts, and constant notifications, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Just like our physical health depends on the quality of our food, our mental health depends on the quality of the information we consume. Feeding our mind junk affects not just our focus but also our creativity and decision-making.
What if you could regain control? What if you had a system to filter out the noise and focus on what truly matters?
That’s where an ‘information diet’ comes in. (The term was popularized by Clay Johnson.)
Today, I'll share a useful system for implementing it.
SUPERHUMAN SCORING
In every edition of System Sunday, I assess the featured system across three superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, and maintenance.
Unlike your typical review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.
Impact (9.5/10)
First, why do we overconsume information? It goes back to survival. Gathering knowledge—like where the pack of lions is—kept our ancestors alive. Today, however, it’s about staying relevant (at work, in social circles, or in an ever-changing world).
But here’s the challenge: our brains haven’t evolved to handle the constant flood of inputs we face daily. We’re wired to seek more—yet without a system, we end up overwhelmed and distracted.
An effective information diet isn’t just about cutting screen time. It’s about consuming the right content that boosts productivity, sharpens thinking, and helps you grow.
Imagine starting your day energized by the information you consume. By choosing what you allow into your mind, you set the tone for how you think, feel, and act.
The quality of your inputs affects the quality of your outputs.
Setup (7.0/10)
Use this 3-step plan to curate better inputs:
1. Eliminate Energy Vampires
We all have those sources that leave us mentally exhausted or anxious. Whether it’s news apps or social media accounts—remove anything that doesn’t uplift you.
Many people ask, “Is this bad for me?” But you should really ask yourself, “Is this good for me?” Raise the burden of proof.
The key is eliminating sources that make you feel overwhelmed or worse after consuming them. And seek out the good.
2. Elevate Sources
If you want to level up your inputs, here are some recommendations:
- Entertaining: TED Talks, documentaries, stand-up comedy, insightful podcasts, etc.
- Educational: Books that challenge and inspire, business resources to sharpen your skills, unbiased news sources, etc.
Explore the links above for curated lists of my favorite resources.
3. Use Rules
Create clear boundaries around your information consumption.
Use apps or browser extensions to block distractions and curb mindless scrolling.
For example, I use Opal (for iOS) to block social media, web browsing, and email between 8pm and 8am.
Since implementing this rule 6 months ago, the quality of my sleep has improved significantly.
Maintenance (7.0/10)
Now, here are 3 steps to maintain your knowledge feed:
- Clean as you go: Block, mute, or unsubscribe from sources that no longer serve you.
- Monthly tidying: Schedule a clean-up session once a month to audit and refine your sources. (I have a recurring calendar invite on the 1st.)
- Adapt: Allow flexibility. As life changes, so should your inputs. For example, maybe you’ve become a first-time dog owner and want to prioritize learning about training and caring for them.
BRINGING IT HOME
An information diet is about living by design, not default.
By intentionally curating what you consume, you unlock the ability to direct your energy toward what truly matters.
Start small, build your system, and watch how the right information can elevate your life.
All systems go,
2 MORE WAYS I CAN HELP YOU
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