Keep Your Eye On The Ball
Coaching Tips #66
We are bombarded with information in this internet era, and it threatens our focus on pursuing excellence.
We are predisposed and encouraged to build an addiction to seeking out information. It starts first thing in the morning with the simple action of picking up our phones when the alarm goes off. And it can continue all day long through various forms of media, conversations, advice, podcasts and experiences. And it more than likely closes off our day as we take one last glance to ensure we are not missing out on a vital piece of information that will shift our fortunes forever. (I am still working on this :))
But how much of that information is relevant to the pursuit of your long-term objectives?
If you are serious about accomplishing a particular goal, in this coaching tip I am challenging you to become an astute consumer of information. If you are just surfing information then I would wonder if this latest soundbite or data point is really adding value, or simply feeding a habitual behavior.
This is easier said than done. Social scientists are terribly concerned that we have become addicted to this behavior. With a click of a key, we can find anything or listen to anyone. It takes discipline to keep your eye on the ball, and curate information properly.
Here are a few suggestions on how to do this.
Define the type of information that can help you develop. Does a thin slice of many topics support your goals or are you better served by doing a deep dive? Take 30 minutes and clearly outline what type of information will add value. Don’t just include online sources. Make sure you consider other sources such as mentors or experts in your field.
Decipher what is applicable. Curate your information into 3 categories: relevant, interesting, waste of time. Relevant applies to your goals and interesting applies to something that you are curious about outside of your scope of current focus. Waste of time simply means recognize what it is – a distraction. Try to stay present as you judiciously avoid the distractions.
Organize that information for best use later. Ask yourself how do you best store information. Is it by memory, taking recap notes, folders on your computer or papers on your desk? Systemizing where relevant information lives will make it easier to access on demand when you wish to refresh your memory or link new thoughts with old ideas.
Get rid of the clutter. Information overload can cause anxiety - especially when there are conflicting viewpoints. Trust your gut on what is pertinent. Focus on small chunks at a time. Muscles take time to develop and so does a reservoir of knowledge and skill.
Challenge against what you know. I love information that challenges me to be better. When you invert the logic of your point of view, you become a more nuanced and sophisticated thinker. You open up the possibility that you may not be right. While this can be a blow to your ego, those who achieve significant expertise understand excellence comes through ongoing agility, not through being stuck on a certain narrative.
Test it out. Take that piece of data or advice and apply to a situation. Start small and see how and where it fits with what you already know. If it fits keep going. If it does not, get curious on why not.
One last thought…
Information is only as good as how you apply it to your scenario.
Expertise is never about achieving perfection. That is a fixed mindset. Instead keep your eye on the ball and think about your development as a never-ending pursuit of perfection.