Clear the digital load to harness your natural intelligence
“I always say that I don’t have enough time, but when I look at how much time I spend on social media - there’s my lost time! When I’m stressed, tired or anxious I’m really prone to doom scrolling, and when I’m done I just feel worse, but it’s hard to break the habit. I know it’s all fiction and highlights but I can’t help myself.”
What can we do to regain focus and clarity?
The mind is an incredible data processor, and it is works as a tool - you either use it well or lose it! Our main data sources come from the five senses of your eyes, ears, nose, mouth and touch, so the quality of the data shapes the mind and how it transforms data into information and wisdom. This means that each piece of data you consume is shaping your perception of the world, and here is where the digital age, especially social media, can warp wisdom.
High quality data is useful, relevant and accurate, but in this age of misinformation and attention grabbing, it is difficult to come by. We all know the wrong information can cause harm, from bad diet advice and gimmicky marketing, all the way to hate speech and violence. I see poor information about health all the time, usually in the name of good intentions, business or politics. With so much out there, we all need to develop our natural intelligence to avoid succumbing to manipulative tactics for our time, money and most importantly, our personal data.
We all have an inate intelligence that can helps us discern how we use our time and what content is useful for us; it’s a matter of practice. Here are four ways to flex your natural intelligence and create healthy digital boundaries:
High Quality Source: Look for credibility through training and education, credentials, experience working with real people, genuine reviews and tangible results. Like most things, it takes a combination of these elements for someone to have the expertise and knowledge to help you through your unique journey.
Personal Energy: In the digital realm, it is often the loud, noisy, busy and overconfident creators who take centre stage. But as real people, we know that wisdom brings calm, humility, patience and nuance, so keep an ear out for words like ‘maybe, could be, potentially, perhaps, possible’. On the other hand, black or white thinking is often ignorance, ‘one thing to fix it all’ is often inexperience, ‘must’ is often dogma. Don’t be afraid to unsubscribe first; what is meant for you will find a way to come back at the right time.
Pace Yourself: Just like your meals, space out how much content you consume even if the quality is high. for example, put a timer or use an app while absorbing digital content, or make a decision for one podcast every other day, 15 minutes of social media and an hour of tv per day. Create space after consuming to consider what you’ve learnt, and what you want to retain.
Get creative: Instead of being a pure consumer, use what you process to create. Write a blog, draw your ideas, build a vision board, chat with friends, create a video log - find an outlet for your information. This is also where digital tools can be helpful, or go old school and create a collage of your thoughts and ideas. Who knows, it might be your legacy one day!
“Treat your social media like a buffet. Savour the best items but don’t overindulge. The chef can’t be held accountable!”
