The Information Paradox

It’s no secret that I’m addicted to learning. Honestly, it’s better than being addicted to anything else. 🙂

What I find interesting is that today, there’s so much available information and way too many ideas, books, strategies, and much more to learn. Sometimes it’s just overwhelming.

I read Seth Godin’s blog a few months ago, where he told this story about Cliffs Notes. They were in the bestselling section of the bookstore for a decade. And they were mostly geared toward high school students who didn’t want to read or just wanted more insight into the book.

So he came up with the idea of creating his version called Quicklit, which didn’t sell very well.

What he discovered was the paradox that more notes didn’t lead to more learning…

Hmmmm.

So that got me thinking. As I looked at my crammed bookshelves, I tripped over a couple of courses and more books that were piling up on my floor. Let’s not even talk about my closet, which is filled with more books, courses, printed newsletter subscriptions, CDs, and DVDs…

Yep, I can definitely feel what Seth was saying.

Just because I have all these “learning materials” doesn’t lead to me learning more. Especially when buying more of it starts to outpace the learning of it!

Is that something you can relate to?

How many monthly subscriptions are you paying for that you haven’t checked in a while? Or how many online courses or eBooks have you bought that are on your hard drive that you haven’t finished, or maybe haven’t started?

So what does all of this mean?

Do we stop buying books and courses until we at least finish a few of them?

And what I’ve started to see more of in eNewsletters, blogs, and social media is the acronym TLDR. Of course, I had to look that one up. (If you are like me and have no clue, it means “Too long, didn’t read.”)

As I’ve seen these past few years, online and offline information has been so prevalent, so how do you manage it all? Not to mention digest and consume it?!

That’s where it seems more folks are just giving up and looking more and more for shorter, quick reads, where they can get one or two ideas and then move on to something else.

Spoiler alert – I don’t have the answer about what to do with this huge information age overload.

Yet, I do know how it’s affecting people’s online behavior. Different generations are looking for more engagement and interaction. They are also looking for short, easier ways to consume information and learn.

Hence, ChatGPT exploded because you now have a tool to help you learn, read, and do more.

So as I go back to looking at my overloaded shelves, I vow that I won’t buy another course, book, or information product until I at least get through one of them in the next couple of weeks.

I also know beating myself up over it definitely won’t help. Hence, I just embrace my quest for knowledge and learning.

And I arm myself with better tools to help me learn, keep that knowledge, and share it.

My favorites, some I’ve talked about, are:

Regardless of where you fall on the information perspective, I’d encourage you to simply keep learning. Do whatever works for you. Cuz the old adage that knowledge has power will ALWAYS be true.

On another note — It’s hot, hot, and hotter in August. Hope wherever you are, you’re keeping cool and enjoying the winding down days of summer.

Quote I’m Pondering:

“When problems and challenges arise, they force us to examine our ideals, become alert, and often learn something new about others and ourselves. Even our enemies, rivals, and competitors give us something to push against. They help us define who we are and challenge us to become our best. Instead of complaining and grumbling about that problem or circumstance, thank it for being there.” ~Melody Beattie, More Language of Letting Go

Powerful Mantras to Inspire:

I have plenty of money, time, love, energy, and health.

I easily attract people who love and support me.

I easily attract money and prosperity.

Book Review:
Zero Limits The Hawaiian System For Wealth, Health, Peace & More by Joe Vitale & Ihaleakala Hew Len, Ph.D.

Weekly Photos:
Some choice shots of the sunrises and of course, Emma! Yeah, this launch will be over soon so I can venture out more. 🙂