The 21st century has truly graced us with every single piece of information that we can ever ask for, thanks to the invention of the internet. And, while this may come in handy, it’s so easy to get caught up in the how to’s when there are a million different people dishing out advice.
As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I have always wanted to know the best way to approach a plan before I dive in. And while this may seem like a plausible plan on the surface, it has hindered me in more ways than it has helped.
I often get trapped in the downward spiral known as analysis paralysis in response to information overload. It’s been one of the primary reasons it’s taken me so long to get this blog off the ground and running. While research is a key tool to begin projects, it can often be a method of procrastination as well.
So how does one deal with this common perplexing problem?
As simple as it sounds, the truth is, you need to just start where you are. But, unfortunately simple doesn’t always mean easy. And as I writer I am far too familiar with this feeling. When drafting posts for my blog, it’s very easy to get sidetracked by the process of planning and preparation. I often find myself looking up the top trending topics in my niche, researching better SEO keywords, or even reading entire how-to manuals by other bloggers in an effort to gain inspiration, before straggling back over to my pile of unfinished posts.
The simple truth of the matter is, the only way to become a better blogger is by simply blogging. And, I won’t have anything to post if the words ever get written down onto the page.
While research is crucial, it means nothing if you don’t actually attempt to implement the information that you’ve learned.
Learning by doing, and learning by watching others are two completely different skills. And the best knowledge you can receive is that which you gain first-hand. Just like you can’t learn how to ride a bike by watching other people do it, or learn how to swim without ever getting in the water. The easiest piece of advice is to simply just start, but it can be difficult to decipher where to go next.
Here are a few tips on how to successfully bypass falling into the pit of analysis paralysis when faced with information overload.
Keep Track of Your Tabs
One of the easiest ways to get flustered is to have one million tabs open on your device. As someone who often deals with information overload, I am definitely guilty of opening multiple links at the same time before I’ve even gotten through the one sentence of the article. I’m always on the prowl for more information, but in doing this, I’m not truly taking in the words that are directly in front of me. If you are researching a certain topic, make sure to actually digest the information that you’re reading by sticking through from beginning to end.
Trial by Error
The best way to figure out what works best for you, is to actually try and implement the lessons that you come across! You likely won’t need to go through a whole checklist of tutorials if you find the one that works best for you the first or second time around. Not only will this reduce the likelihood of being overwhelmed by information, but it will also save you a lot of time in the long run!
Write Things Down
One of the best habits you can build is keeping a log of helpful information that you can return to at a later date. I can’t count how many times I’ve come across a great advice article without thinking to actually write down actionable steps that I can take in the future. When searching for information, you should definitely have a paper and pen beside you to write down the tips that you find most helpful. So next time you’re itching to research, you already have a log to fall back on.
Know When to Call it Quits
Sometimes, you just have to know when enough is enough.. If you’re constantly searching for the next best piece of information, you likely won’t even remember the words that you took in just moments ago. Thanks to the infinite internet, there will always be someone out there who knows more, and has better advice than the last person. But, the truth is, what worked for them may not always work for you. We’re all different, which means success is going to look different for every person, and there likely won’t be one perfect way to accomplish a specific task.
So, instead of going on an endless hunt for the perfect piece of information, I recommend setting a timer and designating a specific time-frame to conduct research. And, when it goes off, feel free to call it a day.
You will feel so much better, and it will lead to much more productivity in the long run!
