In the modern world, I’ve often found myself in periods of relentless cognitive overload.
Most of it self-inflicted: YouTube rabbit holes, short-form content, podcasts, books, and an endless stream of ideas.
The information arrives in such a way that can be likened to a storm.
Too much to face at once. Too thick to see beyond.
I lose the ability to look into the horizon, the fog won’t allow it.
And I just accepted my situation as “the way it is”. I hoped that through the onslaught of information, some would sink into my subconscious.
And some of it has, I’m sure, but not in a meaningful way.
Not like a librarian filing away beautiful stories, creating a space to enjoy.
But like a hoarder, throwing books over his shoulder into his pit of paper.
And what has this left me with? I’m not sure, but it doesn’t feel like progress.
So, this year, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to clear space.
In my life, in my mind.
I’ve restricted my own access to social media down to the bare bones (I can only post and DM)
I spend Monday nights screen-free with my girlfriend, and every other night screen-free from 9pm
And even these simple changes. Creating more space for… nothing…
Have allowed me to show up better in the world.
I’m writing more, therefore finishing ideas before filing them away.
I’m reading more, therefore regaining my capacity to seek knowledge through self-guided curiosity (rather than just allowing myself to be fed)
I’m thinking more, therefore making more decisions aligned with my core beliefs, wants and desires.
I keep thinking about two people.
Both spend the day at work absorbing other people’s ideas. Both leave with new projects, problems, and possibilities to consider.
Person A goes home, turns on Netflix for an episode. Listens to a podcast while they run, then tucks into bed with a YouTube video.
Person B cooks a quiet dinner, turns on Netflix for an episode, goes on a quiet run and spends some time in peaceful reflection before bed.
By next morning, Person B has had the time to consider their new world. They’ve digested the information from the day prior and have weighed it against their core values.
Person B has had the space to decide whether this path aligns with the life they want. They’ve also had enough silence to think beyond what was handed to them.
Compound this over many years, and you’ve got someone who walks through life with more intention.
Someone who has ended up in a place that they considered, not in a place that the wind blew them.
That’s all I’ve got for today.