The Importance of Overlooking Information

Today there is a prevalent theme of "hustle" being promoted on just about every social media platform out there. Good luck avoiding a hashtag accompanied by the word, "grind." A culture of "no days off," has undoubtedly been popularized the last few years. And with the endless amount of free content available it's difficult to decide what may or may not be of value.

I certainly struggled over the years trying to figure out what podcast to listen to, seminar to sign up for, or the latest entrepreneurial book to pickup. I devoured information convinced I was a sentence, or quote away from forever having my life.

But what I discovered is your success actually hinges on your ability to overlook information not just consume it. Because if everything becomes important than nothing is important.

As counterintuitive as it sounds you have to cultivate the ability to focus in on content you think can help you, apply it, measure it, and then proceed based on those results. 

Embrace Your Strengths

At one point in life or another we may have wished we were wired differently. Maybe you wish you had the entrepreneurial spirit of a Steve Jobs, or Jeff Bezos. Perhaps you wish you understand numbers like Warren Buffett, or could nimbly dribble around opposing players like Lionel Messi. Sometimes we long for the strengths of others because we're told by society we should or because the marketplace places a high premium on those skill sets.

But it's also important to recognize the talents you have that don't come as easily to others. Maybe your gift is understanding people, or patience. It might be working with children, or listening. Just because your abilities are not as glamorous doesn't mean they aren't of great value.

Identify your strengths, be grateful for them, find ways to build upon them, and then find someone to add that value to.