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. 

Don't Forget the Love

This morning for my monthly, To the Prospective Artist podcast, I had the great fortune of speaking with actor couple, Sarah Stephens and Vandit Bhatt. Not only are the two of them terrific actors but they've been together for nearly 8 years.  

I had them on the show because there is prevalent theme among the actor community, particularly among young male actors, that relationships will inhibit one's ability to thrive. Admittedly, I too fell into this trap.

As I get older, I recognize it's the opposite. Being with the right person can be an unfair advantage. Goals become collective and the sense of community you build with a partner stretches you beyond what you thought capable on your own. 

Many of these themes were beautifully articulated on this morning's show and I hope you check it out:

https://soundcloud.com/hy9btjy0cxsu

As Vandit said as we wrapped the episode, "Don't forget the love."

You Already Have the Answers

There's a lot to be said about someone who always listens to the next self-development podcast, picks up the best book in their field, and attends seminars whenever time and money will permit. I'm a huge proponent of getting better each day in every arena our life.

But that mono-maniacal focus on self-improvement can some at the expense of not taking enough inventory of the answers we already have within. It's important to unplug from time to time from all the terrific resources and trust that our subconscious minds and experiences will lend themselves to some pretty profound insight if we just take the time to listen.

Intuition is an enormously powerful resource that we often don't take advantage of because we don't trust the answers to our deepest questions are already within us. 

You DO Have Enough Time

Yesterday, I was on a six-hour flight from New York to California. I caught up on some work, read a great deal, listened to a podcast, and got some rest. A few passengers around me decided to partake in the limitless forms of entertainment now available on any major carrier.

I want to make it clear I'm not placing judgment, but the woman in the row ahead of me watched not one, but three films in a row. Now, I love films more than anyone I know but knew I had work that just had to get done. And in fairness, maybe she'd already crossed off all her "to-do's" for the day. (I've certainly bing watched House of Cards on a cold February day.)

But I couldn't help but think about all the times I've heard people say, "I don't have any time," as an excuse for not getting projects they seemingly value completed. The truth is we do have time but often don't think broadly enough when it comes to utilizing chunks of time that seem out of bounds.

There's time to listen to a podcast while in traffic, or exercising. There's time to read an informative book while taking public transportation. We can skip a few nights of watching Netflix to start the first draft of that book, or play. 

When we say we don't have time what we're actually saying is "It's not a priority." I encourage you to think outside the box and find ways to chip away at a project of personal value by being more deliberate about your time. 

Remember, we all get the same amount of hours in a day but what we do with them is completely up to us.

Don't Discount the Little Things

My goal with each book I read, podcast I listen to, interview I watch, or workshop I take is to learn at least one meaningful lesson I can immediately implement into my daily life.

Admittedly, I've been very underwhelmed on occasion by my selections. Still,  these resources have taught me what to avoid doing; an equally important takeaway.

I've also learned not to discount the little things. Over time those lessons compound over time and can make enormous changes in your life as long as you put them to practice.

Start small and watch what happens.