Too Much Information
It takes only a ten second Google search to access the information to answer almost any factual question. This has changed the way we think and make decisions……and the way we do business. Sounds good, huh?
But there is a downside…a catch to this easy access to boatloads of information. I noticed it the other day when my wife asked me how I was feeling. “Use one word”, she urged. I answered “tired”, my family’s staple response for decades. I was surprised to notice how easily I had adopted the phrase “I’m tired”, but even more shocked to realize how I had allowed it to become my ‘default’ way of Being. YUCK! Just like when my computer systems have crashed, my overloaded mind had reset to an old family pattern of ”I’m tired."
Somehow we have thought that the more information and knowledge that we possess then the more equipped we are to overcome challenges and generate creative solutions. True to a point…. But if we are continually stressed and overwhelmed and overloaded with information, we, too, ‘crash’ and default back to our ‘factory settings’- the old habitual and familial patterns of our past. Our ability to create and think productively is challenged and ultimately our ability to ‘think outside to box’ is stifled. We find ourselves out of balance losing sight of our true purpose.
I notice that if I’m constantly feeling rushed and declaring an overload phrase like “I’m tired” then, inevitably, I am left at the end of the day feeling defeated and as though I had not accomplished enough. My default phrase starts a pattern of thinking that looks for ways to verify the “I’m tired” statement and a vicious cycle is in place.
Breaking the cycle can only begin by illuminating what is out of balance and choosing new default thinking. I’m taking steps to eliminate the word “tired” from my everyday vocabulary. Instead, I ask myself “Self, I notice that you are having tired thoughts. What is it that you need right now?” By asking this question I almost instantly connect with an answer in the realm of relaxation, rest, or reconnection. This is wisdom that I have learned to trust to bring me back to ‘peak operating function’.
Monday Mindfulness
So, I’m curious. When you are rushed or overloaded or overwhelmed. What are the ‘default’ phrases that you turn to so automatically? Is it confused, or distracted, or tired….or something else? See if you can identify your automatic phrase and eliminate it from your vocabulary this week….and really look at what you need at that moment.
November 6th, 2006 at 10:59 am
I totally hear you on this, Jason! “I’m tired” is also my phrase of choice and I agree…it’s difficult to get out of that cycle and mind set. Hearing you say it makes me realize that it’s my way of asking permission to take a break and sit down after going and going all day. There is a better approach and I appreciate you helping me to see that. I hope all is well with you. Your MMM is something I really look forward to each week. I so appreciate starting my week this way!
Take care,
Emily
November 6th, 2006 at 11:07 am
My automatic response is “I’m okay”, so I am asking myself this week what does it mean for me if I were to say “I am fantastic”. Thank you Jason.
November 6th, 2006 at 11:28 am
Hi Jason - this was extremely timely for me this morning! I always enjoy these MMM messages, but today in particular. I realized over the weekend that I have been using that very same phrase “I’m tired” for far too long, and that it is actually covering for a lot of other emotions…feeling overwhelmed, out of control, inadequate, etc. I had made a commitment to myself to break that cycle as well…and your message was such a confirmation to me. Thanks! Samantha
November 6th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Jason: First time receiving MMM. Thank you. My phrase is and has been for awhile now . . . I am soooo busy! OK, busy at all the right things? My priorities? Nope. Beginning today I committ to you and your friends, that I will focus on my priorities first, be playful when necessary. Have a great day!
November 6th, 2006 at 10:11 pm
“I’m fine”. That phrase keeps me from looking at what is really going on with me. I will be mindful of it this week, and will see if I can eliminate it. Thanks, Jason.
November 13th, 2006 at 7:13 am
Jason, I love the MMM. Thanks for putting it out in the world. I always love starting my Monday this way
I love the fact that we can leave comments now. I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts!
This topic is one that you can really have fun with. I read something very similar to this quite a few years ago - how, what you say can really affect your mood. So, I started playing with it. When someone would ask how I was, I would genuinely say “I’m great! How are you?” You could see their mood lift as well!
Then, I started to try something else. I started saying things you don’t hear very often in response to “How are you?” I started saying things like, “I’m dandy!” or “I’m fantastic!”
People get a kick out of that, and it ends up lifting their spirits - or at least starting a conversation about why I’m dandy and not just “fine.” Then, you get to talk about something that’s really great in your life - and in turn, the other person can’t help but tell you why they’re fantastic as well!
November 25th, 2006 at 7:53 am
My catch phrase is always “stressed out”. I use it in such a general way that it is simply a habit. I was thinking of all the words that it encompasses and the list kept growing and growing.