Meaning

Lately, I've been spending a lot of time thinking about why certain things are important and others aren't. Sorting things into those two big buckets is an interesting exercise, especially when we're inundated with so much information and "stuff." The (re)discovery I've made is that the best way to determine something's importance is to give it the blink test...don't think about, just let your instinct guide you. As a result, I'm reading a lot less material and focusing more on that which I do read. Now to throw out all those old magazines and computer files that I've been meaning to get to, "someday."

How about you? How do you evaluate the meaning and continuing value of the things and information around you?

Comments

[Ken G.]

The amazing thing is that the deeper you cut, the easier it gets. Sure, start with those old magazines and the pdfs of reports cluttering up your virtual desk top. But then it gets addictive, and everything but the bed and refrigerator are out by the curb waiting for the garbage collectors. And that's a good thing.

[Tom Guarriello]

I know what you mean, Ken. I watched a DVD yesterday in which a designer talked about appreciating the things you have that you haven't even looked at in years. So many of them are simply stashed away, out of sight and, hence, out of mind. Craziness, really. Thanks.

[Russ Haney]

I have to stop an re evaluate "stuff" after the pile grows to high. Then purge! A few years ago I read a book about simplifying your life and ended up giving away and throwing away many things I had not touched in years. Clothes, software, books, etc. It was very cathartic.

[Esther Crawford]

I've been getting better about managing my email inbox, which has been a problem and source of guilt for a long time. I used to save all the emails/messages/comments I "meant" to respond to ... I've been getting better about letting go and going with my gut - either I respond right when I read it or it gets archived so I can move on without the guilt.

[Tom Guarriello]

I've been using a "clean Inbox" approach for a few years now and my Email is the tidiest part of my life! I'm compulsive about taking care of messages and never filing them anywhere before acting on them. It wasn't easy at first but now it's second nature. You'll never regret doing this, Esther! Thanks for stopping by!

[Mike Wagner]

Great question Tom: How do you evaluate the meaning and continuing value of the things and information around you?

I recently reread The Educated Imagination by Frye as an answer to the very question you pose.

Reading and focusing proven thinkers of depth opens up new and valuable meaning.

Wading in the minutia of the web doesn't.

Thanks!

Keep creating,
Mike

[Tom Guarriello]

This thread, and the Facebook discussion that has sprung up around it demonstrates that we have very different standards for evaluating the importance of any individual object or experience. Meaning is radically personal. That means that while some of us find minutia distracting, others seem to be able to wade through it and sift out valuable insights.

Thanks, as always, Mike.