How many people do you know who have a problem to solve and instead of solving their problem, they research it. Incessantly.
They continue to think, “if I just had more information, then I could _______________.”
- lose weight
- read my bible
- get organized
- get out of debt
The problem is, we live in a world with way too much information. For better or for worse, everything is accessible, available, and in most cases, immediate. Why is this a problem you ask?
Because at least half of it isn’t true.
I heard a story on CNN this morning. It was about how new homes are expanding in size. The premise was that the downsizing our economy has experienced the last few years is over because people are building larger homes again. The reporter said, “Downsizing is over and McMansions are back.” Luckily buried in this sensationalism was the truth.
If you listened closer, you heard the real story:
- The average new home is 2,300 square feet (a big house, but hardly a “McMansion”)
- The size of homes is up 8% over the last year. (on a 2,300 square foot house, 8% is equal to 184 square feet)
- The reason new homes are bigger is because the only people who can get a loan are people with a large income.
Here’s the problem, the average news listener doesn’t take the time to listen for the real story. They read the headline. They listen to the teaser as the news goes to commercial. They don’t take time to get all the real information.
They walk away with just the headline…not the meat….and they share. They share with their friends, through facebook and email. Bad information spreads quickly, rumors begin.
Often, more information is helpful. It’s good to be thorough and to do your research. But be careful. Pay attention to your sources. Make sure that what you are reading, listening or watching is the truth.
And while research is valuable, it can’t solve your problem. Through research alone, there’s no way for you to lose weight, get organized, read your bible or pay off your debt.
You have to take action!
Eventually, realize that you have enough knowledge. Make a plan and get started! If it doesn’t work, do a little more research, tweak the plan and try again. But move forward. Take that first step.
And by all means….don’t believe everything you hear on cable news.