In today’s world, information overload is a constant challenge. The average U.S. smartphone user receives 46 app notifications daily, while a full-time worker receives 120 emails every day. With the digital universe hosting over a billion websites and the daily launch of 252,000 new ones, it’s clear we’re bombarded with more than our brains can process.

As Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of *Flow*, says, “an individual can experience only so much. Therefore, the information we allow into consciousness becomes extremely important; it is, in fact, what determines the content and the quality of life.” Given our limited capacity to absorb information, it’s essential to set boundaries to filter the content we consume.

Here’s a quick guide to managing information more intentionally.

Step 1: Define What Matters Most

Get clear on your goals and vision for life and work. Who do you want to be? What do you want to achieve? When you have a clear sense of purpose, it’s easier to identify what information serves that purpose—and what doesn’t.

Step 2: Use Your Vision as a Filter

Your goals can act as a litmus test for incoming information. If it doesn’t align with your priorities, it may be more of a distraction than a benefit. Remember the saying “garbage in, garbage out”—the quality of your thoughts reflects what you let in. Aim to consume content that genuinely supports your personal and professional goals.

Step 3: Turn Off Non-Essential Notifications

Disable unnecessary notifications to reduce distractions. Use your device’s ability to summarize notifications for less notifications that you still want, while leaving on only the essentials. For instance, keeping notifications for family and key work contacts can help you stay focused on what matters.

Step 4: Unsubscribe Ruthlessly

Achieving inbox zero is a challenge, but it’s possible to reduce clutter by unsubscribing from emails that don’t support your goals. Keeping a lean inbox also reduces the mental load of sorting through endless messages.

Step 5: Go Deeper Instead of Wider

Consider revisiting valuable resources instead of constantly consuming new material. Rereading insightful books or articles can deepen your understanding and allow you to apply the concepts more effectively.

Step 6: Take Brain Breaks

Rest is essential for mental clarity. Pause for a few minutes throughout the day to reset, focusing on your senses to ground yourself in the present. This helps reduce mental clutter and allows space for real reflection.

Step 7: Capture and Organize Thoughts

Use tools like Notion, Evernote, or ClickUp to offload ideas and organize them. Capturing thoughts frees up mental space and makes it easier to return to and act on them later.

Experiment with these strategies to manage information to enhance and organize ideas your focus and clarity. By curating what you consume, you’ll create more room for meaningful progress.