I’ve been focusing a lot on looking inside in order to figure out what to do, but today I’m going to go into how I look for new data from outside myself.
The problem with relying on outside data.
Too many people look outside themselves for answers, and they will consume dozens or hundreds of information products looking for that one that will fix everything for them. This is automatically self-abortive, as unless the insight comes from within, it’s not going to work.
If you have someone who gives up all of their power and goes to a seminar to improve their life, then quite often there is a rush, because they will suddenly have the answer to all of their problems. As time progresses, however, they grow tired or bored, and the initial fire of enthusiasm fades and dies. Then they hear about another interesting bit of info, and this….this should knock it out of the park.
Unless someone has the inner realization of themselves, they will not be able to use any more advanced techs. It’s a system requirement. Unless they get a real glimpse of how fantastic they really are, they won’t put up the time/energy to do what needs doing. Once someone sees themselves as they are deep down and as they can be, it’s a life-altering event, even if it’s only for a moment. As they start recognizing and accepting themselves and their abilities only then will paths start opening for them.
The benefits of getting outside data.
For all that I wrote above, getting outside data can be a huge benefit. The trick is to learn yourself. Once you have that, you will know what outside data does and does not work for you.
As promised, here are a few techniques for how I look for new outside data:
- The local library. A massively under-appreciated asset. Most metropolitan libraries are networked, so that you can request books from across town. Very useful, because you have to….
- Get a sampling of what is out there. Without taking a few chances, you’ll never know what is out there. Yes, some of them will be stinkers. Some of them will be absolute gems.
- Look for trends in what resonates. When you start finding data that resonates with you, start looking for trends or themes. Once you find that theme, there are a couple of different things you can do…….
- Refine the theme and get on the cutting edge. Once you find a theme, dive in head first! If you’ve found some data that is bringing you benefit, data that is enhancing your life, go for it. On the other hand you can:
- Explore new territory. Not necessarily as comfortable as the first one, but far more adventurous. Leave this line of inquiry alone for a while and look for a new one. Optionally, you can use the current theme to springboard into something related. Just make sure that it is distinct from your old theme. The idea is to harvest new and quality data for consideration.
- Be open to your intuition. I can’t stress this one enough. If you are going along and suddenly you see a book (movie, presentation, whatever) and you feel drawn to it, spend some time and ask yourself if this is something worth taking in. Follow your intuition.
- Look out for synchronicity. Watch for cases where you will see the same thing multiple times in short periods of time. I got turned on to a new author because his stuff appeared from three different directions over 36 hours. It’s been a worthwhile read.
What to do with it?
Ok, so you’ve checked out a few books from the library, or rented an enlightening movie. What now? Well, go through them and see how they check out with your inner self. See what emotional reactions they provoke in you, and ask yourself of the nature and significance of the emotion. Why does this chapter inspire good feelings? Why do you get angry when you see that scene?
Used properly, this is a twofold exercise: Not only are you acquirig new data, but you are simultaneously using it to explore your inner world. The data that works, you keep and the data that does not, you can let go.
Do you have a technique you use to sift the informational wheat from the chaff? Please share it in the comments.
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(Thanks to hokkey for the image)
