The think (here) Blog

Yesterday's Monday's post "You Are What You FEED" explored the idea that we see the world exactly from the perspective we choose to. To understand exactly how this happens (and why it can be a bad thing) start at that post.  All caught up?  Read on.

The goal here is not to define what is scientifically right/wrong relative/absolute (though this TED talk takes strides in the right direction.) However, the goal IS to provide a few ways to observe your inputs, keep an open mind, and make changes as necessary.

1. Check the 'label'

If you care about the nutritional value of the food you eat chances are you check the side of the box/wrapper/package before consumption.  The same can be said of your FEED. The only difference is that the "label" for the FEED is a bit scattered.  Most of it is sitting up at birds-eye-view.  The "big picture" point of view for each element of your FEED is vital. This means observing/participating in open discussions, online reviews, and more.

Bottom Line: Seek out all points of view, stereotypes, and criticism. Understand the label everyone else has applied to a given element of your FEED. (Keep in mind understand DOES NOT mean agree.)

2. Consume...More.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but choosing to increase your inputs is the best way to become a life long learner. Despite the hyper-paced world we live in there is always an opportunity to consume more. By making an effort to find new sources, new FEED inputs, and new perspectives you will (without even thinking about it) drop current elements that you don't hold as valuable.

3. Go Deep

If you have ever spent even just five minutes on wikipedia you will see the value of deep content.  Where "check(ing) the label" up above discussed the FEED on a "Macro" level this does the same thing on a "Micro" level.  Pick an element of your FEED you either a.) don't know much about b.) don't really understand or c.) want to know more about and GO. Explore. The beauty of learning a lot about a very specific topic is that you will find connections, correlations, and comparisons to other pieces of information you never knew about.

4. The Grass is *not* Greener.

Controlling your feed requires humility, honesty, uncertainty, and adaptability.  Participate from the opposing point of view. This method is simple on paper (er...pixel), but takes a bit of courage.  Get all your news from Digg? Spend a week on Reddit or StumbleUpon. Are all of your friends on Facebook? See what the world looks like from FriendFeed. Is all of this is Greek to you? Spend a bit more time online. Already on all the sites listed (and more)? Spend a bit more time offline.  The goal here is to shake up your FEED, test a few new inputs, and experience the world from a *slightly* different point of view.

5. Question Everything (really)

This final tip comes from Rich Dad Poor Dad, arguably one of the best personal finance books of all time:

"...One dad had a habit of saying "I can't afford it."  The other dad forbade those words to be used. He insisted I say, "How can I afford it?"  One is a statement, the other is a question.  One lets you off the hook, the other challenges you to think. (emphasis is my own)

Think about that. Without questioning your FEED your brain turns off.  This is what makes our FEED subconscious. It is because without questioning it we switch to auto-pilot.  The more you question the more you open your mind.

How to take action:

Start with this post. By reading this, 'Think (here)' is (at least a portion of) your FEED.  Since the launch of this site the best discussions that have emerged are those that have come from t(h)inkers applying the tips above.  This is just a list, our list. Question it, explore a piece of the topic deeper, read more, understand the big picture, and comment. Get in on this discussion. Share your FEED.

Image credit: aknacer (once again)