That’s how I’ve been feeling lately. It’s a strange, chaotic mix of thoughts, ideas, and noise all jumbled together, never quite clear enough to tune into. I catch myself endlessly scrolling through LinkedIn, absorbing inspiring stories, new theories, or the latest productivity hack. I dive into newsletters, research the next big idea, and somehow convince myself it’s all productive. But at the end of the day, the outcome feels oddly familiar—like I’ve spent hours watching dog videos on TikTok (which, let’s be honest, have their charm). Despite all the learning, I end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and no closer to clarity.

It’s like I’m trapped in a loop of endless consumption. Sound familiar?

As a lifelong learner, I used to take pride in soaking up as much knowledge as possible. After all, aren’t we told that knowledge is power? Yet lately, I’ve been asking myself: When does knowledge become noise? When does the constant input start to blur the lines between being well-informed and just plain overwhelmed?

And even more unsettling—am I part of the problem? As someone who creates content regularly, am I just contributing to this endless cycle of noise?

These questions have lingered in my mind as I try to navigate this sea of information, seeking peace in the midst of the chaos.

The Noise We Drown In

I think a lot of us feel this way—bombarded by information at every turn. We consume content with the best of intentions. We want to grow, to learn, to improve. But somewhere along the way, all this input becomes overwhelming. It’s a cacophony of voices, opinions, and facts that leaves us more drained than enlightened. The internet’s promise of endless learning has become an endless stream of comparison, self-doubt, and digital clutter.

Some days, it feels like too much—too much noise, too much pressure to keep up, and too little time to make sense of it all. We willingly dive headfirst into this overload because we believe it’s necessary, valuable, even essential. We convince ourselves that the next article, podcast, or post will unlock something critical for our growth. But at what cost?

Amid this noise, I find myself thinking not just about what I consume, but also what I create. It’s easy to churn out content, but what’s the point if it doesn’t truly add value? I’ve learned that it’s not about how much you create, but about how much thought and intention goes into what you do.

Create Before You Consume

I’ve found that the key to breaking the cycle of information overload lies in shifting our focus from consuming to creating.

Whenever I find myself deep in consumption mode—an hour or two into reading articles, watching videos, or scrolling social media—I ask myself: Have I created something today?

Creating doesn’t have to mean writing an entire blog or producing a piece of art. It could be as simple as journaling, jotting down an idea, or setting my intentions for the day. The act of creating—even in small ways—grounds me. It pulls me out of the noise and allows me to tap into my own thoughts and insights.

When I create before I consume, I’m reclaiming my mental space. I’m no longer passively absorbing everything the world throws at me; instead, I’m actively shaping my own ideas and actions. And when I do create, I make sure it has purpose, rather than just adding to the never-ending stream of content out there.

The Power of the Pause: The Daily 15

Perhaps the most powerful tool I’ve embraced is the pause. When the world feels overwhelming, when the noise feels too loud, and when I feel consumed by the pressure to keep up, I pause. And for me, that pause comes in the form of The Daily 15.

It’s my go-to routine for setting the tone for each day. Here’s how it works:

Morning: 5 minutes of journaling, right after waking up.

• No emails
• No social media
• No distractions

Just a pen, my thoughts, and a few guiding questions:

• What am I grateful for today?
• What’s my vision for the day?
• Who do I need to be to realize this vision?
• A few affirmations to remind myself of my potential.

Then, 5 minutes of meditation to center my mind, focus my energy, and start the day on the right foot.

Evening: 5 minutes to reflect on the day.

• What went well today?
• What did I learn?

It’s a simple, powerful way to start and end my day with intention, clarity, and gratitude.

This routine keeps me aligned, focused, and grounded in a world that’s constantly trying to pull me in different directions. It reminds me to create space for myself, so I’m not just swept away by the tide of information and noise.

Finding Peace in the Noise

In a noisy world, finding peace doesn’t mean turning off the noise completely. It means learning how to navigate it with intention and clarity. It means creating more than we consume, focusing on thoughtful actions, and embracing the power of a pause.

So the next time you find yourself overwhelmed by the endless flow of information, ask yourself: What am I creating today? You might just find that the answer leads you to a little more peace in the chaos.

Curious about my Daily 15? Send me a DM, and I’ll happily share my exact journal prompts and meditation. Please share your tips with me too! I could use them 😊