Garbage In, Garbage Out! Everything You Do Matters
โGarbage in, garbage outโ is a phrase many of us came across at some point in our lives. Some of you may have never heard it before, while others may even know its origins. But, how many of you have considered how one could apply its meaning to our everyday lives? Well, I haveโฆ quite a bit. (winking FACE)
The phrase โgarbage in, garbage outโ (GIGO) comes from the world of computer science and mathematics. If incorrect data is put into the machine, incorrect data will come out. In other words, the quality of the input determines the quality of the output.
The theory of โgarbage in, garbage outโ makes sense and is easily measurable in programming and computing. But does its relevance stop there? Is it applicable to other aspects of life?
A recent experience with a client prompted me to read further into the impact of our โintakeโ on our ability to succeed and achieve our goals. Does consuming โgarbageโ information affect our mental health and mental development?
It is undeniable that our surroundings tremendously impact who we are. We learn and adapt through our interactions. We form our belief systems and world views through experience and communication.
โWe are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.โ
โ Jim Rohn
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Our Reality
Since the rise of social media, many people have replaced at least one of these โfive peopleโ that Jim Rohn speaks of with the virtual world. For many, social media has become their most influential โfriendโ . . . if one could even call it a friend.
Sure, social media often makes us feel wanted and special. It offers free entertainment and can fill our days with stuff that makes us feel good. We can forget our troubles and problems while binge-watching cute kittens, funny fail compilations, etc. We can also use it as a learning platform to help us get ahead and improve some skills.
As we know well, however, there is no such thing as a free lunch. What is the price? What do we pay to have access to the free stuff that we think makes us happy?
Many studies show that heavy social media users score worse on cognitive tests, which examine oneโs ability to pay attention, as well as to multitask. It also shrinks parts of the brain associated with maintaining attention. While it makes us feel good about ourselves, it also makes us lose interest in pursuing new ideas and passions.
I may even go as far as to say it makes us lose the ability to do what matters most, leaving us disappointed later on.
Other studies additionally found that higher social media use (1+ hours a day) correlates with self-reported declines in mental and physical health and life satisfaction.
โWatch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.โ
โ Lao Tzu
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Garbage In, Garbage Out Case Study
I recently worked with a client* who was struggling to focus and complete his projects. The complexity of the projects was not beyond his competency; however, he constantly felt that he wasnโt achieving his desired scores and successes. Additionally, he often felt like no matter how much he did, he was always behind, struggling to meet his deadlines.
After a focused exploration, we discovered that he was spending a lot of his time on social media; more specifically, he was spending his โspare timeโ watching YouTube videos. Oftentimes, he would take breaks between his tasks, alternating between watching videos and doing his work. While taking brain breaks is a necessary part of maintaining focus during work, his breaks were starting to overtake his work time. Furthermore, the videos were not related to his work and thus distracted him. โIt was just for fun.โ Together, his breaks and time on social media platforms, accumulated to more than 4 hours on the internet.
After taking time to self-explore his work habits, as well as the two of us jointly analyzing his typical work schedule, the client and I produced a strategy to improve his productivity. Breaking bad habits is extremely challenging; however, by starting with small shifts in media consumption, he was able to better manage his time. Most importantly, the client was able to find a specific schedule that allowed him to indulge in what he loves, while also being productive and ultimately, being successful in his work.
What comes out of your mouth is determined by what goes into your mind.
โ Zig Ziglar
. . .
Feed Your Mind With What Matters
There are many things we can do to minimize the amount of garbage we put in our minds and start living healthier and more purposeful lives.
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- Limit the time spent on social media. Install a tracker on your phone and web browser. Be aware of how you use your time. If you find keeping track of the time spent online hard, use a timer. Once the time is up, leave.
- Make it a habit to go out and spend time without any type of screen. Go out for a walk, a run, to the gym, to the pool, to walk the dog, etc.
- Interact in person with others. Human connection stimulates our minds. Humans are social creatures;ย we feel better when we are around other human beings.
- Do something positive every day. It may be helping an elderly neighbor, volunteering at the local soup kitchen, or even just lending a listening ear to a friend. Doing something nice for others gives our brains a dopamine boost (the chemical that gives us the feeling of satisfaction, and well-being.)
- Read more. Set aside time to read. It is best to read from a real paper book away from monitors.
- Spend time being quiet with no distractions. This will help you clear your head and put the important things in your life into perspective.
- Journal. Start a journal where you can write your thoughts. Starting to journal was a game-changer for me. It helps me download the garbage from my mind onto paper. It puts things into perspective and reveals patterns of thoughts.
- Sleep. The best way to help your mind rest and recover from the daily living damages is by letting it sleep. Sleep is natureโs best cognitive enhancer. During sleep, your brain deals with information received during the day.ย REM sleep (the dreaming phase of sleep) has been shown to enhance learning, memory, and emotional well-being.
- Take a social media break. Set aside time without your phone. I usually leave the phone in another room for a couple of hours every day. Once a year, I also take a month off from social media.
. . .
Conclusion
It is clear by now that social media, the countless adverts, TV, etc. have a damaging effect on our minds. The question is no longer whether this statement is true. The question is how we can choose to act in response.
The mind-damaging sources are here to stay. This is something we cannot change. However, we cannot stay indifferent observers while our minds and lives are being damaged. What are you going to do about this? Please consider what you put into your mind and what you want to get out of it. We can demand our governments to regulate social media, advertising, exposure to harmful information, etc.ย But, ultimately, itโs up to us what information we allow our minds to consume and in what quantities.
There is an eye-opening documentary on Netflix, โThe Social Dilemma.โ It shows the effect social media has on our reality. Please find the time to watch it. It is worth it.
If you would like to talk to someone who can support you on a life journey, please get in touch with me. I am offering a free 1-hour discovery session for new clients with no strings attached. Let’s work together to get you on the road to becoming the best version of yourself.
I am here for you!
As I am preparing this article for publishing, new data is being released about the harm FB does to its users for profit. Please, please consider what you do and how you use the most valuable thing you have: your beautiful mind!
*The case is published with the clientโs permission. All information discussed during my sessions with clients is strictly confidential.
