And the Internet is a powerhouse because it brings that information, from everywhere, at all hours of the day.

And that’s the problem with information too.

There’s too much of it. Far more than we could ever absorb in a lifetime.

Information becomes disabling if we are constantly “plugged in” to look for the next opportunity, the next nugget of information which might make the difference to our business.

Information becomes disabling when we’re overloaded with it, and when Attention – also a highly precious and scarce resource is wasted by sorting through low value, constant interruptions (email, Twitter and Facebook being the biggest culprits)

Being in a state of continuous partial attention is both wasteful of attention but also significantly lowers productivity.

If you don’t believe me then look at the study where text message and emails have functionally reduced IQ more than smoking cannabis.

So what’s the take home on this?

• Invest in the right information. It’s more cost-effective than rummaging around the internet for someone’s “free article” about how to do it. (That’s amking a big assumption you can even trust the information…) Even when you find information you have to make all sorts of judgement calls about whether its trustworthy. Are you too cheap to invest in expertise, or your own business? Think about it.

• Recognise when additional information gives diminishing returns, and cut your losses.

• Value your ability to focus attention and concentrate. Attention may be the most precious resources you possess.

• Unsubscribe from every newsletter you don’t make the time to regularly read, or which has low relevance for you.

• You don’t need to know everything. You just need to know what you need to know.

I could go on.  But that’s all you need to know.