It seems that for every type of information input, there is an ideal:
1. Source/Format
2. Frequency
3. Time of Day
4. Energy State
Examples: Twitter, blog, books, podcasts etc.
Don’t waste your time following your favorite author’s Twitter account if 99% of their value is derived from their books.
The most effective frequency to consume a particular information source might be:
- Live/on-demand/push notifications
- Daily
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Annually
- On a Random Schedule
Match the frequency to the information source, and aim to maximize value gained for time input. Apply the 80/20 rule, then apply it again.
In general, if you feel like a source of information input is taking up too much of your time relative to the value gained, try reducing the frequency.
Some information is best consumed in the morning, some during your lunch break, some while exercising, some late at night etc.
Example: Deep work is only possible when you’re in a state where your mind is able to focus and concentrate, not when you’re exhausted.
Example: If you have a favorite TV show, you can probably watch it when you’re exhausted in the evening and still enjoy it, whereas you can’t complete serious ‘productive’ work in that energy state.
Note: All of these factors are unique to each person and change at different stages of life.
Note: Many information sources don’t pass any filters and their ideal source/frequency etc. is zero, never.