Life can often feel overwhelming, especially in a world where information is constantly bombarding us from all directions. This feeling of paralysis in the face of chaos is not just a modern phenomenon but a well-documented psychological response to overwhelming stimuli (LeDoux, 2015). Law enforcement and military professionals are trained to leverage controlled chaos as a tactic, using loud commands, distractions, and noise to disrupt a target’s ability to think clearly and force compliance (Grossman, 2008). However, in our daily lives, we often experience a similar form of mental paralysis when we are confronted with too much information at once. To combat this, I have developed a personal approach that I call my “Sane in the Chaos” plan. This five-step process helps to regain control and focus in an overwhelming world.
Step 1: Make a List
The first step in staying sane amidst the chaos is to make a list of all the topics, events, and demands that are currently overwhelming you. This could include personal obligations, work-related pressures, current news events, or social responsibilities. The goal here is to externalize what is occupying your mental space, allowing you to see everything clearly rather than letting it remain a nebulous source of anxiety (Baumeister & Tierney, 2011). Writing things down can provide clarity and reduce the cognitive load, making it easier to process information effectively.
Step 2: Rank the List by Importance
Once you have your list, the next step is to rank the items in order of importance based on what truly matters to you. This is crucial because not all information holds equal weight, and attempting to absorb and act on everything simultaneously is impossible. Prioritization allows you to focus on the most meaningful aspects of your life and filter out distractions (Covey, 1989). By determining what is most important, you create a roadmap for where to direct your energy and attention.
Step 3: Filter and Focus
With your priorities clearly defined, the next step is to filter the information you consume. Focus only on the top one or two priorities from your ranked list and seek out reliable sources that provide insights into those specific topics. This approach helps to mitigate information overload and ensures that your cognitive resources are being used efficiently (Newport, 2016). Whether it’s limiting social media engagement, subscribing only to essential newsletters, or engaging in conversations that align with your focus, curating your informational intake will make a significant difference in maintaining clarity.
Step 4: Take Action, No Matter How Small
The next step is to take action. Even small actions can create a ripple effect, contributing to positive change in ways that you may not directly witness. Psychological research suggests that taking action, no matter how minor, counteracts feelings of helplessness and builds a sense of agency (Seligman, 2011). Whether it’s making a phone call, signing a petition, supporting a cause, or simply having a meaningful conversation, each action contributes to a greater impact.
Step 5: Find a Positive
In the midst of chaos, it is essential to find something positive to hold onto. For me, that means embracing the spirit of Wonder Woman. My home office is adorned with Wonder Woman memorabilia, serving as a reminder of the power of universal kindness. Her creator, psychologist William Moulton Marston, integrated his research on human behavior into her character’s ideologies, emphasizing the importance of empathy, strength, and justice (Lepore, 2014). To bring this principle into my daily life, I identify a “Wonder Woman of the Week”—a woman making a positive difference in the world—and, when possible, I send a note of appreciation. This small act of gratitude helps shift my focus from chaos to hope.
Conclusion
If everyone were to practice these five principles in the spirit of universal kindness, we could all better manage the intentional chaos that surrounds us. By making a list, prioritizing, filtering information, taking action, and finding something positive, we can regain control and create meaningful change in our lives and the world around us. In times of turbulence, clarity and kindness can serve as powerful antidotes to the confusion that others may try to create.
References
Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the greatest human strength. Penguin.
Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Powerful lessons in personal change. Free Press.
Grossman, D. (2008). On combat: The psychology and physiology of deadly conflict in war and in peace. Warrior Science Publications.
LeDoux, J. (2015). Anxious: Using the brain to understand and treat fear and anxiety. Viking.
Lepore, J. (2014). The secret history of Wonder Woman. Knopf.
Newport, C. (2016). Deep work: Rules for focused success in a distracted world. Grand Central Publishing. Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.
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