Twitter with Intent 2021-06-02

I briefly studied Aikido in Washington D.C. in 2008. Possibly the biggest takeaway that I gained was to “always move with intent”.

That phrase will randomly run through my mind and always gives me a chance to refocus.

I thought this the other day on Twitter. I was following a lot of new topics and seeing some great posts. Then scrolling. Then seeing some more great posts. Likes and an occassional retweet thrown in.

Then I thought, “Always move with intent.”

I realized I was just reacting, which is exactly the state of mind social media has caused us all to be in.

Scroll. See. React. Repeat.

Of course we may be learning tid-bits along the way, but is it really moving with intent?

For me to follow a topic, it's because I'm usually interested in learning more about it – not for entertainment value.

To learn from a topic, I should be focused on moving within that topic with the intent of learning. I shouldn't be mixing it with entertainment.

So I'm experimenting with segmenting my time for a topic, and making notes of new things that stand out like new industry lingo, a mention of someone important, new tech – whatever it might be. I then research those things, gaining answers as well as new questions. I note those down as well.

So far I like how it feels.

I'm still reading and reacting, but the missing steps of taking notes and then actively following curiosity provide a sense of time well spent.