Keeping Up Is Impossible—And That’s Okay
The world is accelerating at an overwhelming pace, leaving many feeling like they’re constantly falling behind.
I've always been someone who loves keeping up with what’s going on in the world. Honestly, I usually find fact more interesting than fiction. Understanding new technologies and how they might impact our lives has always fascinated me—there’s real opportunity for those who can see where things are heading and learn how to leverage innovation.
The same goes for politics and world events. It’s incredible how interconnected the economy, global affairs, and government policies are, creating unintended consequences that no one can fully predict. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—anyone who is 100% certain about an economic or political outcome is 100% going to be wrong. Living with uncertainty and being okay with being wrong is just part of life. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be directionally correct.
But here’s the problem: even for someone like me who enjoys following these things, the pace has become overwhelming. Every day brings some major political announcement. Every week, there's another AI breakthrough. The world isn’t just changing—it’s accelerating. And that’s leaving a lot of people feeling like they’re falling behind.
Why It Feels Like Everything Is Moving Too Fast
For most of human history, the rate of change was slow. Major advancements happened over decades, if not centuries. But today, we’re living through an era of exponential change—where entire industries can be disrupted overnight.
There are three major forces driving this:
1. The Exponential Pace of Technology
Moore’s Law predicted that computing power would double every two years, but what we’re seeing now with AI and automation makes that look quaint. It feels like every week there’s a new AI model that’s supposedly going to revolutionize everything. It’s hard enough to keep up with the tools we already have—how are we supposed to understand the ones coming next? And if that wasn’t enough, the coming wave of quantum computing—just around the corner—promises to challenge our very understanding of computational limits.
2. The 24/7 News Cycle & Social Media Overload
There was a time, not that long ago, when people got their news once a day—reading the newspaper in the morning or watching the evening news. Now, we get a constant stream of updates, breaking news, and opinions on social media. The result? We’re drowning in information, but not necessarily understanding more.
3. The Fear of Falling Behind
It’s not just that things are changing quickly—it’s the pressure to keep up. I know that I feel like if I don’t stay ahead of the curve, I’ll be left behind. Whether it’s AI in the workplace, political shifts, or financial markets, there’s a growing anxiety that we need to stay informed or risk becoming obsolete.
Why You Don’t Actually Need to Keep Up with Everything
Here’s the reality: keeping up with everything is not only impossible—it’s unnecessary. The world moves fast, but that doesn’t mean we need to track every single change.
Most of It Doesn’t Directly Impact Your Life
Yes, big events shape the world. But in practical terms, most of what dominates the news cycle won’t meaningfully change your daily life. Whether or not you understand the latest AI model or political drama, it won’t change how you raise your kids, do your job, or connect with friends.
You Can’t Control It Anyway
How many hours have people wasted stressing over things they have zero control over? The economy, world politics, the stock market—these things move with forces far beyond any single individual’s influence. Instead of getting caught up in what you can’t change, focus on what you can.
What Actually Matters Rarely Changes
Despite all the noise, the fundamentals of a good life haven’t changed. Strong relationships, meaningful work, personal growth—these are the things that bring long-term fulfillment. No technological breakthrough or political shift will ever replace the value of time spent with family and friends.
How to Stay Grounded in a World That Moves Too Fast
So what can you do to navigate this world without feeling like you’re constantly falling behind?
1. Be Okay with Not Keeping Up
Give yourself permission not to know everything. Instead of trying to skim the surface of everything, go deep on a few things that truly interest you.
2. Curate Your Information Diet & Embrace Slow Thinking
Be intentional about what you consume. Unfollow accounts that add to the noise. Choose books, long-form articles, and trusted sources over social media hot takes. Instead of constantly skimming headlines, take time to read deeply. Long-form content—books, in-depth essays, podcasts—allows you to form richer, more nuanced perspectives. The reality is, a 1,000-word article or a 10-minute YouTube video will never give you the full picture. The one exception is reading Five4Friday weekly of course.
3. Focus on What You Can Control & Prioritize Deep, Meaningful Connections
Instead of worrying about the latest macroeconomic trend, focus on your own financial health. Instead of stressing about global politics, work on building strong connections in your community. Your time is better spent on what you can actually influence. The best antidote to the chaos of the modern world is strong relationships. Invest in time with your family and friends. Those connections will bring more stability and happiness than anything you’ll find on the internet.
Welcome to Complex Systems
The world isn’t just moving fast—it’s becoming more complex. And the truth is, no one has it all figured out. The key isn’t to try to keep up with everything but to stay directionally correct and focus on what truly matters.
Slow down. Zoom out. The world will keep moving fast, but you don’t have to.
Hope you enjoyed. If this resonated with you, let me know! Leave a comment, share it with a friend, or send it to someone who might need to hear it. I’ll be back next week with another edition of Five4Friday, so stay tuned!