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Privacy Issues and Social Networking

Over the past 5+ years, social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and LinkedIn have become the biggest and greatest thing since sliced bread. Well, to some people anyways. It really comes down to an individual level and one’s preferences on sharing information on the internet. As the name implies, social networking sites allow users “socialize” or “network” with other peers via the Internet. Often, users with similar interests are able to connect to each other and from there anything goes! The problem herein is that it is a double-edged sword and often too much information is publicly shared on the net.

For example, predators can easily use personal information to stalk or steal one’s identity (in the form of identity theft). It’s ridiculous how much information can be obtained from a “profile”. In fact, you can easily obtain someone’s location, school, work place, and areas where a person can often by found.

Here’s a great video that may make you want to think twice before posting something on the internet:

Personally, I don’t have anything against sharing information on the Internet, however it takes away from the “challenge” or “excitement” from getting to know a person at a face-to-face level.

Adapting the 4-Hour Work Week mentality

One of the most influential and captivating books that I have ever read is “The 4-hour Work Week” by Tim Ferriss. The author emphasizes the importance of achieving life goals rather than working the typical 40-hour work week (until retirement)! Ferriss explains his reasoning behind his actions and reveals that much can be accomplished if you set your mind out to it.

Here’s a typical work month for myself: [Click to enlarge]

You will notice that 3-4 hours of each day are spent in long, excruciating meetings. In reality, less than 10% of each meeting may pertain to myself which makes the meetings inefficient in the overall picture. Ferriss explains in his book that 80% of all sales comes from 20% of the products. This, he explains is known as the 80/20 Principle (aka The Pareto Principle). To put things into perspective: if I was able to cut down on the number meetings on a daily basis, I would be more efficient, more effective, and even accomplish more in less time!

Time is a resource that cannot be replaced. A lifetime could be spent working the typical 9 to 5, to one day realize that: I’m old, retired, and I can finally enjoy myself. What I’ve come to learn through careful analysis and consultation, is that the 80/20 principle does makes more sense. Do not simply work to live, nor live to work. Rather, set goals (or even a bucket list) and set out to reach your targets. Step outside your comfort zone, try new things. Ask others to challenge you and expect confrontation and persecution.

In the end, this will build confidence, increase your character, and give you more to talk about! Focus on your strengths and build upon them. One day, for certain, I hope to adapt this 4-hour mentality and pull it together. Until then, I will set out to achieve my own life goals and targets.