After an information fast, sort inputs
After each information fast, document three specific categories: inputs you genuinely missed, inputs you craved but didn't need, and inputs you forgot existed, then eliminate or downgrade items in the latter two categories.
When This Fires
- After completing any deliberate information fast (24 hours to 30 days)
- When restructuring your information diet and needing data about what's actually valuable
- During digital hygiene reviews
- After noticing that information consumption time is high but insight production is low
Common Failure Mode
Skipping the post-fast categorization and returning to all previous inputs because the fast "felt good." The fast's value is in the diagnostic output, not the temporary relief. Without documenting the three categories and acting on them, you return to the same overconsumption pattern within days.
The Protocol
After any information fast: (1) List all inputs that were cut off during the fast. (2) For each, categorize: Genuinely missed (its absence caused actual problems or I actively needed it for a decision), Craved but unneeded (I wanted to check it but nothing bad happened when I didn't), Forgotten entirely (I didn't think about it once during the fast). (3) Action: keep Genuinely Missed at current level. Downgrade Craved-But-Unneeded one tier (daily → weekly, weekly → on-demand). Eliminate Forgotten Entirely — unsubscribe, unfollow, delete.