In a world of too much information, the people who stand out are not those with the most factoids and the most RSS feeds. The people who shine like stars are those whose minds are uncluttered, whose spirits are free, who can bring perspective. To become more like that, here are several strategies.

1. Don't try to stay up with the present, stay up with the past.

As you watch the updates fly by at www.Friendfeed.com, you have to ask, "How can anyone keep up with all this?" The question is rhetorical; no one can or should. Instead, take the time you're spending trying to keep up with the present and read what Steven Sample calls a "super-text," a book that has stood the test of time (see chapter 4 of The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership).

2. Pick only one social network to really be active in.

I'm listed on Facebook and Plaxo and a couple more, but I'm active only in Facebook. I have a real life as well as a virtual one, and I need some time to maintain the relationships there.

3. Ignore the ...