Sound has been the thread weaving through the fabric of my life for over four decades. In this essay, I explore why sound—our most fundamental sense—has captivated me for so long. From singing show tunes as a toddler to obsessing over drum gear, my passion for sound has only deepened. But sound is more than a personal journey; it’s a universal experience. We all hear differently, and our individual needs shape how we engage with the world of sound. Could personalizing shared experiences be the key to deeper connections with each other?

As I speak with industry colleagues and contacts, the concept of overwhelm and the unrelenting quantity of tasks to be done is the most common theme I’m hearing. This article can help you understand why everybody feels so overwhelmed all the time, and give you specific, actionable things you can do to feel a little better at work within the next 30 days.