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Here was the promise: Technology is supposed to make your life simpler, breathe a bit easier, and generally make you more effective.
Let’s get real. Personally, as someone who receives over 100 emails a day, I sometimes feel like my iPhone is the boss of me. Sometimes the best way to tackle your to-do list is simply to opt-out. Here are some ideas:
1. Don’t upgrade.
Angling for a new phone? Want to add a funky new Bluetooth headset? Sometimes going for the latest thing means hours of trying to figure it out or ongoing frustration until you master it. Rather than upgrade for the sake of upgrading, purchase an item only if it truly makes sense for you.
2. Avoid incessant checking.
Constantly distracting yourself from your current task to answer email is actually less efficient in the long run. Instead of checking for email every two minutes, check only once an hour – or even less. Better yet: set your program so that it pulls email only when you want to manually download it and schedule time for email only a couple of times a day.
3. Stop multi-tasking.
Stop texting while you’re at the playground or emailing while you’re at dinner parties and give yourself some time to relax. Taking this time for creative play actually makes you more innovative in your work and helps ward off mommy guilt. Focus on your friends, family and, most importantly, yourself when you are supposed to be.
4. Disconnect.
Need to tackle a few hours of writing or another project that requires deep concentration? Sometimes shutting off your email isn’t enough. Physically disconnecting from the Internet by turning off your Wi-Fi or unplugging your cable will help save you from social media, email and other online distractions. Worried that people can’t reach you? Set an email auto-responder letting them know they can call you.
5. Give yourself offline holidays.
As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to be online all the time – even on weekends. Beyond just disconnecting for one or two-hour bursts, plan to be offline and technology-free for a day or two – if not longer. Don’t wait for your next vacation. Sometimes going analog and taking a break from your “screen time” works wonders in getting clarity, gaining efficiency and bringing innovation in your day-to-day work.
With over 14 years of digital and interactive media experience, Christine Pilkington of Vancouver, BC is the CEO of Crisp Media Inc. (www.crispmedia.ca), which specializes in producing networks of hyper-local online magazines like VancouverMom.ca and Entrepreneur Mom Now. Christine has worked with companies like AOL, BMW and Indigo, as well as some of Canada’s top media brands like Maclean’s, CityTV and Today’s Parent.