We are all obsessed with technology. I admit that I, too, can get easily carried away (or, really SUCKED IN) to e-mail and
the internet. Some weeks, I feel like I just can’t get away from it. But at this time of year, it is CRUCIAL that we take time to put our Blackberries down, turn off our computers, and put our cell phones on silent. We all need a break.
In a recent article that was picked up by The Wall Street Journal (WOOHOO!), I shared some tips on how to make proper use of technology while vacationing, as I hope you are all doing this holiday season. One of the most essential tips for those with families is to set up strict times for checking e-mail or working, ideally in the early morning hours, and then STICK TO IT. That way, you can get done what you feel you need to and then put it away. Leave the rest of the day to focus on yourself and your family. It is hard to do - believe me I know - with all the lists of things we could be doing to move our businesses and lives forward. But when you don’t take time away from the office, you’re missing out on not only life, but some valuable down-time away from business that can actually benefit your business in the long run.
December 18th, 2007 at 11:19 am
[…] Original post by julie and software by Elliott Back […]
December 18th, 2007 at 11:48 am
YES! YES! YES!
A couple of my many pet peeves (I’m not much of an animal person, I keep peeves as pets instead): People who use their gadgets (cell phones, iPods, etc.) to build electronic bubbles around themselves to the exclusion of the real world; People who think that the person/people on the other end of a BlackBerry message(s) is/are more important than the person who made an effort to come out and sit across from the BlackBerry addict in a restaurant/cafe/pub/whatever. These people should have their gadgets confiscated and be forced to sit, without electronic aids, among real people for a few days (or until their gizmo withdrawal symptoms become too much to bear — I don’t believe inflicting punishments that are TOO cruel and inhumane).
I used to think that I felt this way only because I am a 50-something person and, therefore, did not grow up in the gadget-obsessed world. However, I was recently sitting beside a 20-something person during a four hour train ride. We got into a conversation and it turns out that she feels exactly the same way. When I heard that at least one person of her generation saw technology as a useful tool, but not something that we should become obsessed with to the point that we block out the world immediately around us, my hope for the future of humanity improved considerably. But maybe that’s just me.
December 18th, 2007 at 11:59 am
[…] Original post by julie […]
December 24th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Hi Julie
Congratulations for getting quoted in the Wall Street Journal! Very cool.
I agree with the idea of putting the blackberry away - I can’t stand it when people actually use it while in the company of other people. I also don’t answer my cell phone when I’m with other people either…..however I must still have some way to go as I am stealing a few quiet minutes to surf the internet….on Christmas Eve!! At least it’s only the afternoon of Christmas Eve….I’m sure I’ll stay off as soon as company arrives……