The Other E-Myth

Electronics. There is a love-hate relationship around the electronics in our lives. Today I will concentrate on computers.

Email can be a great communication tool. Messages get to their destination in no time flat. On the other hand, once an email conversation starts, there is often no end in sight! If you are emailing "in real time" the messages can cross in cyberspace, leading to a miscommunication. Sometimes it takes more time to get your point across because the written word can't communicate voice tone or inflection. Sometimes it really is better to pick up the phone!

Instant messaging can be a fun way to catch up with someone. On the other hand, it has some of the same pitfalls as email. In addition, because you can chat with multiple people at the same time, there can be confusion and overwhelm.

Facebook and Twitter are great ways to keep up with friends, clients, family, potential customers, complete strangers, etc. In addition to the "fun factor" there is lots of great information to be gained via tweets or status updates. You can spend hours reading and posting updates on these sites.

But for all the fun that can be had with computers, without some boundaries, you can get to the end of the day and realize that you didn't really get anything done. Here are a couple of boundaries to consider:

1. Set your email to send/receive at a longer interval. I changed mine from every 15 minutes to every 45 minutes. I think that it is time to increase again. I wonder if I am ready for 1.5 hours?
2. Unsubscribe to ezines and newsletters that you don't read. Okay, I am way to embarrassed to tell you how many emails are in my Newsletter email folder (which is where all my incoming ezines are filtered to). However, I will tell you that recently I went through and not only deleted lots of them, but I also unsubscribed from some of the lists. In cases where I felt that I might get some information, but not enough to stay on the mailing list, I signed up for the TWitter-feed or Facebook Like updates. (See #3)
3. Restrict your time on Twitter and Facebook. Actually set a timer! In addition, change your mindset so that you only view current updates. When I first go on Facebook or Twitter, I only look at what is on the page. I do not go to "older posts". I realize that I may miss something, but there is so much information out there and if it is important enough, I will find it another way.
4. Limit your time on the web in general. One site can lead to a link which leads to a link which leads....Next thing you know several hours have passed. You may not remember your original reason for getting on the web.

Don't get hooked into the "electronic myth" that says "all things computer" are good. Make "computer time" decisions based on your personal and professional goals. You can "just say no" to the computer! I am in my "Panera office" and right after I post this blog entry, I am going to disconnect from the internet. What would help you to do the same?