It is easy to talk about the “good old days,” but we have to accept that they are gone. Those were the times when it was easier to focus on one thing at a time because the pace of society didn’t intrude from multiple directions at once. Technology took over more and more, to the point that it has become intrusive in so many cases. For every technological advance, there seems to be a corresponding negative outcome. The key is to take the good, recognize the negative, and then develop a process that lets the technology be controlled for your benefit.
You cannot use (master) every technological advance that comes along without stress because each new item requires a time investment to learn. Once you have chosen your tools and invested the needed learning time, you have to strike a balance. Even the most commonplace tools of today can be misused to the point that they are increasing your workload instead of providing you with assistance and relief.
Positive advances:
- Email for quick contact
- Word processing documents that make corrections simple
- Cell phones for emergencies
- Internet research
- 24-hour call center help
- Online calendars for sharing events
Negative results:
- Email overload and “addiction”
- Fewer administrative assistants
- Being reachable anywhere
- False or incorrect information posted
- Jobs sent overseas
- Less need for personal contact
These are very basic items. Take a few minutes to make a list of the top 25 technologies you use. Then evaluate each one.
- Is it helping or hindering you in your aim for increased productivity?
- Is there anything you could do without?
- Do you need to replace an item with the latest and greatest, or is what you have still working well?
You know you periodically have to clean out your closet or the clutter becomes overwhelming and causes you to lose time. After all, styles change, and you continue to add new pieces of clothing. Do the same with the technological advances that change from year to year.
