Information technology, web-enabled functionality, social online media is a rapidly evolving phenomena that is shaping and altering society in the greater developing world. Technology can either be an empowering or overpowering force in ones life. It gives the illusion that we somehow can expand our days, getting more done in a shorter amount of time. While that is true to a degree, the tyranny is that we then require more of ourselves in proportion to the perception of this increased productivity. If in fact we get caught in this hurried existence like mice running on a wheel, we may find ourselves fatigued without forward motion.
This process can lead one towards a downward cycle of despondency. We have a choice. It is within our power as human beings to choose to place technology and modern conveniences in submission rather than being driven by them. There are the neophytes that would argue against the use of the latest technology contending that it is a source of evil or unreliable. Early adopters see the power of new technology, venturing into new modes with a high tolerance for quirks and kinks as they learn the latest gadgets, techniques and tools. Living in the extremes in either direction provides little help and no real answers to the contemporary delima.
How Shall We Then Live?
As I said, we have a choice. We can choose to bring technology into submission and drive it towards greater good or be drug along by it. Consider these suggestions:
- Live life on purpose. Give forethought to your day, your efforts, your habits and your hobbies. How does new technology, tools or toys bring you closer to your intended destination?
- Say no. As my boss once said, the word "no" is the most powerful word in the English language. Sometimes new opportunities are better left untouched, new technologies left untried, new services left unused.
- Simplify. I love trying new toys, new web concepts. I continually engage with the latest bleeding-edge web sites and services. At the same time I show no brand loyalty to technology new or old. When it ceases to serve well, it is gone. If the new technology under-delivers, I depart. Insanity ensues if I don’t follow this practice.
- Choose a few choice toys. How many gadgets do you touch in one day? Could you live with fewer and get just as much done? If so, why not? Less is more and gadgets can drain one’s pocketbook and one’s attention.
- Step away. Blog comments, work requests, projects, side projects, personal agenda items are all waiting and crying out for attention. Are you mastering your work or is it lording over you. Stepping away at times is a powerful statement of who’s in control.
- Live for the long-term. Be strategic and put your hands to matters that are worth your while. Trivial tasks, ankle biters abound, but you do have a choice how you will handle those matters. Keep your eyes on the prize, on your dreams and goals day-in and day-out.
- Rest. Go to sleep, turn the lights out, meditate, pray, read something inspirational, get away from the florescent lights and enjoy your existence.
- Consolidate. I find nagging tasks to go quickly when I group like items. Today is my "do the task list" that I’ve been putting off.
- Exchange old for new. When my kids get a new present, we encourage them to get rid of some old items. It’s cleansing, freeing and efficient to dump the old stuff. Others will find good use for it.
- Lag behind. The newest tech toys are often the most expensive. Patience will reap financial rewards in a big way.
- Build a buffer. Learn people patterns, show-up early to work or stay late. Learn where the pockets of quiet exist at work and home and visit those often.
- Get some face time. Spend time playing with the kids, kiss your spouse, tell loved ones what you mean to them. That’s living life on purpose.
- Find your rhythm. Find time daily, weekly, monthly and yearly to rest. Flex your muscles, exercise and enjoy the good green earth. What are delighters in your life? Do you enjoy them often?
- Funnel distractions. Encourage those around you how you can best help them. I find that bosses and co-workers generally desire to find effective ways of communicating with you. People will respect your work habits if you respect yourself.
- Give back. Not just "I gave at the office" but really give of yourself. To those near you, to your church, your community and to friends across the globe. I enjoy helping a blogger solve an issue or find an answer to their questions. You have much to give and you’ll be richer for it.
This post addresses life neck-deep in technology, but it really is as much about living in these hurried days. I’m better sometimes at doing these suggestions than others. How about you? What works for you and where do you feel the need to grow?
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My favorite points that you capture here are “Living for The Long-Term”, “Rest” and “Give Back” these three alone, if done with commitment can accomplish so much. Putting to rest a few in your list without any effort.
Keep the fire burning my friend.
Yes Mr. Besilly, I agree those are probably three of my favorite points. Sometimes I write posts that I believe are truly helpful to others. Then there are the posts that are directed at me as much as anyone. This would be one of those posts. I see the value in it and writing keeps me accountable to do something about it. Speaking of which, I’m off to bed.
Very nice post Phil!
It is so easy to get caught up in the tech stuff.
I get completely overwhemed with it at times… and more than anything I get frustrated by it.
I mean I seriously cannot even work my TV! LOL!
It is important to step back, get centered, remember what is important, what has value, and what life is really about!
thanks for this…
Jen
Jen, glad it’s an encouragement to you. I daily need to be reminded of these points in different ways.
Phil, I agree with you that we are all caught up into the fast lane of IT that we can find ourselves fatigued without much progress at time. During the early 1980′s computer, I could remember and comprehend all the commands (DOS) and master every thing found in the manual. Nowadays even for HTML, there are so much to learn! Indeed, there are too many new stuff everyday. We really got to learn to filter out all the unnecessary to stay focus. Let’s stay positive, uphold good values that can bring forth meaningful life, and serve the community.
Thanks for your great suggestions!
Best Wishes
Sam, Yes I believe this is acutely true for those of us in the IT sector. I for one have such a breadth of roles and responsibilities that at times it can seem overwhelming. While a broad skill set builds towards job security, what’s the point if you burn yourself out at an early age. Balance and thoughtful development seem to be as pertinent as ever.
We get distracted because we lose sight of the priorities — by being too busy figuring out how to prioritize lists of the things we need to do in the new PIM software someone suggested on Pownce or in a ‘blog article.
But seriously, it’s a genuine issue.
People expect me to know everything that’s new, when after years of being at the cutting edge, I now know what a drain on time being there and staying there is…
It’s certainly a challenge, a never ending struggle. I really enjoy keeping up with the latest tech trends but am finding it harder and harder to do so as the scope and diversification continues to grow.