The true secret to improved productivity involves stepping back in time and detaching yourself from your smartphone, smartwatch, and any other device that beeps, buzzes, or tempts you into the distraction zone. When my clients experiment with these three low-tech devices, they see remarkable productivity gains.
- Start wearing a watch again.
I have an exquisite Tag Heuer watch that I bought 12 years ago in Dubai on the way to our honeymoon in the Maldives. But I had stopped wearing it because I always have my phone so close by, and that told the time for me. Except, of course, I rarely used my phone just to check the time; I might also look at a news site, my email, or twitter, leading to distraction. It was a delight to start wearing my watch again--though it took some time before I remembered to actually look at it!
- Dig out your alarm clock.
Alarm clock sales are at an all-time low because many people now use the alarm on their phone for their morning wake-up call. Duracell batteries has suffered a 4 percent drop in sales that they attribute in part to a decline in digital radio alarms, and Proctor & Gamble has plans to spin off that business. Try leaving your phone in another room or at least across the other side of your bedroom so it isn’t the last thing you do before falling asleep or the first thing you do on waking. Instead put your favorite book on your nightstand for a gentler end to your day so you can wake up refreshed and energized.
- Bring out your camera.
The final way that you can keep your phone in your pocket or purse is to start carrying around your camera again. I recently dusted off my camera from the back of the cupboard, and I have been enjoying taking endless photos without getting distracted by other things. A study by the University of Washington of caregivers at playgrounds revealed that 44 percent of caregivers felt that they should minimize the use of cell phones while watching children play, yet they felt guilty that they failed to live up to that standard. Using a camera rather than a cell phone for taking pictures could help with that! Even when out at a restaurant, it is far more acceptable to have your camera out to take pictures than to use your phone. When you use your phone, your companions may think you are also checking email or Facebook at the same time!
By starting to reuse these three devices--the watch, the alarm clock, and the camera--you can form some new habits too in order to free up your time and energy from the continuous distractions of your phone. The benefit of greater productivity, both at home and at work, is yours for the taking.
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Interested in kickstarting your 2017? Ready to magically create more time, boost and maintain your energy levels, and make the most of the resources around you? Sign up for my Thoughtfully RuthlessSM Growth Sprint. This experience is ideal for those leaders who want flexible, rapid real-time learning that can be implemented when and where you want, rather than on a set schedule.
Dedicated to growing your business,
Val