Cutting the Cord

Recently I took a self-improvement course and I came across a module that challenged me to the core. It dealt with how we have become reliant on social media and technology at the expense of relationships, productivity and personal, financial and business growth.

Some really thought-provoking points were made. Most memorable was that every time you stop (working, communicating) to check your smartphone it takes 23.5 times the amount you spent getting cognizant again. So when you take a peek at the latest post or tweet you have removed yourself from being present. And we wonder why relationships and business seem to be harder to advance!

I have personally worked in the space of ontology (the study of what makes us human) and another point made in the course is consistent with that and with the book I am currently reading about the secrets of the hugely successful, which is: 

• The top 5% aren't on Facebook. They're not on Twitter. They're not on Instagram. They're not on Snapchat. They may have marketing departments or social media managers posting their content, but even that is rare. 
• They understand that willpower doesn't work (check out gym memberships on January 5th and March 5th). 
• When you text or check your phone while driving you are impaired 2X what would get you arrested if it involved alcohol or drugs.

Understanding that full well I took the challenge and removed social media from my smartphone. Now I find myself much more productive throughout the day and much more present. I allow myself 30 minutes after my business day is done to quickly check social media on my laptop. And you know what I found? Nobody missed me and I did not miss anything that made a difference in my business and personal life!

Do I recommend you do that as well? Unless your business is directly tied to social media, absolutely! Your choice, your life, your future.

---