We are now told that the average smartphone user checks his or her phone 150 times a day. As I’m sure you’ve experienced, that incoming text or tweet can crowd out the time and energy we have for real human connection.
How many times have you been talking to someone when he/she diverted attention to the phone in their hand? How many times have you been eating a meal with someone who could not stop glancing at her phone?
There is now evidence that this low level engagement can actually rewire our brains to make us less adept at real human connection. More and more companies are requiring breaks from smartphone input, recognizing that “email vacations” reduce stress and allows people to have clearer and deeper focus. Parties are starting to have phone checks – where you leave your phone just like you would your coat. Families are experiencing the increased connections provided by “technology fasts” as they discover the real relationships that emerge from singular focus.
Want an immediate increase in your productivity:
- Work in focused, uninterrupted blocks of time – (30 min – 3 hrs)
- Give yourself a 10-minute break to check email, Twitter and Facebook
- When you drive, don’t try to cram in phone calls, text responses and email – enjoy the scenery
- Experiment with “technology fasts” where you unplug from all devices and connect with family and friends in meaningful ways.
Don’t destroy your relationships with “continuous partial attention.”
Linda Stone, who worked on emerging technologies at both Apple and Microsoft coined the term “continuous partial attention” to describe the state of being partially tuned in to lots of things while never being completely tuned in to anything. A 2012 McKinsey Global Institute study found that the average employee spends 28 percent of his or her time dealing with email. That’s more than 11 hours a week. And as you’ve seen me write in the past, it takes a full 18 minutes to reengage with a task following an email, phone or walk-in interruption.
There is now evidence that this low level engagement can actually rewire our brains to make us less adept at real human connection. More and more companies are requiring breaks from smartphone input, recognizing that “email vacations” reduce stress and allows people to have clearer and deeper focus. Parties are starting to have phone checks – where you leave your phone just like you would your coat. Families are experiencing the increased connections provided by “technology fasts” as they discover the real relationships that emerge from singular focus.
Want an immediate increase in your productivity:
- Work in focused, uninterrupted blocks of time – (30 min – 3 hrs)
- Give yourself a 10-minute break to check email, Twitter and Facebook
- When you drive, don’t try to cram in phone calls, text responses and email – enjoy the scenery
- Experiment with “technology fasts” where you unplug from all devices and connect with family and friends in meaningful ways.
Don’t destroy your relationships with “continuous partial attention.”
I like the idea of a “technology fast” during family events and dinner. I catch myself doing phone checks during some family functions. Thought provoking as usual.
These are great tips Dan. These are especially vital when you work for yourself and your business is “online.” It’s so easy to waste time instead of creating, I’ve had to check myself a few times.
I love the point about not trying to cram phone calls and everything else in while you drive. I used to live a life where my car time was as precious as my work time – so I could be productive. It’s so freeing now to be able to intentionally breathe and take a break from things that demand my attention – not to mention avoiding distracted driving….when I’m stressed out and on the phone I”m sure I’m not as safe of a driver!
Blocks of time…HUGE! #success
I’ve been taking periodic technology fasts for a couple of years and never cease to be amazed at what I can suddenly see and hear around me that I was distracted from before. Viva la silence!
Great tips. The block of uninterrupted time works great. Technology fasts help us to really connect with people. Technology is great, but it can easily get in the way of us having meaningful interaction.
Greetings Dan,
A couple of years ago, new to a senior leadership position within my company, I was incessantly checking my phone. I was driven to be “successful.” We were in the midst of a once in a career project. While in Texas visiting my 3 year old granddaughter and on the playground, she looked at me and said “come on and play with me poppy.” That was an eye opener! I began to realize how out of balance I was with technology going from help to hindrance. Needless to say I have redefined “success” since. Self monitoring is very important. Technology overuse and being out of balance sneak up on you!
Thanks,
Paul
Blocks of time is so powerful. A key to success for me!
Love this post! This is an area that I am working on for myself and desire to help others become “Fully Engaged”. Thanks Dan!