» mobile device notifications (iPhone, Blackberry, etc.)
» mobile apps
» videos
» online music
» online shopping
» Internet radio
» paperwork
» online games
» solitaire
» internet TV
» ebooks
And more.
Why and How to Limit the Stream
With so many distractions, it?s impossible to truly focus on the important.
We try to drink the stream, but it?s too voluminous and neverending to take in this way.
Some people think this is just a part of their work, or their lives, and that there?s nothing wrong with being connected. It?s a part of doing business, they say.
However, there?s no one way to do business, and this book is about finding a better way. A saner way. I?m just one example of many people who 32
have managed to do business online, have managed to stay connected, but who are able to limit the stream and make conscious decisions about how to be connected and how much information we consume.
We do it consciously, with intent. Social networks, blogs and news sites you read, different ways to communicate and consume information ? these tend to build up as you spend time online. You build them up without much thought, but you end up being consumed by what you consume.
I suggest becoming more conscious of this, and choosing what you consume and how much you communicate carefully. Limit your stream to only the most essential information and communications, and you?ll free up hours of time for creating and doing amazing things.
I also suggest starting from scratch. Assume that nothing is sacred, empty your plate, and only put back on it what you absolutely need or love.
Let the rest fade away.
Make an Important Admission
It?s crucial that you admit to yourself: you can?t read and consume everything. You can?t do everything, respond to everything. Not only would the attempt take up all of your waking hours, but you?d fail. There?s too much out there to read, too many people to potentially connect with and respond to, too many possible projects and tasks to actually complete.
It?s impossible. Once you admit this, the next logical argument is that if you can?t do and read and respond to everything, you must choose what you?ll do and read and respond to, and let the rest go.
Let the rest go. This is unbelievably important. You have to accept this, and be OK with it.
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An Information Cleanse
If you look at information and communication as a form of mild (or sometimes not-so-mild) addiction, it can be healthy to force yourself to take a break from it.
Go on a mini-cleanse. Start with something that?s not so scary: perhaps a day, or even half a day. Do this once a week. Later, as you get used to this, try a 2-3 day cleanse, and maybe even work your way up to a week.
Here?s how to do the cleanse:
» Don?t check email or other types of digital inboxes.
» Don?t log into Twitter, Facebook, or other social networks or forums.
» Don?t read news, blogs, subscriptions.
» Don?t check your favorite websites for updates.
» Don?t watch TV.
» Don?t use instant messaging of any kind.
» Do use phones for as little time as possible, only for essential calls.
» Do send an email if necessary, but try to avoid it, and don?t check your inbox if you do.
» Do use the Internet for absolutely necessary research. Be vigorous about this rule.
