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I admit it. I must be the only techie person left on the planet who doesn't have a smartphone. I have a cell-phone, I've texted, and I've even accessed the Internet from my tiny, tiny phone for a desperate sports score check or weather scoop when traveling, but I don't have a shiny smartphone. Why? I haven't decided yet if it would be a productivity tool for my business or a simple, expensive, time-suck.
First let me say that I do not travel extensively for my business. If I did, I likely would have one by now for the convenience of being able to check things quickly on the go. Otherwise, so far I see it only as an additional fixed expense each month (that unlimited data and Internet access comes with its own easy, monthly fee) and the temptation to stay connected. I don't want to be that connected. In fact being disconnected is supremely comforting, energizing, and allows me to be at my best personally and professionally. I truly do love the sense of adventure and aliveness of being in the moment.
That said, I also know that I can choose to turn it off. I do that with my cell and regular phones already. I am also good with shutting off email, the PC, and other general interruptions for both short and extended periods of time so I can focus on what I'm doing or fully relax and get away. I guess where I really remain puzzled is whether the smartphone is really a productivity booster or just one more thing we've added to our must-have list and then become a servant to it.
Julie Cohen tackles the question "Smartphones - Tool or Terror for Work-Life Balance?". As a business owner I can choose whether I want one or not, but for many employees smartphones become a required condition of the job. How do you navigate that delicate balance of being connected (or not) in your personal time?
I'm not against technology by any means. I love it. I mean what did we do before voicemail, cell phones, and being able to Google something when we travel? It can make us more productive and our lives easier (well, when the technology is working and we're not spending hours troubleshooting it.) It's how and when we choose to use it that makes all the difference. Most research has proven that new technologies have increased our productivity. There's no denying that. You also need to know how to disconnect and then to actually do it. Do you regularly practice disconnecting or is your smartphone controlling you instead of the other way around?
"But that's not me!"
"I'm not addicted, I am just productive, connected, in the loop!"
Or, so you say...
Unfortunately, our inability to exert a level of common sense and self-discipline when it comes to using technology is epidemic. I don't even need to go into the conversation of texting while driving (at any age, it's not just a teen problem) or the fact that you should just hang up and drive. The fact that this is such a problem and rationalizations run rampant just goes to show how little control we have over our own behaviors when it comes to technology. We would literally rather put our lives and the lives of others at risk than power off the darn thing.
If you're convinced you need one or just want a new one - do some reading and research first. I know for me, the overwhelm of researching it is obstacle enough for me to remain happily with my dumb phone (for now). Here are a few articles to get you started:
- Dump Your Dumb Phone
- Note to Smartphone Makers: We Still Need to Be Able to Call People
- How to Choose a Smartphone for Your Small Business
Just remember, whatever you choose... look at the total cost of ownership and that includes dollars AND your ability to disconnect so you truly can be more productive.
Paula Gregorowicz, owner of The Paula G. Company, offers life and career coaching for women to help you break through your limitations so you can re-ignite freedom and a sense of adventure in your life. Get the free eCourse "5 Steps to Move from Fear to Freedom & Experience Greater Confidence" at her website.
