Information overloadSeems these days we’re required to pay attention to avalanches of information. Thanks to “The Internet,” information is at our fingertips – simple to access and with varying degrees of accuracy. We self-diagnose, self-direct and self-compare with the assistance of “The Internet.” It doesn’t come without its issues.

Productivity in my studio feels low. We’ve all been warned about the time trappings of lurking in the Internetic Jungle. We know the distractions, confusion and false hopes it can provide. But, truth be told, we need this technology to remain competitive in our businesses…to what extent, I’m not quite sure.  I seemed to think I had a handle on these entanglements, but I overlooked something. Something so simple. Something distracting, time consuming and easily solvable.

My inbox was bursting at the seams. It felt convoluted, cluttered, chaotic. I was constantly running the risk of missing important communications, but didn’t want to miss anything- so I’d grab things of urgency and leave the rest, you know, “just in case.”

15,000 emails later (I may have “under-padded” that figure a bit) I was swimming in a cesspool of stale notifications, solicitations and notes from businesses I didn’t even recognize.

The culprit was primarily….ahem….me, but let’s blame social media Information overloadplatforms. To solve my “dirtlema,” I turned off notifications on my phone a long time ago – now, I’ve turned off email notifications, too. LinkedIn groups – I don’t need to know your every thought. Facebook – I can check my own notifications. I don’t need duplicates via email or messenger. The Ladders? I’m not looking for a job. I’m not even sure why you’re there. Unsubscribe, notifications “OFF,” delete, delete, delete.

Now, I realize the irony in me telling you to unsubscribe, stop notifications and disconnect. Part of my success depends upon you reading, commenting and sharing this blog. But, boy, why do we need to hear the same, usually trivial, information from 3 different sources? Sometimes, we just can’t take our eyes of the train wreck (click to Tweet). Not me! I’m taking control! I’ll check information at my own will. I’ll respond when I have time. I’ll finally open my emails without feeling like I’m crawling through the debris of a data dump.

Thanks for letting me have my say. You are still there, aren’t you?  I’ll let you know how it goes. Will productivity improve? Will stress decline? It’s a constant practice, to unplug and remain in the present. Feel free to share you thoughts, or share this blog with someone who my actually benefit from it in their inbox!

Untangle, Unplug,

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Michelle Andres is a writer and artist. She writes this blog to share tips for a well-lived life and a Writer, Artist, Coachfinely run art business…just for you!

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