explosion of mobile technology, we are more connected than ever. That isn't all bad, but it can have drawbacks as well. It does provide us a great amount of flexibility and freedom to stay in touch with what is going on when we are away. It provides a mechanism for leaving non-urgent, well thought out messages that the receiver can give thought and respond to at their convenience. Hang on...what did I just say? Non-urgent? That's right...and that's the key!
Email does not need to be checked every 15 minutes, or worse every time your computer beeps to tell you "you've got mail". And...hold onto your hat...it doesn't even need to be checked hourly.
Treat email like an appointment. Schedule it into your day and find a rhythm that works for you. Perhaps it is once in the morning, just after lunch and just before you go home. Three times a day should be the max. If someone is trying to reach you urgently, there is a good chance they will follow up via phone or text for a more immediate response.
Not only will you increase productivity and focus by not interrupting yourself a zillion times while you should be focused on other things, you will also be more efficient at sorting and responding to the emails themselves if you point your attention there for periods of time rather than jumping in and out every time. It's also less likely you will have things fall through the cracks that you read quickly, but forget to mark for later action.
If necessary, close your email program until the designated time. It will help resist the urge to check when you hear that familiar sound.
Give it a try for 1 week and leave a comment if it makes a difference in your day!
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