I find myself looking at a screen far too often. Although the majority of the time, it’s for the sake of learning. In which case, I’m incredibly thankful for the internet. However, there’s always a point of diminishing returns. There must be stipulations.
In order to unplug a bit and to open more time to be more effective, I will be implementing “Screen-Free Sundays”. I will get into the rules/regulations here in a bit but first a brief primer on the basis for this change.
The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know. I always feel like there’s more I could do for my clients. Often times, I feel like I’m giving them a huge disservice despite all their results/satisfaction. Perhaps, I’m too hard on myself, but I think it’s good that I have this hunger and drive to always improve not only physically but mentally and intellectually as well. That is the basis for what I’m calling Screen-Free Sundays.
In the Name of Productivity
Efficiency vs Effectiveness
| Efficiency = Doing Things Right | Effective = Doing the Right Things |
Just because you are good at something doesn’t mean you should do it. It’s far more important to be effective rather than efficient. The wrong things done right are meaningless. Doing the right things pays dividends.
I would define productivity as moving toward your short-term goal and thus your ultimate goal. Things that do not take you in that direction, although done efficiently, are not effective.
It should go without saying that a clear goal must be in mind. The goal is to do the right things that are specific to your goal, no matter the chosen endeavor. Doing things well doesn’t make them important. It is important to play to your strengths. It’s equally important not to waste time.
To find out if something is important, ask yourself this one simple question:
“Is what I’m doing now, providing me with tools (physical, mental, or spiritual) to help me take the next steps to my ultimate goal?”
If you answer no to that question too many times in a row, it may be time for a change.
Allocation of Resources
If you want to piss me off, waste my time. Time is a non-renewable resource and you must look at it as an investment. “Nothing is free.” There is always a price to pay.
Whatever you do in the next hour, you are paying for that with a nonrenewable asset: your time. You’ll never get that hour of your life back to spend on something else. Of course, we will never be able to do what we want 100% of the time, but if we can maximize our time and use it more effectively, our productivity will greatly improve.
We don’t know how much time we have here. We only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough. Time is our greatest asset; let’s use it wisely, invest, and do the right things.
The most successful people in the world (any endeavor) are masters of time management. They aren’t given more than 24 hours in a day. They don’t possess the power to slow down time in order to get more done. They simple manage their time effectively. They spend it doing the right things.
Physiological Reasoning
Avoiding Headaches
I can always tell when I’ve spent too much time checking emails, social media, or text messages throughout the day. I’ll get a distinct, dull headache that will nag at me for the next few hours. I don’t too much care for this and it can interfere with my day to day activities.
Improving Sleep Quality
Before bed, I have a bad habit of checking social media notifications or mindlessly scrolling Facebook or Twitter after setting the alarm on my phone. This greatly disrupts my sleeping patterns. My poor quality of sleep carries over in all aspects of life. If my brain is not functioning at full capacity, I’m not being as effective as possible.
Regulations
1. No Phone. Must be turned off and put away. No checking emails, text messages, etc.
2. No Computer. No homework (involving computer), online research, checking of emails, etc.
3. No TV. For me, mindlessly watching a TV screen is worse than the previous two. The only thing I’ve learned while watching TV recently is that I hate watching TV. With the conclusion of football season a few months ago, and the beginning of baseball season, I don’t foresee this being a problem.
4. No Screens. Avoid anything with a screen (i.e. nook, kindle, and whatever else).
Screen-Free Sunday Activities
Strengthen Your Body
| Physically | Mentally | Spiritually |
|---|---|---|
| Go for a Walk | Read a Book | Meditate |
| New Recipe | Brain Teasers | Life Direction |
| Meal Prep | Goal Assessment | Purpose |
The possibilities are endless. Don’t try to solve the world’s problems but try to do something that’s beneficial to you. Pick up a new skill, catch up on some things you’ve been putting off. You’ve created the time, now just use it effectively.
Final Thoughts
A good portion of what I do is online. Most would consider it an oxymoron and counter-productive to limit my time in the my work environment. I beg to differ. By unplugging, and making myself a little less available, I am able to be that much more effective during those times in which I am available.
The time spent away will be used to generate content and such for the things online. It’s not like I won’t be thinking about things that pertain to what I do. That will never happen. Like I said, productivity keeps you moving toward your ultimate goal. I intend to be as effective and productive as humanly possible.
This is the first step in the direction to being more effective. More things will follow in the near future. If you’d like to follow suite and begin a “Screen-Free Sunday,” let me know know how it’s going! What activities have you chosen? Have you been more effective with your time?
Stay Relentless
