Nick Poole

Living in the Information Age, we can at times (more often than not!) become overloaded and overwhelmed.  I read an article in Reader’s Digest and thought I’d share with everyone a short excerpt about this.

 8 TIPS TO FIGHT INFO OVERLOAD

1. Spot the Signs.  Feel alone even as you communicate with people all day?  That’s a signal technology is dominating your life.
2. Take baby steps.  Try being inaccessible for short spurts to see what happens.  The world probably won’t implode.
3. Repeat these four words: “I have a choice.”  People who say, “My boss wants me to be reachable after 8PM” are likely exaggerating the control others have over them.
4. Set limits.  Rein in office e-mail and instant message traffic.  Who truly needs 35 daily FYI’s on the Henderson case?
5. Give clear instructions.  Try an e-mail signature that reads “I answer e-mail at 10AM, 1PM, and 4PM.  If you need a quicker response, please call.
6. Make a task list.  If you’re interrupted, you’ll get back to work faster if you have one.
7. Stick to a schedule.  Handle recreational Web surfing and e-mail at set times.  Dipping in and out is classic self-interruption.
8. Do a reality check.  After five minutes of unplanned surfing, ask yourself, “Should I really be doing this now?”

You can read the rest of the article here.