One of the most profound truths of the human condition is that the pace of scientific development continuously accelerates. Because we're creating increasingly complex technologies at an ever-faster pace, we sense time is passing more rapidly - and thus it becomes more difficult to slow down. Furthermore, the addictive quality of our communication tools makes it difficult to disconnect from the always-on grid of technology-driven life.
But, in order to be our best, we need to learn how to manage the flood of fragmented information and the frenzy of instant accessibility. To serve our clients most effectively, to nurture our personal relationships, to think clearly about what matters most, to tend our health and happiness, we need to learn when and how to disengage from the grid - even if for short amounts of time.
So this week, try to do some of the following: turn off your email alerts (or leave your email program closed for 2 hours each afternoon). If you subscribe to blogs, newsfeeds, etc, set them to come in once a week instead of once a day. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb for an hour or two while working on a particularly important pleading or contract.
Try turning off your cell phone when you get home in the evening (or at least during dinner). Turn off your phone when you're at your kid's game. Or turn off your computer early one or two nights a week and get back to a hobby or a family activity you used to enjoy (or don't spend as much time with as you'd like).
By unplugging your communications technology for even short periods of time, you'll gain focus (by reducing interruptions) and presence (the experience of being in the moment more fully).
Unless we establish attitudinal and behavioral boundaries to protect ourselves from the downside of the "always-on" milieu, we're at the mercy of the "technological imperative." Life is brief enough as it is. You can slow it down here and there (and reap the benefits of doing so), by selectively unplugging from the grid.
