I believe that we are living in the Age of Distraction. There is no end to this dilemma! Whether it’s the T.V., your cell phone, your computer, the land line, or the front door bell, the distractions never end. The modern world screams for our attention from every angle. The key is to remember that you don’t have to answer or give the screams your attention, but it is easier said than done.
Email is a black hole for your attention. You go on-line just to check that nothing important has come in – like bills that need to be paid – and the next thing you know you are looking at what’s on sale at your local shoe store, sporting goods store, or whatever. Then there is the next ad: a sale at your favorite clothing store, then a survey, or a joke from a friend. This list can go on by the hundreds. Each one screams for your attention and gives you the feeling you might be missing out on something. Here are some tips for dealing with email:
- Don’t check your email right before bed – you’ll be tired and easily distracted.
- Don’t go to your inbox if you have something pressing to do.
- Only read what you need to read.
- Use the delete key frequently.
When Kohl’s Department store opened up in my city my Aunt Barbara gave me some really sound advise: “don’t worry about missing a sale or using a coupon, there will be another one next week.” She was right and the same philosophy applies to your emails. The same joke will come around again. All those stores will send you new coupons and have new sales by the next time you go into your inbox. Don’t feel pressured to view each and every one of them. If you don’t need anything this week, and how many of us actually “need” anything on a daily basis?, then don’t look at the ads – just delete.
Another option is to set up another email address. Set up the a second email for all those sites that demand you “register” and then flood your inbox with ads and junk. Use your primary inbox for important stuff, like online banking notices, your family and friends, and actual business. Let all the junk accumulate out of site and out of mind in that other email inbox. There is a down side – you will have to manage two in-boxes rather than just one.
Remember, email is just a tool, and it should help rather than hinder you. It serves you! Don’t let yourself become a servant to your inbox, or worse the screaming masses of on-line sellers. Keep your time, your money, and your sanity! Defend all three with your delete key.
Pease n' Carrots 