Do computers stress you out? 3 ways to get a handle on changing technology

While technology changes at light speed, people change in steps.  In a digital world, we're finding it more and more difficult just to keep up - much less to actually use change to our advantage.  Today, change is so intense, I believe it's more accurately described as "disruption."  

The question is, are there actual techniques that can help us manage the tsunami of change that's overwhelming our lives?  I believe the answer is "yes" and in my new book Jolt! Get the Jump on a World That's Constantly Changing, I outline 25 "jolts' that will shake up our thinking and help us master the art of change.  If you want to make change work for you, here are a few places to start.

Geography Matters

If you really want to unplug, spend at least some time physically away from your cell phone.  Remarkable numbers of people sleep with their cell phone on the nightstand and it's causing a huge disruption in sleep patterns. Plus, a growing number of people check their email before bed and it's the first thing they do waking up. Whether working out, studying, while being intimate, or sleeping, take some time each day and put your digital device in another room!

Change your thinking about email  

If it's critical, use the phone. Don't feel that you HAVE to respond to email right away. If it's a real emergency, people will call. Get off the email treadmill, take a deep breath, and learn to respond when you actually have the time.

Learn the power of focus

In a blogging, email, Facebook, and Twitter world, everyone has some form of A.D.D. Recent research has indicated that all "multi-tasking" does is help you do many things poorly.  Real accomplishment takes focus - the ability to keep out the conflicting voices, surrounding noise, and critics, and keep your mind zeroed in on the task at hand.

The bottom line? The most valuable commodity of the 21st century will be "undivided attention."  Want to give a real gift to your spouse, co-workers, or friends?  Give them your undivided attention.  It's getting more and more difficult to find.