Archives for August 2010

Science now confirms what common sense dictates.

“…scientists point to an unanticipated side effect: when people keep their brains busy with digital input, they are forfeiting downtime that could allow them to better learn and remember information, or come up with new ideas….”
So says an article in the New York Times **.
This truth was brought home to me a number of years back when I was stuck at home recovering from surgery. I had 6 weeks with no email or other connection to the day-to-day back at the office. In spite of the post-op pain and inconvenience, my mind cleared and I felt a level of creativity I hadn’t felt in years. It was during this time that I hatched my plan to create my new business.
I don’t suggest contracting an illness before you take the time to disengage and give your brain a rest. Business owners often have a tough time with this. It goes against the grain of the typical philosophy that ‘when things get tough – just work harder.’ I am convinced, however, that there is power in disengagement and that it can be extremely valuable (financially and otherwise) to consistently take the time to clear your mind and just think. How about a few minutes a day, an hour or two a week, a day a month, a weekend a quarter and 2 weeks a year (it takes one week just to let the noise/clutter truly dissipate)?
It’s common sense and now it’s scientifically advised, so that should make it OK right?
Related Post
One Thing Guaranteed to Increase Productivity…
**
Digital Devices Deprive Brain of Needed Downtime
By MATT RICHTEL
Published: August 24, 2010

1. Be sure they have to contact you multiple times before you get back to them
2. Let them guess how long it will take for you to solve the problem, provide a proposal, etc.
3. Keep them in the dark about how things work and what they should expect
4. Avoid telling them about their responsibility for a successful outcome
5. Wait until they call you before you let them know the status of their project/issue
6. Make them feel like it’s their fault if something doesn’t go right
7. Don’t let them know that you are going to be late until right before (or on) the planned delivery date
8. Wait until after delivery to explain why you made changes to what you originally said you would do
9. Make it difficult and confusing to purchase additional products or services
10. Don’t follow up with them to see if they are still satisfied with your product or service