How many times do you look at your smartphone every day? If you're like many business professionals, the device never leaves your side. However, that doesn't mean you should rely on your smartphone for everything. Learning how to moderate your smartphone use will help you get more done, be more present and interact better with colleagues and clients.
The first step in reducing your smartphone use is to find smartphone alternatives. For example: many business professionals use their smartphones to check the time. Unfortunately, this quick check often turns into a longer delay, as new message notifications and other alerts prevent you from getting back to work. Instead, invest in a good wristwatch and never pull out your smartphone just to check what time it is.
Other smartphone alternatives include using calculators or pen and paper to do basic math, or calling a coworker from the landline phone at your desk instead of texting. The more you keep your smartphone tucked away, the less you will rely on it for basic functions that can be performed more easily through other methods.
The next way to curb your smartphone use is to work on storing more information in both your short- and long-term memory. If you feel like your smartphone is making you stupid, try committing information such as GPS directions to memory instead of checking your smartphone at the end of every block. Your mind is like a muscle; the more you work it, the stronger it grows. Practice memorizing everyday details such as meeting agendas or restaurant locations instead of relying on your smartphone for this information.
You can also cut your smartphone use by turning off audio alerts for new messages. Some people receive an audio alert every time they receive an email, a text or even a new social media message, meaning their phones are constantly beeping and buzzing. Yes, you do need to stay on top of your email to be an effective employee, but receiving an audio alert every time you receive a new message is both distracting and rude to those around you.
Receiving an audio alert during a meeting, for example, is rude on a number of levels. First, the noise distracts everyone in the room and calls attention to your smartphone. Second, if you choose to check your smartphone to see what message you just received, you let everyone in the room know that they are not worth your full attention. Forbes goes so far as to suggest that you should never bring a smartphone into a meeting; instead, leave it at your desk and check it when you get back.
Smartphone use is here to stay, at least until a newer technology takes its place. However, there are plenty of ways to reduce your smartphone use in the office. Use these tips to stay focused, keep your attention on your work, and get more done.
(Photo courtesy of adamr / freedigitalphotos.net)
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