Tom Feltenstein

I get more work done during the day than most people half my age. No, I’m not drinking a bunch of caffeine and I don’t drink green algae or take hourly B12 shots. I make effective use of my time. Hardly anybody matches my personal productivity, because they refuse to embrace my methods (most of which are just common sense). The one method that I take the most flack about is that I don’t have a computer on my desk. I don’t waste my time on the mind numbing daily internet surf or reading about if Tiger has another girlfriend. Instead I use my time wisely on the things that bring in revenue to my business or enhance my life in some way. Unfortunately, the majority of business owners don’t understand the importance of this thought process and wind up being slaves to their cell phones, laptops, and email. What a time drain!

I simply prioritize my day, figure out what’s really important and cut the rest out. If I don’t have time to do what has to be done, I immediately delegate it. This gives me the results I want as well as the freedom to enjoy doing what I want to do. There is a growing recognition that this constant obsession with being connected is more harmful than helpful. I recently saw a Frontline program on PBS featuring the research of a Stanford scientist who used MRI’s to demonstrate potential permanent damage to the very ability to think from too much computer time. Dare I say it; we can actually spend too much time on our electronic gizmos and gadgets. How many customers do people ignore or lose because they’re constantly texting or checking email? Who would you rather do business with, an actual person who takes the time to speak to you or Mr. Roboto who works you in between emails and texts?

This constant connectedness to the digital world is a never ending disruption of thought as well as a drain on your time and productivity. I say no more! Toss your laptops in the dumpster on the way home. Turn your cell phones off. Stop texting and start thinking. Revolt against the machine, take back your time and invest it in what really matters – your business.