When running a small business, it’s easy to feel like you need your phone with you and to be online at all times. But I've learned first hand that game can get a little dangerous! It’s no secret that I go through phases of addiction with social media, and I'm always evaluating my relationship with it and reminding myself to use it as a tool—not as a source of validation (because DAMN it's a time-waster). I've experienced the benefits of having a healthy relationship with the digital world and I want to remind you that it’s possible to live a fulfilling life and run a thriving business without being a slave to your device. In fact, I believe in order to have both of those things—you need to set boundaries with technology and learn to grow and thrive in other areas. This is something I'm currently working on, as I'm choosing to expand my business with Workshops, rather than Online Courses. I want to keep the in-person experience alive because it fills me up, is a more valuable learning experience, and keeps the digital hustle at bay!
A few other things I do to keep a healthy relationship with technology:
Turn Notifications Off. This has been the greatest way to stay present in what I’m doing and avoid easy distraction.
Schedule Social Media Posts. I take one day per week—sometimes every two weeks—to schedule my posts for Instagram and Facebook. This relieves the pressure of having to create content during the moment and in turn, allows me to think strategically and honestly about the content I'm sharing.
Social Media Limit. I stick to a daily 1-hour social media limit to ensures I use that time wisely and don't get lost in the scroll of doom
Create Before You Consume. I create my own work before I consume anyone else’s work. This ensures I stay aligned to my vision and goals, rather than being diluted by someone else's.
Set Boundaries with Clients. I have a set time each day to respond to comments, messages and emails—and it’s after I’ve completed my work for the day—not before. When you answer customers/clients immediately, you set a standard that customers will begin to expect and you have to keep up with. I’ve learned that most messages don’t require an immediate response.
Set Boundaries with Yourself. I don’t check my phone until an hour after I wake up and I don’t use it two hours before bed (this one is a work in progress).
Technology can be wonderful, but it also has the power to isolate us from friends, family, and even our own creativity—when used excessively, to avoid boredom or even dealing with more important things—like feeling our feelings, learning something new, or having a meaningful conversation.
If you find yourself spending too much time on your device, maybe it's time to reflect and pay attention to when you most reach for it and why. What’s something you can do today to improve your relationship with technology and your device?!