Thoreau, the Visionary

In the mid-1800s, Henry David Thoreau wrote “Men have become tools of
their tools.” Oh, how prescient he was!

One day last week, I noticed that about a gazillion online friends felt compelled to selfie-ize their day: flying, eating, pouting, preening, pondering, talking,
unpacking, celebrating, conferencing and more. Which prompted me to
post this…


Don’t get me wrong. I’m as into the digital revolution as much as anyone.
I’m writing my next book with over 50 online readers, essentially
crowdsourcing the book before you see it this Fall. I’m one of IBM’s futurist
cohorts, helping them figuring out how we can all work smarter using
technology. I’m on the board for Chris Heuer’s amazing new and simple app —
Will Someone — that turns tasks into asks. I’m as guilty of e-addiction
as anyone.

Yet there’s these studies and factoids:
• Relaxing (unplugged) makes you more productive
• Smartphones make you more tired and unproductive
• One in five young adults admit to texting while having sex

That last one gets me the most. I mean, c’mon! If texting is more important
than your partner, that’s not good!

The real problem is that most of us have become tools of our tools! A simple
example: While it’s in decline (because of newer tools!) Microsoft’s Outlook
used to cause one of most companies’ biggest time-sucks — time spent in
meetings. Most people used the default scheduling block of one hour, even when
15 minutes would have sufficed.

Time to take back your time… And attention… And brainspace…
And soulspace… And life!

Some suggestions…

Take 5 Minutes to Figure Out What Matters
A five-minute exercise that helps create inner clarity.
(Wrote about this in last month’s newsletter.)

Once a Week, Schedule Non-Digital Time
No phone. No tunes. No videos. Just you and a book. Or a walk. Or a hammock.
Or drinks with friends who also abide to the non-digital rule.
You’ll be amazed at what you will feel!

Once Every 3-4 Months, Schedule Think-Big Time
By yourself, or with buddies. If taking notes, use nothing that requires
power or batteries. Just you and the proverbial “What if…?” question.

Audit Tech Time
For one week, keep track of how much time you spend on which tools.
Many who do realize “Something’s gotta change!”

Bottom Line…
Today’s tech and tools are amazing! Use them. Use them well.
Use them productively.

Just don’t become a tool of your tools.

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