We will not sell or rent your email address. In his ground-breaking book, The 4 Hour Workweek, Timothy Ferriss makes the bold recommendation that people should check email once or twice a day. Given the fact that more people are using smartphones to send text messages and email than ever before, his advice seems to be contrary to the norm. And that would be right. In his book, he describes his approach to building a life where work takes up a minimal amount of time. He says the reason that most people work so much is simply because they are ineffective. He advises working on high priority tasks, avoiding meetings at all costs and minimizing time spent on email and phone contact. Additional strategies including delegating tasks and automating work. In reality, we spend far too much time tied to electronic communications than is useful. As a result, we slip into a pattern of connecting at a superficial level. Tim has some additional recommendations when it comes to meetings which we won't address here. He points out the difference between effectiveness and efficiency. You can be efficient without being effective. And too often, people are ineffective. And oftentimes, mobile devices become counterproductive and serve as a distraction. So, what can you do about it? Connectivity is the act of connecting with other people. The pursuit of connectivity can lead you to check your email numerous times per hour. The problem is that this behavior is distracting and may simply be a sign that you are procrastinating. Productivity is the act of producing or accomplishing tasks. Effectiveness is taking the right actions to get the right results. I would encourage you to limit the time you spend checking email. Your job may require you to be available during certain times of the day. Tim suggests you train coworkers and clients when you are available to respond. At the very least, give it a try. Schedule 1-2 times a day to check email and then resist the temptation to check email during the rest of the time. Instead, identify your top priority and go to work on it. Focus on your top priority. Do not multitask. I think you will find a greater sense of
productivity and accomplishment. Just because you can be available all the time does not mean you should. You have the ability to create boundaries in your life. Strive to be a Human Being and not simply a Human Doing. Rick S. Cooper, MBA, is The Sales Results Expert. Rick is a Business & Technology Coach who specializes in working with professional services entrepreneurs who want to attract their ideal clients. He coaches entrepreneurs to improve their sales skills and increase their sales results. He teaches them how to leverage technology tools and increase their productivity. Rick is Founder and President of The PDA Pro. Receive Rick's complimentary audio "7 Steps to Attract your Ideal Clients" by visiting http://www.ThePDApro.com/freebies.asp. | 
