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Today, a thought from the book struck me as rather amazing. I knew it was true, but I hadn't thought about it for a long time. I was reminded that twenty years ago, organizations were engaging in some pretty serious conversations about what they would have their employees do with all of the extra free time they would gain through the adaptation of new communication technologies that were about to be released. These technologies included; fax machines, direct connect radios, cell phones, email, PDAs, laptop computers, scanners, text messaging, social networking sites and many other software programs that were designed to make our work experience more efficient and productive. Some of the technology that they were anticipating at that time is no longer even used today. For example, only a few companies at that time were equipped with fax machines. I remember in the early 90's being annoyed with clients who did not own a fax machine. Now I am annoyed with those that do. 

Well, as you and I both know, these technological advances have not resulted in more free time. Instead, of providing a break from the office, they have made it possible for us to never leave the office. It is not uncommon to write and answer emails at 1:00 AM. Most of us have inboxes so full, that we never catch up. When we do, it is only for a brief moment; then we are inundated with new requests and information. 

My cell phone is amazing. I can get my email, text messages, phone calls, and voice mails, any where I go. I can surf the web, take pictures, check the weather, sports and the stock market, and listen to my music all on the same device. What is even more amazing is that this device fits in my pocket. Now, all this sounds really cool, but what it really means is that I can never escape from the demands of the office. It is with me everywhere I go. I have it when I am at Disneyland, the movies, out to dinner, on Sunday morning and even when I am in the bathroom. It is always with me and I feel naked if I don't have it with me. 

While these devices make it possible for us to be more productive, they also make it possible for us to be connected at every moment, day and night. Sometimes we are afraid to turn it off because we don't want to miss an important call, but most times we are afraid to turn it off because we know how far behind we will be when we turn it back on. The world never seems to stop right now and we must keep up.

The truth is, our businesses got along just fine before we were blessed with all this wonderful technology. Another bit of the truth is that there is nothing that will happen today after 6:00 PM and before 7:30 AM tomorrow morning that can't wait until I am back in the work mode and ready to take care of business. It is easy to fool ourselves into believing otherwise, but I am speaking the truth. We just have to set a standard and then be willing to live by it. When we do, those around us adapt to it. Some even find it easier to set their own standard.

You and I can invent life the way we want to live it. We have that power, we just don't always use it. Our productivity and engagement levels are directly related to the way we feel. We feel the best when we are happy. The happiest times in our lives do not come from our employment, our possessions or the wealth we accumulate. They come from our relationships with our family and friends. They come from our ability to take time out and focus on something instead of the office for a while. 

When we neglect ourselves because of our sense of duty to the office, our efforts there, are much less than what they really can be and we ourselves are much less than who we really want to be. 

I guess what I am asking is, are you ready to make things different? Do you believe that you can? What are you willing to do to feed the personal side of the equation? Do you understand that if you are feeling burnt out, you have the power to make things right again? I know there are external circumstances that influence these types of decisions, but I have found that when I set my standards, the external world is able to become aligned with those standards. It sees I am standing for something and respects my efforts. 

What is stopping you from living the life you want to live? What is your plan to do something about that? What are you doing with all of the free time these devices have created? The time is there, but if you are using those moments to do more work, you may be missing out on the greatest moments of your life. It is difficult, and maybe even impossible, to reach one's highest future potential when the person reaching, is tired and burnt out in the present moment. Don't let that happen to you. Don't wait until it is too late.

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