Frozen Computer

It has been a week and then some since I last sent out a broadcast. I want to thank everyone who e-mailed me to make sure I was okay or to tell me that my broadcast was missed.

Here’s what happened. On Wednesday, March 19, 2008, I was sitting in front of my computer typing as fast as I can (turtle speed). I was putting the finishing touches to an exercise program when I decided to cross reference an exercise maneuver. I popped over to the Internet and typed in my search. I waited and waited for the computer to respond. Nothing. So, relying on my highly technical computer skills, I hit CTRL ALT DELETE. Still nothing. Now it was time to use my second technical move - when in doubt, reboot. Internet came on but froze. Done! Kaput!

Since that is the extent of my technical skills, the following day I dropped my computer off to the specialist. I had several viruses. Even the anti-virus program was tainted. I went eleven days without a computer. I had a computer at work, but I could not access many of my files or e-mail. I was going through withdrawal. The first two days were awful.

Then things started to change. I was spending more time with the family, reading even more than usual, and actually meeting a few friends for lunch and dinner.

Usually I am in computer mode – e-mail, researching and writing (activities of isolation) – but without the computer I went into social mode. And I liked social mode.

In case you are wondering, I am sharing this with you for two reasons – first, to apologize for not getting a broadcast to you in a timely manner and, second, to share with you how I am currently changing my computer habits to find more time for other things.

The action steps that I have taken to change my computer habits are as follows:

The first thing I did was to unsubscribe to e-mails I receive and don’t read. Now I know I am taking a risk by making this suggestion to you. I don’t want to lose a reader/subscriber, but if you do not feel that you get anything from my broadcast, then you should move on (but I hope you don’t).

The second action step was to view e-mail only twice per day, the afternoon and the late evening. I also turned off the little bell that dings every time e-mail is delivered, since I found that knowing I had e-mail was a distraction that I had difficulty ignoring!

Third, I e-mailed my friends and kindly asked them to call me if they have any questions instead of e-mailing me to avoid back and forth e-mail which takes up more time. I also asked my friends to avoid forwarding chain e-mails.

The fourth and last action step involved specific scheduling for computer time. The goal is to work on projects at a given time. For example, my goal is to write 30 minutes every morning, keeping in mind that some writing projects will take more time.

I hope this broadcast was helpful. I love the information age. At the same time, I feel it’s important to engage in human contact. You can’t get a hug from your computer (at least not yet). If you find that you are spending too much time in front of your computer, create a schedule that will allow you to accomplish your work and manage your in-coming e-mails so that you have more time for social activities.

To Your Health, Wealth & Happiness!

Dr. Michael J. Kaye
Knowledge, Action, Results

The Cost of Procrastination

Procrastination is the act delaying (putting off) the activities that one needs to do to complete a job or task.

Most people feel it is just a small quirk that they have. And most feel,"Well, if I don't get it done, I'll just do it tomorrow."

Here's a great question. How much money does procrastination cost you?

If most people realize that procrastination cost money they would stop procrastinating.

Everyone understands that if they procrastinate on a certain task required of them to perform as per their boss they could lose their job, therefore lose money.

If you procrastinate with respect to the maintenance of your vehicle (monthly oil changes, tire pressure, transmission checks, etc.) you might end up having costly mechanical problems.

If you procrastinate and pay your bills late, your credit score will become compromised and hence will decrease your ability to get loans.

Last and most important, if you procrastinate about your health you will lose money by paying co-pays, co-insurance, higher monthly insurance premiums, experience increased pain; and lost time from work due to sick days.

If you are sick and out of shape it compromises your ability to become wealthy.

So the next time you think procrastination is just "one of your little quirks" just think how much money you could possibly lose if you do procrastinate.