Ever feel that technology rules your life? Sometimes it can feel like a constant battle to use technology as the tool it is and not feel like tool in the process 😂😂Are you constantly interrupted by calls, emails and social media activities day and night. Do your vacations or family time often turn into work sessions because your team knows you’re just a call or click away? This is a common problem that wears down your ability to perform at your best! 

Using Technology to Conquer Technology!

In this blog, I wanted to share some thoughts on how you can actually use technology to fight fatigue and burnout. First, here are some ways to set boundaries for yourself:

1). There should be a point you simply turn your phone off — I’m not saying to stop responding to queries or engaging social media at 5 pm on the dot, but what if you set a hard cut off time? 8 pm? Try it!  Don’t forget that being TOO available isn’t good - people take access to you for granted or waste your time with minor issues that they could solve themselves or could simply wait until the next day. One thing I do is not turn my phone on until 9am. This way I am in control of everything I allow into my mind 1st thing in the morning. This is one of the best ways to tap into your personal creativity.

2). If you accept calls after hours, be sure to politely inform everyone that you don’t mind a call in an urgent situation... but that you have confidence in your colleagues to make decisions and act in the best interests of the company and they don't need to run every single action past you!

3. Consider a “rotation” where another colleague is the “go to” person to accept calls at certain times.

After you establish some boundaries, the next step is actually using technology to conquer technology!! Consider these tools that may assist you:

1). Microsoft just introduced a setting in its Outlook email and calendar that prevents back-to-back video meetings, or carves out a break between meetings so you stay sharp

2). Google recently announced updates to its Workspace tools that allow users to set working hours and create “away” notifications to reduce digital interruptions.

3). Software firm BetterCloud asks meeting attendees on Slack to provide honest feedback about the usefulness of digital meetings.

4) Adobe’s Workfront tool asks users to prioritize tasks for the day, allowing you to take charge of your schedule and get the most important things done.

5) Using project management apps like click up, asana, or monday.com are great ways to organize your business operations and get everyone on your team working together and seeing the big picture.

The key is to find out what works best for you. I can tell you from my experience that it’s easy for a business owner to have most of their days wasted with constant interruptions and needless inquiries—preventing you from achieving what YOU set out to do that day!

At Beyond Common, our passionate mission is to inspire and empower women business owners to look and feel their best so they can achieve their personal version of success.

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With Gratitude,

Tracey Watts Cirino