Information Overload!

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Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase

Daniel 12:4

Technology lets us do things we've never been able to do, but it can be addictive. You can become tied to it in ways that are exhausting. One expert notes: 'There's a strong tendency for humans to do everything they're able to. Combine that with constant connectivity, and the workday need never end. It's easy to contact anyone anytime, and with information always available on line you can keep clicking forever.' Paul writes about 'making the most of your time' (Ephesians 5:16 NAS). We say, 'Time is money,' but in actuality time is much more valuable, because it's a nonrenewable resource. Once spent, it's gone forever. Managing information overload means re-establishing boundaries that technology has demolished. So:

• Recognise the signs: if you communicate with people all day yet you're still lonely, chances are, technology is dominating your life.
• Take baby steps: make yourself unavailable for short periods and see what happens. The wheels of industry won't grind to a halt! Remember you have a choice: people who think they should be available 24/7, exaggerate their own importance or the control others have over them.
• Establish boundaries: rein in the emails and instant messages. Do you really need all those 'FYI's' about the same thing?
• Give clear instructions: tell people you answer emails at designated times throughout the day, and let them know who to contact for an immediate response.
• Make a task list: that way if you're interrupted you'll get back on track faster.Stick to a schedule: constantly dipping in and out on the computer is classic self-interruption.
• Do a reality check: after a few minutes of surfing the web ask yourself, 'Should I be doing this now?'

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.