A few years ago, I went on vacation to the beach. I was going to spend the first half of the week on my own and then have a couple of friends join me toward the end of the week. My work life had been incredibly hectic and busy so I made a decision to turn off my email notification on my phone. I told my team to reach out with a text if something was urgent and let them know that I would not, otherwise, be checking my email.
I never turned the notification back on EVER again. And today, I mostly keep my phone on silent and check it periodically versus having the incessant pinging as a distraction throughout my day.
This little shift in behavior really changed things for me on that trip and beyond. Those notifications on our phones, computers, tablets and watches really change our behavior. We have become a slave to them. And let’s be clear – the vibration setting is still a notification.
I realized on that vacation what it was like to truly unplug. I didn’t check my email that week nor did I check my phone very often at all. Instead, I read for hours and listened to the ocean. When my friends showed up, two people who still had to continue working while on vacation, I noticed how present I was. Now this is not a criticism of them at all because this was not a choice for them at that time. However, because I was with them, it was really noticeable the difference in vacationing while unplugged and vacationing while still connected. And honestly, when we have to work or choose to work on vacation, it is not a vacation at all. You do not relax and refuel because you never truly have the opportunity.
After that trip, I began to strongly encourage my teams to resist the urge to work while on vacation. I could not control their behavior but wanted to be sure they knew my expectation was that they do NOT work while away. And I made myself available as their backup to be sure they have the opportunity. We need to recharge. We are better when we come back if we take an actual break! And think about the people you are with while taking time off…..your decision to work while on vacation impacts them as well.
When I came home, I left the notifications off and the world did not stop turning and I did not miss an email. I left my ringer on and my text notifications on and all was good. Over time, I began to try to leave my phone in my purse or put it away and turn off all notifications when hanging out with friends or family. It is crucial to give those important to us our full attention. I often see people on dates or out with friends or out with the family and EVERYONE is on their phones. We are losing so much by giving attention to our technology and not to those physically in our presence. It is, likewise, worthwhile to give nature our attention over technology when we are in a beautiful place alone. Just consider how much we miss when we are so focused on technology.
When I lost my job over two years ago, I turned off all of my notifications and left it that way until I became a realtor in December. If I was expecting a call, I turned on the ringer. Otherwise it was all off. It was really peaceful. I enjoyed the quiet. And I was less distracted. If I with with a friend for dinner and had my phone away, I would sometimes miss 10-15 text messages. If I had my phone out, I would have looked down at least that many times and taken my attention away from my friend.
Being unplugged and present is a way of life for me now, though real estate has provided its challenges. I realize we cannot always do this….we may be expecting an important work call or personal call. I know there are times, though, when we can all practice this. And I know that our relationships would be enriched. You owe it to yourself and to your loved ones to be present. Try it out! I think you will love it too!
p.s. Note you may be the only one at the table not on your phone from time to time. Resist the urge to pick it up. Enjoy the moments and set an example for others.
Preach!
That’s right Bella!!!