A few days ago I was off-site at a client location, in what was scheduled to be an all day session, and although I was focused in our strategy session, I could not help but think, at breaks of course, of what kind of email was piling up in my inbox.  As an aside, you should know that being a part of a small agency means that none of the principles have assistants to aidin de-cluttering our inbox.  

Once the all day meetings were done and it was time for me jump in a cab and head to my hotel room, I started to build my ‘catch-up on work’ strategy’.  I thought to myself, if I download all of the mail while on site at the client, I could then answer them offline, in the taxi.  It was a perfect plan, considering that I was leaving the client location during rush hour and that meant the ride would take 45 minutes.  So, I said my goodbyes and jump in the taxi to get to it - putting the strategy to work.  I powered up the laptop and then suddenly realized that I had less than 10% battery life left - needless to say the laptop died on me, 15 minutes or so into the ride.  I then thought I was clever and pulled out the iPhone - figuring I could at least both make some calls and address any urgent emails that had come in - but the iPhone too was only at 2% battery life.  I was able to make one call - kind of - but before I could say goodbye the phone died.  So, this now left me deviceless.   This feeling of not being connected left me powerless.  I looked all over the back of the taxi for solutions - perhaps there is a power outlet back here, or even an USB connection port - but nothing.  Realizing that there were no solutions to the problem I told myself to just sit there and do nothing.  Take in the scenery, I was, after all, in a new city.  That sense of calmness, taking in a new city, bla bla bla, lasted, for I swear, only three minutes  - and then the panic set in again.

This whole experience has me asking “what the heck happened”.  How is it now that I can’t see or make sense in taking time to sit and do nothing.  I have been told that the best ideas come from times when the great thinkers were left alone and doing absolutely nothing.  I have also been told that often the moment of clarity comes when you have no distractions and it’s just you and you and maybe you - depending on how many personalities you have at a given time - talking.  If I know this, then why could I not do it and most of all be thankful for the time to do it.  

I will argue that in this way, our dependency on technology could be a peril.  With everything you need a balance.  You have to figure out that tipping point (yes yes I know) for yourself.  Working in the digital industry of course makes it more difficult, as you not only depend on technology for personal use ,but also for work uses  - all the time!

I am convinced too that this balance cannot just be something we have when we take our two-week vacation at the cottage - it has to be a part of our lives and who we are.  Understand that if something has such a hold on you that dive into levels of deep panic- then something is wrong.  

Now to some of you reading this, this may make no sense, but for the majority, I am sure, you are seeing bits of reality here.  This is why I am going to start the process and initiate a movement where on May 16th at 2:30 pm Eastern, for only five minutes - we sit back and do nothing.  Regardless of where you are, at home, at the office, in the car (best that you pull off to the side of the ), take 5 minutes for you AND DO NOTHING.

Join me...