Thinking inside the box

I’m convinced that our intense, prolonged use of computers is changing the way we think — and having a negative impact on our businesses. Remember (well, some of you will be old enough to remember) when your typewriter sat on a stand next to your desk? Unless you were a writer dreaming up the next great novel, the typewriter stood by to be used only as needed for typing a letter or report.

Today, where is your computer? I bet it’s sitting right before you, front and center on your desk. You might even be reading this in a coffee shop, or on your couch, where your laptop, along with your cell phone, comprises your entire office. Our computers now shape the way we approach our work.

Think about it. When you sit down to start working, what’s the first thing you do? Is it to take a few moments and really determine what needs to happen for your business to succeed? Or is it to automatically click on your email inbox and start reacting?

Get your head out of the box. I challenge you to take three minutes right now (set a timer) and walk away from your computer. Sit down, and just THINK about your business. What’s the most important thing for you to do today for your business? Which action would have the biggest effect? I guarantee that the answer will come to you. And the email? It can wait.