So I got a new solid state drive/disk (SSD) installed and a new windows install and hey presto – performance improved. Yeah there was a cost – but in reality it’s an investment as it immediately began to save time – and that’s a resource which we simply cannot create – all we do is use it.
There was just one issue – because of the new windows install I began to get a pop-up notification whenever an email arrived. And don’t get me started on the productivity loss we suffer when we switch our attention away from whatever it is we’re concentrating on to read an email – or even to glance quickly at the source & subject that show up in the notifications.
You may be familiar with the following quote:
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
It’s often attributed, probably incorrectly, to Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the US.
Let’s substitute one word:
“The price of effectiveness is eternal vigilance.”
Remember: “effectiveness” is different to “efficiency”. You can be efficient at doing the wrong thing right. In contrast, being effective focusses on doing the right thing. Being effective requires you to concentrate relentlessly on doing the right things in the right order.
So, if you receive notifications of new emails, turn the bloody thing off! Here’s how to do it for outlook for windows. But Google’s your friend for whatever platform you use.
Where could you be if you had a relentless focus on driving effectiveness and productivity? That’s the drum I beat all the time with my customers. If you’re ready to take action book a free 15-minute call directly into my calendar by clicking here. When we talk you’ll get a sense of me and of what I do and how I do it. And I’ll decide whether or not I think we’re a good fit.
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