We’ve all become accustomed to the magic that we call the Smartphone. This trusty device does so much more than dial a number, or receive a simple text message. Smartphones posses E-mail capabilities, complete and total access to the Internet, and the ability to download every application that we could possibly want to meet our business, social and recreational needs.
I hate to admit it, but I have become quite habituated to my Smartphone. I browse my E-mails and social media channels several times before snoozing off into a slumber, and my phone is the first thing I grab and look at in the morning. In between those hours, my phone is buzzing and beeping constantly, alerting me of new E-mails or Facebook notifications. Google Maps and the GPS feature accompany me on my drive to each brand new place I visit, in addition to places I have already driven to before (I am horrible with directions). Most of my pictures are taken with my Smartphone, and I love being able to upload and share each of them on the fly with people I care about.
Sadly, I had to face reality and recognize that my handy Smartphone was having some issues for a few months, and it took a turn for the worse two weeks ago. I received the news that ‘Old Faithful’ needed to be sent in for repairs, and I was told that I wouldn’t see my phone for 10 to 15 days while the repairs took place.
Let me repeat: 10 to 15 days.
I understand this may sound ridiculous, and this is equally hard for me to admit just how attached I was to the device, but the thought of not having a Smartphone for 10 to 15 days sounded like an insanely painful process to undergo – especially for someone who works in social media!
During the week my phone was in repair, I was using a phone from my not-so-distant past that was capable of two basic functions: phone calling and texting. Yes – that’s it. When it comes down to it, that is really all a phone is supposed to do, right? At least that’s what I kept telling myself.
The first few initial days were rough. By the time the fourth day rolled around, I had an epiphany. Not being glued to my phone every second of the day allowed me to tune in more to what people around me were doing and saying. Things I likely saw everyday suddenly inspired me, likely because I wasn’t truly seeing them before. Creative ideas seemed to hit me from every which angle. I also began to like the feeling of truly eating and enjoying my meals, without the distraction of my phone.
If there is one thing I learned from this experience, and one thing I can share with you, it is this: sometimes, you need to tune out in order to tune in. This means taking some time to focus on yourself more and on the current state of your business or personal life. Target on what you’d like the future of your business to be and always be listening to the sounds and clues around you. You may be surprised to see what things inspire you while you are unplugged. Once you find harmony with yourself and your business, you’ll be able to tune back in and share your newfound insight with those around you.
