Daily Technology Break

Numerous articles abound on the internet, news magazines and broadcasts, Facebook and beyond, regarding summer vacation. A topic within these articles that really hits home is regarding technology and how it permeates our lives. It even invades our time away from work. Who doesn’t work 24/7 in the 21st century?

Not long ago, cell phones were the size of military two-way radios. If you owned one, it was in your car. Now, there isn’t a belt loop or purse that does not hold one of these marvels of modern technology. I have even seen female parent sponsors, on tour no less, pull them out of their shirts as they attach flip phones to their unmentionables. I wonder if there has been a study on the effects of cell phones stored near other parts of the body, other than holding it to the ear. To avoid this dreaded disease, Bluetooth is the way to go. Well, enough with the medical discussion on cell phones. I will leave that to the experts.

Soon, if not already, many of us will be packing the minivans and SUVs to head off to the beach, the mountains or a hotel with a pool to escape house cleaning, cooking and the pets. Yes, some will not go anywhere, either by choice or for economic reasons, yet either way, the cell phone is with you.

Can one leave the phone behind…probably not by choice, as we would be lost without it. Shut it off…not if it is your only mode of communication. You name it, the scenarios on less cell phone usage are endless. Then to complicate matters, there are smart phones. Smart phones can link to your two dozen or so email accounts. Most importantly, your work email account.

Let’s not forget text messaging, FaceTime, Skype, etc. How many times, while out of the office has a colleague or boss sent you a quick text message to ask a quick tiny, brief question? A question that must be answered right then and there. The convenience of technology has become a major inconvenience. Many thought the American way of life was stressful. How does everyone feel now?

Technology was endeared to us with a tag line of “saving time, energy and money”. In my experience, it has done none of those things. Maybe your experience has been different. If it has, then maybe you should write an article to help the rest of us.

Saving time and energy – instead of sending a memo, or making a quick call on a landline, we now have the, as fictional detective Columbo most famously phrased…”just one more thing.” Then to top it all off, there are the upgrades and learning curves for each upgrade. Upgrades seem to be never ending, as we all deal with more than one technology, i.e., Apple, Microsoft, Finale, Sibelius, Blackboard, etc., are all time consuming. The list is endless. Remember the line we all used as children, when traveling – “are we there yet?"

Saving money – that’s an easy one. I print much more than I ever did before. Sure, we can do all our prep work on individual devices. However, when the actual meeting occurs, hard copies are printed by the dozens. Devices such as the iPad, SurfacePro, laptops (still heavy and bulky), and so on, could be used. I own all of these items, as I am sure you do as well. However, coordinating formats is a nightmare.

Yes, we are…one-step removed from total automation. Until that day actually arrives, we should consider when and when not to keep technology a thumb click away.

Recently, I was at the movie theater with my wife and daughter. My phone vibrated. Yes, I should have just shut it off, but let’s be honest, how many people really shut them off? Then it vibrated a second time. I do not look, and/or listen in settings such as theaters and concert halls (on silent, but immediately look at during intermission). Then it vibrated again. My mind raced with who in the world would need me that badly. I ignored it.

As soon as the show was over, I pulled the phone from my belt. Was it anything of importance? Not at all. Yet, I let it take my mind from the cute movie I was watching with my family. Are there any other guilty parties out there? Now, let’s not get into a tirade of replies on the evils of not turning off our cell phones. Let me say – my phone is always on vibrate, and never rings. I never want to be that person they all say,” What is the matter with that person?” 

How many of us allow employees, students, singers, to use cell phones in class and rehearsals? None of us would allow such a practice…yet, as mature adults, leaders, we think we are different. We are exceptional, and need that constant “good  vibration” to know we are part of humankind. Are we that needy? I don't think so.

Vacation, in the classic sense, is for R&R. However, when one returns from a vacation, they seemingly need a vacation. In Europe it is called “holiday.” It wouldn’t hurt those living in America to call it a holiday. Holiday, classically, has been a time when family and friends gather. A time when stores are/were closed. Business was on a break. This is not so today. Could vacation be called a holiday? “By George”, it could be called a holiday!

Because of this need for holiday, I have devised a 5-step program to get off the grid, allow myself a personal holiday. Getting off the grid for a personal holiday is a very worthwhile endeavor. My hope is that you will consider joining me in freeing yourself from the bondage of technology, starting with the following 5-steps:

1. Turn off your cell/smart phone at night. The old adage once was-no calls after 9:00 PM. That is my goal; I have yet to achieve that goal. I do not respond to calls after 9:00 PM, however, I do return text messages…I do turn it off when I lay my head on the pillow.

2. Leave the phone in the office during rehearsals, meetings. I have achieved this, at least 99.9% of the time. There is still that occasional time I think I need to check on something. This should never occur.

3. Do not talk and drive (never text message). There once was a thing called Drive Time, a.m. and p.m., when I was younger in Boston. Music was played, no commercials, no talk, just relaxing classical music. It was a time to get your head wrapped around your day. I am maybe at 50% on this. My current vehicle can read text messages aloud, if you use an Android product. I now use an iPhone, which is not supported by this system, so texting is not an issue for me. Additionally, I don’t know about you. But I think people that text and drive are dangerous, and slow traffic down. As a somewhat reformed horn blowing Bostonian, I would prefer to use my horn less often.

4. Never set it next to you in a restaurant and/or meeting. That is easier said than done – what if your calendar is on your smart phone. I think you get the idea. People are still more important than things. I am trying to use an old fashion calendar. These calendars give a visual Image of what is ahead. When relying on a smart phone calendar, one waits to be reminded of an event, making sure to set up early reminders, and remember that you just received a reminder of said event.

5. 99.9% of the time it isn’t as important as we think. As one of the hottest song among elementary students states, “let it go”. Don’t answer that call and/or text message. Don’t be enslaved by technology. We control the on/off switch. Technology does not control us, at least not yet.

In summary, “let it go”. Enjoy a vacation daily, even if only a few moments, through good technology habits. “Let it go,” it will be there when you are back on the grid!