The other day I was talking with a couple of members about social media – specifically about the dopamine hits we get from it…which makes it addictive.
By the way, if you missed last Wednesday’s newsletter, search your inbox for “The Reward Circuit.”
So, we know for certain that social media is addictive. It’s purposely designed that way.
In fact, our smartphones and all the apps on them are designed to make you addicted. It’s evil genius. ;-b
Depending on what you read, the average American adult spends upwards of 2 hours per day on social media; kids are at least double that!
Yet, the the top two “objections” I hear when it comes to committing to a fitness program are:
- Time
- Money
Social media is sucking up BOTH!
But, that’s not what today’s newsletter is about…
Instead, I’d like to share some of the strategies I’ve used to cut my social media time WAY down, while still being “connected to what really matters to me” and running a business that does rely on social media marketing (interaction and advertising).
Let me be very clear though, I’m not a time-management expert or guru. I still catch myself wasting time on social media…and, I still have times where I consciously choose to play around on it. 🙂
I think that’s the first important distinction though…
It’s one thing to consciously say, “I’m going to go on social media and play around for the next 20 minutes.” It’s something entirely different when you find yourself unconsciously reaching for your phone to see what’s new or you continuously stop what you’re doing to check every notification that pops up…SQUIRREL!
In fact, I saw one study that says the average American adult checks their phone 150 times per day!
Just think about how unproductive that makes people…
Constant distractions don’t make for getting lots done!
And… NO… you’re not multitasking!!
There’s actually no such thing. Your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain that is responsible for problem solving, processing complex thoughts, and causing emotions can only do ONE thing at a time.
When people think they’re multitasking they’re actually sequential tasking rapidly back and forth…
And, there are tons of studies that show this DECREASES PRODUCTIVITY and INCREASES MISTAKES.
So, while you think it’s harmless to check your notifications while you’re working on a project…you’re WRONG.
OK. Let me get off my soapbox. This isn’t meant to be a rant, nor is it my place to try to convince you.
By the way, I’ll address where things like reading this email fit in as well. 😉
Here’s a list of what’s working for me right now:
- I removed email from my phone several years ago. This was a game-changer for me!
- I have times in my calendar for checking and responding to emails – on my computer.
- I recently removed social media from my phone. It’s still a little weird because I’ll mindlessly reach for my phone at times…then have to laugh because there’s nothing there. To satisfy the urge (“close the loop”), I’ll usually check the weather real quick. ;-b
- I now have set times in my calendar for checking social media – on my computer.
- Social media for me now is primarily checking my notifications, posting/commenting in the groups that I run and belong to, and responding to messages. I limit my feed scrolling time – basically time left over in my social media blocks or consciously making the decision to do so after hours (after my goals for the day have been met).
- As for emails (I told you I’d address that ;-b), those generally fit in email time…but I first make sure I’ve addressed critical things (e.g., client questions). If I run out of time, I’ll either get to a newsletter I want to read in the next email block or I might read it another time in the day where reading time is scheduled.
I think that’s about it…
Oh yeah, those email and social media time blocks are set later in the morning or after lunch. I have to get some “big rocks” out of the way first.
Again, I am still far from perfect with all of this…but I’m working on it.
I’d love to know your thoughts on social media, how you use it, what “traps” you’ve found yourself in, and what you do to manage and get what you want out of it…
