Technology for Pastors

Getting ‘lost’ is what I call what happens when you sit down at your computer to do something specific (e.g. write an email, find out the weather for tomorrow, do stats or something) and you get distracted for a time because of all the other ‘cool’ things at your fingertips.

I get ‘lost’ regularly.  But I’ve worked out a few ways to stop it… or at least reduce it as much as possible.

1. Use a browser that wont distract you.  I use Firefox with igoogle as my homepage and Flock with the same (plus the standard ‘My World’ links).  If I’m not working or having a lunch break I’ll use Flock because I’m much more likely to be distracted with all the links and cool features!  Normally I use Firefox because it’s my ‘working’ browser.  HOWEVER!!!  igoogle can be a massive distraction especially if you have RSS feeds on there.  So before the page comes up hit STOP and type in what you’re really after.

2. Have your emails checking when you hit Send/Receive, not every 2 minutes.  I used to have it on 2 minutes… now I think I’ve stretched it to 10 as my minimum.  I change it back and forth between 10 minutes and only when I hit S/R depending on my level of distraction.

3. Change how Outlook notifies you of emails.  Read this for peace and quiet and less distraction!

4. Decide what you are going to do before you start something.  Also having a time frame on that job is important too… how long should this take me?  If you get ‘lost’ the 5 minute job might take 30 minutes… and that’s a big waste of time and a massive reduction in effectiveness and productivity.

What do you do to keep from getting ‘lost’?