5 Technology Resolutions for 2012
In keeping with New Year’s tradition we’ve compiled some resolutions specifically for the web. Whether you’re in charge of your company’s online presence or you just now got your Facebook account, the following behaviors are a great way to start the New Year.
1. Fix Time-Wasting Habits
It’s all too easy to find yourself checking Facbook and Twitter with unrelenting frequency. Hey, we understand. It’s fun and addictive, but we all know it can easily get out of hand.
Try and lump all your online inquiries into as few sessions as you can. Checking these sites in groups should satiate your curiosity for most of the day while you get important work done. If that’s too long, hold off on your web fraternizing until you’ve accomplished your current task. Treating these sites as rewards will allow you to get your info fix and still maintain productivity.
2. Act Professionally
The anonymity provided by the web may make it easy for users to provide snide remarks, but we’re championing a more civilized web. Respect your competition and customers alike and you’ll see that respect reciprocated.
Additionally, double check all you’re social network posts and emails. Few things make a worse impression than mistaking “they’re,” “there,” and “their.” Just a little extra effort can go a long way to ensuring your online identity is courteous and valued.
3. Take Care of Yourself
A lot of us have jobs that place us directly in front of a computer for the entire day. That can take its toll on your health. Take the time to ensure your workplace is ergonomic, try breaking up the day with an afternoon walk, and swap the vending machine junk for an apple every now and again. Considering you will spend a third of your life in your office you should take the time to make it comfortable.
4. Learn Something New
Chances are that throughout the day you’re using a slew of different programs. Sometimes in the effort to get a task accomplished we learn only what we need to, never venturing too far from our comfort zone. We suggest breaking this habit. Explore new options and possibilities within some of your most frequent programs. You may just find new possibilities that speed up your process.
5. Take a Web Break
No list about technology habits would be complete without the obligatory “stop using it for a while.” As redundant as it may be, however, that doesn’t make it any less important. Turn off your smartphone, close your laptop, hide the iPad, and then catch your breath. That wasn’t so hard, was it? Everybody handles our current technology differently, but it never hurts to go for an “un-tethered” walk around the block.