Information Overload!

In these times of "Social Media" this, and Web 2.0 that, and email coming from bots and people you don't even know...it's enough to make you want to pull your hair out sometimes. Implementing a few tips could save you more than time; it could save your sanity!

1) Commit to checking email only 2 or 3 times a day, and remain consistent at checking it ONLY at those specific times. This will keep you focused on your daily task list instead of worrying about that inbox.

2) Apply point #1 to your social media as well. And while you're at it...discontinue all those time-wasting Facebook games like Mafia Wars and Farmville. They are time stealers that cause you to keep an extra browser window open continously, thus making you constantly available via IM to all your frineds. Trust me...you WILL survive!

3) Implement an auto-responder to your email that reads something like this: "Thanks for your email. In an attempt to be more efficient and to take back my life, I only check email at 9 a.m., Noon, and 4 p.m. Additionally, I only respond to email that is absolutely important. Thanks for your understanding!" Watch the "forwards" soon disappear.

4) Deal with every email the first time you see it. Delete EVERYTHING you possibly can that does not need to be opened. Read the pieces you feel are worthy, and then either file them away in a sub folder or delete. Finally, respond briefly and efficiently to those that demand your response. Soon and very soon, your circle of influence will get the picture: you are a busy professional that is taking back life!

5) Limit yourself to only 1 or 2 means by which people can contact you. There's not a rule that says you have to sign up for every new social media that comes along. Your family and closest friends have the access of choice! So keep the rest of the world at a safe distance.

Take time to think of other ways to solve the information overload crisis, and share it with the rest of us!