Shut That Cell Phone Up

[islandone]

I experimented with something today-I kept my cell phone on silent all day. I still have to work on not checking it for missed calls, but it was really nice to check it when I was ready, in the car, or in between tasks.

I still had it with me, so making calls when I wanted to wasn't an issue, but I wasn't getting interrupted all day. What if I miss a call and it's an emergency? Oh well, maybe the person calling will figure out how to deal. It's funny how people got along just fine before cell phones. And like Tim says, how often do real emergencies occur?

I am going to continue with this experiment. It certainly contributes to peace of mind, focus, and productivity.

[froldt]

The best way that I've found to not compulsively check for missed calls is to schedule it. I only check during my first break, lunch, second break, at the end of the work day, and at night. These five times gives me more than enough opportunities to get what is needed done, but limits the time spent doing them. If I really wanted, I could drop it down to breaks and end of the day.

If I am expecting a call, I just keep it on silent and in my pocket, so that I can feel it vibrate (or on the desk/table so that I can hear it).
I also prefer to keep it close by, so that if it is important, they can leave a message. Then, as it rings, I can pay attention for a voicemail and check it if I need to.

Hope this helps, and I'm glad you're enjoying the experiment! Hope it continues to work well!

[TimW]

I think some cells phones have the ability to create exceptions for certain individuals calling. I haven't looked into it much, but I think my Blackberry allows me to assign an exception such that a call from my wife, for example, overrides silent mode. I am not positive, since I rarely need this functionality.

[Crickwat]

I really liked your experiment. A lot of people get hooked to their cell phones so much that they find it difficult to live without them. I think shutting the phone for a while can really relax a person and bring some peace to the mind.

[froldt]

I really liked your experiment. A lot of people get hooked to their cell phones so much that they find it difficult to live without them. I think shutting the phone for a while can really relax a person and bring some peace to the mind.

There are times when I think about calling someone as I am walking somewhere (normally on-campus) and as I think about it, I notice all of the people with a phone stuck to their head that I decide it can wait. The extra 5 minutes until I get back to my room/office isn't a big deal.

[Vince]

I've never had:

A cell phone
A laptop
A blackberry

What the heck is a bluetooth?

Nevertheless, I manage to make money online via subscription payments and the occasional ghostwriting gig. I'm also building a VRE (Virtual Real Estate) commercial office building. It's for local businesses who want total domination of the search engines for their most valuable keywords.

I don't need any of the above toys to run the whole show. A land-line phone, a desktop computer, cable modem for the Internet, automation and some savvy is all it takes.

I was fortunate enough to read 4HWW as I was starting my business. I didn't have to get myself addicted to crap I really didn't need in the first place.

Anybody know of a great way to quit smoking?! :(

[kingfu]

Anybody know of a great way to quit smoking?! :(

http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Smoking-Non-Smokers/dp/1402718616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218755841&sr=8-1

[webgal]

I have no laptop. I have no blackberry. I do have a cell phone but I have over 3800 rollover minutes. (wish I could cash them in) I have teens and I want to know where they are. Although, I'll make them call from a land line some times.

I despise getting email on a hand held. But then I don't travel and when I do it's in spurts and I manage fine.

[phil]

I discovered the "forwarding" feature in my cell phone. I've got an iPhone, but I imagine many other phones have the feature. Basically, instead of ringing your cell phone, it forwards the call directly to a new number.

For the past few months, I've had an "outgoing only" cell phone. It is set to forward directly to a GrandCentral number which tells people I am not available.

[EsotericRule]

Nicely done Vince and others going the no-tech route. I've had cell's and other toys in the past, and elliminated them 3 yrs ago. I found that their supposed benefits largely were not.

For safety contact when on the road and off the beaten track I have a two way radio of good range. For business, if they are serious they can phone a land line or fax or email...and then wait on me (it's generally a very short wait)

If I was jetsetting about the world, I'd take a blank laptop with memory sticks left in situ - what with the invasive and business info reselling nature of all tyra...I mean 'governments' these days.

Less 'toys', less cost, less access to your heuristics...to me its all win-win.