VirtualVocations

Conquering Internet Time Wasters

One of the most vital tools for most home workers is the internet.  Without it, we’d still be chained to traditional workplaces, yet with it, we often are distracted and have a hard time getting our work done.  Many people who work in brick and mortar companies waste time on the internet and in effect steal from their employer.  If you try this at home, you’re stealing from yourself.

In some ways, trying to get your internet usage under control is a bit like going on a diet.  You can’t give up food completely, and most of us can’t give up the internet either.  Just as with our food consumption, we must make wise, healthy choices when it comes to using the internet for our work. 

We must identify the “junk foods” that clutter up our day.  While all of these things can be enjoyed in moderation, “pigging out” on them will take up all your time. 

While most of us have an easy time recognizing external factors that rob of us our time such as phone calls, visitors, television, etc., it is more difficult to identify internet time wasters.   For most of us, the biggest time wasters are instant messaging, etmails, forums, blogs, and news sites.

In order to solve the problem, you must admit you have one.  Are you spending more time on email that 

      Instant messaging.  I had to take the instant messaging off my computer.  Keeping myself hidden required discipline I didn’t have when I saw a friend sign on.  Some companies may require it.

      Email.  I’m an email junkie.  On it all the time.  I had to set up an email account strictly for work.  I will check my personal email on breaks, but I rarely respond because I want to spend my breaks doing other things. 

      Forums.  I love forums.  I learn a ton and make new friends.  I can’t hang out with friends all day long and expect to work done.  I used o have emails sent when there were no posts.  Now, scan the forums after work.

      News – I’m a newshound.  I want to know what’s happening, when it’s happening.  I make myself wait until a break.  I check email and read the news.

      Reading blogs  Blog reading can’t happen during work time.  It’s a rule for me.

Conquering your internet time wasters will not be easy.  There is no one looking over your shoulder to see if you obey your own rules.  Eventually, however, you must have mastery in this area if you are to be an effective

Posted:Monday, February 18, 2008