New toys are so much fun! I’m often recommending that my coaching clients get a smart phone, iPad, or some other computer software to inspire them to organize themselves differently.
But when is a new technology gadget actually productive, and when is it simply an excuse to procrastinate?
I’ve been spending all evening in the throes of setting up my own new toy — Dragon Dictate for Mac. (In fact, I’m using this software RIGHT NOW to dictate this blog post. So exciting.).
Ever since I’ve become fully self-employed and working exclusively out of my home office, my back pain has increased. I love coaching students on Skype, but it requires that I sit for much of the day. When I’m not coaching, I’m writing — either for this blog, or for a couple of *super secret* books that I’m writing. More sitting! Ack! I know I should walk around the block periodically, but I’m just too excited by my work.
This week I’ve gotten two new complementary toys, and it feels like they’re about to change my life. I’ve already told you about Dragon Dictate, a piece of software that will allow me to dictate while I walk.
The second toy is called a FitBit, a handy little pedometer that counts steps, calories, miles, flights of stairs, and more. I’m hoping that FitBit and Dragon Dictate will work together nicely.
I am particularly excited about these two new toys because they dovetail nicely. The more I stand up and walk while I am writing, the more steps my FitBit will record. Match made in heaven.
So, back to my original question: are new toys ‘procrastinatory’ or productive?
I suspect that these two new tools will actually be transformative, and are not just gimmicks. I see how directly they impact my physical and my intellectual well-being. Because they are tied to some exciting goals I have set for the year and because I get immediate feedback in regards to the health of my body, I suspect that in 12 months time I will go using and loving these tools. Check back with me then!