It's Really About Time

There's rarely enough of it. Time that is. You hear all the time about how computers save time. But lately I've been wondering, do they really? I spend a good amount of time at the computer both at work and at home. I email, research, word process, Facebook, read the news, and some other basic things. You could say I'm about average in the amount of time I use my computer. Lately, I've been seriously questioning how much time the computer saves me. I don't see that I have a lot of extra time because I do various tasks using the technology. For example, have you ever thought about how much time you spend just waiting for your computer to load a page? How about waiting for your computer to start up or shut down? And that isn't even considering the time it takes when a program doesn't work correctly or you have to read directions to get something done. How about when you click a wrong icon and end up where you didn't intend to go? Oh, and then there is the buying online part. Sure, it's nice to avoid having to go to a store or being able to get something you can't buy locally. But, really, getting through "checkout" can bring on a headache. And just, when you think you're close to the finish line, up pops the upsell. Even cleaning out your email inbox can seem like a chore. Lately, I've put it on my "to do" list and then I sit down with a goal. For instance, I write down how many emails I plan to dump that day and then go for it. The only problem is, within a few days, the number of emails is right back up where it was. Then there is the computer repair aspect. Even if you have someone remote in to repair your computer, it requires an appointment and a certain amount of communication. I remember when the home computer first came out. There were books and articles written about how this was going to save time. In fact, several of the authors talked about how we were going to have so much leisure time because of what computers would do for us that we would have to find new ways to enjoy all the leisure time. From what I see, that hasn't been the case. In fact, I think it can be argued that computers have taken up more time in our lives. I can't help but wonder if the quality of our lives has been enhanced by having them as an integral part of our lives. Don't get me wrong. I'm definitely not saying our lives would be better without the computer. I am saying though, that the computer has radically changed how we spend our time. And, I don't see anyone having more leisure time as a result of this. And, yes, sometimes I do long for those simpler days. It's really all about time.

Debra Moore is a teacher and student of effective marketing strategies. She helps people succeed online and offline with proven and time tested marketing. For a FREE COURSE on "Dan Kennedy's Magnetic Marketing" visit http://www.MarketingWithPurpose.com