Technology moves too fast most of the time. Just when I think I’m getting on top of my email inbox or making headway organizing the thousands of photos on my desktop, I get distracted by an email I have to read immediately or a breaking news story I can’t resist.
I spoke with Deb Lee, a digital business coach and productivity consultant, to find out which tools she relies on to stay organized, as well as her tips for managing digital clutter and for using technology to increase productivity.
Lee explained that digital clutter is similar to physical clutter. Lee advises clients to use technology strategically, which requires finding the proper tools, setting boundaries and scheduling regular maintenance.
• The proper tools
Think about how you work and how projects move from inception to completion. Ask yourself these questions: Where do you run into problems with your work, i.e., do you miss deadlines, spend too much time looking for documents or emails, or have a hard time prioritizing your tasks? Do tasks take more time than they should? What would you like to spend more or less time doing?