We often hear talk about the importance of disconnecting. Unfortunately, we don’t actually DO it.
I was standing in Chicago’s O’Hare airport recently, checking on my gate. I was not in the middle of traffic but far enough out in the walkway that I could see the departure board. I looked to my right just in time to see Mr. Jr. Executive with his slim-cut silk suit and his expensive haircut, his face fully planted in his cell phone, on a direct trajectory to hit me. There was no time for evasion, so I planted my feet and took the charge—full force into my right side. The Venti latte he was carrying succumbed to inertia, flying out of his hand past me and exploding as it hit the floor with a splatter pattern away from me. He apologized as he helped me up off the floor. “Geez! I’m sorry, I was distracted.”
“I see that,” I replied. “Remind me never to get in a car with you,” I said to his back as he strode away with his face back in his phone, leaving the spilled coffee and cup where it had landed.
Last week I talked about the importance of being present. According to research published in Psychology Today, our minds are accustomed to processing an average of 120 images per minute and creating between 69 and 97 random thoughts per minute. With advancements in smart technology, there is no time in the day or night when we can’t be connected unless we consciously decide to unplug. So, it is easier than ever to be physically present without being present in the moment. There are thousands of missed opportunities every day because we’re so “connected” that we’re disconnected from being present.
Significance requires knowing when to disconnect from the data stream and be engaged in the moment with someone. It requires an ability to look someone in the eye and process the meaning behind the words they’re saying to you. It requires disciplining yourself to turn your device off, put it away, or leave it in your car so you can be fully present with someone.
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