Habits you should think about stopping

"9 Habits you need to stop now" was posted by Shane Parrish on Farnham Street.  An interesting list but should be considered in the context of your needs and situations.  Email is mentioned twice as a distraction.  This is true but insufficient as some jobs require been aware and of and promptly responding to selected emails even if it is just to say "message received".  It is suggested not to read email in the morning but again it depends on your needs.  Sometimes it is necessary to reschedule a day according to the message.  A RUSH request email from a superior probably should be read in the morning.

Or, "don't answer the phone from people you don't know, let it go to voicemail."  Along with this point, let the caller know you are busy and get down to business without rambling.  It is suggested that one "get to the point".  This comes easily to New Yorkers and may already be your default.

"Do not agree to a meeting without a clear agenda or end point."  Yes, one does need to know why a meeting is called and when in will end.  Also remember that if an hour is scheduled but the meeting only takes a 1/2 hour, the meeting can end early.  The 1/2 hour not used becomes found time for everyone attending.

Read the list, think about the implications and/or corollaries and apply to suit yourself. 

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat