So I’ve decided to write about how I don’t have a cell phone or car so my clients don’t think I’m avoiding them.
In the past week I have ditched my cell phone or my leash as I like to call it and the reason I got rid of it is the same reason I don’t drive – by personal choice and the fact that I don’t need it, really. I’m turning 25 years old this year and have never once drove a car in my life and the look people give me when I tell them that is priceless. Some think I’m poor and others think I’m crazy or weird, however I happen to make a pretty good living and I’m willing to bet that I am at more peace of mind than most. I just enjoy the simple life outside of business. I must say not owning a car has its benefits, for example I never feel the need to be some where I’m not supposed to be. The same with a cell phone, I never have the need to be interrupted or call someone while enjoying an afternoon walk over to the bank or the grocery store. And how about meeting someone some where, not having a cell phone means that person is reliable to follow through on the original plans instead of taking the easy way out to make a 30 second call to cancel. Once you’ve made a commitment, stick with it!
And yes for the record I have lost business and friends along the way over my decision not to drive and I’m sure the same will follow because of the no cell phone. However that does not make someone a bad friend or a bad businessperson because they don’t have this or that. And to those of you reading this who may not have a car, cell phone or anything else society believes you need to play the game of life, I encourage you to keep being who you are and doing what you do, make up your own rules as you go along.
NO CELL PHONE, NO PROBLEM
I’ve never really been a fan of cell phones, to give you an example I bought my first cell phone 7 years ago and have kept it on vibrate ever since so I don’t feel obligated to answer it because I’m usually busy and focused on more important things. I truly believe cell phones have made us too available to enjoy the simple things in life for example when was the last time you went out to dinner or the movies with a group of friends but they were too busy “texting” their friends for you to even enjoy a conversation. By the way, who came up with texting? I remember my senior year (2005) in high school the students were writing and typing papers using “u” instead of “you” or “4″ instead of “for” I can’t imagine what’s it like now.
When I purchased my blackberry a little over a year ago and thought it would make my life much easier – I was completely wrong. I made myself available 24/7 to my clients with emails, “apps” and urgent phone calls, this was a big mistake on my part. Now don’t get me wrong I want to make sure my clients are happy and things are done the right away however there comes a time where you have to enjoy life as well outside of the business. So I decided to ditch the cell phone completely and now just use a home/office phone but I’m thankful my service provider let me keep my phone for emergencies only at $8 a month for 30 minutes. I’m curious to see how it plays out but until then I’m looking even more forward to those weird and crazy looks I’ll get.
I’m sure some of you could argue that a cell phone is more good than bad and you may be right, and maybe I am overreacting about this device that everyone has these days but I challenge all of you to put the phone (is it really a phone anymore?) down and focus on more important things rather than what Stacy’s facebook status says or what Billy tweeted he had for breakfast this morning. I challenge all of you to a more productive and fulfilling life.
Before I end this post I want to share a quote from one of my favorite movies Fight Club which for the most part is true and that’s “The things you own end up owning you.”
Beginning Friday you’ll be able to reach me by the new office number (859) 817-1113.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
