Guest post by writer (and client!) Charles Moss

Author Michael Harris just released his book, “The End of Absence: Reclaiming What We’ve Lost in a World of Constant Connection” about our constant struggle with distractions thanks, in large part, to the Internet. In his book, he talks about the “straddle generation,” which is the group of people who remember life before the Internet and who are consumed by it now. I am a member of that generation. And I feel lucky for it. Here’s why: Though I love the Internet, the way it offers a seemingly endless amount of information and countless ways to keep up with family and friends, I’ve recently discovered that I miss the time when I wasn’t constantly bombarded with social media notifications, email, the nagging need to get online constantly. I just didn’t know it until I was advised by Melissa to turn off all of my phone notifications.

And let me tell you, it’s something I’m glad I did.

At first, I was hesitant. But she urged me to go for it, try it for a few weeks. If I didn’t like it, I could turn them all back on. The first week, I didn’t really think much of it. But after a couple of weeks, I began to notice subtle differences. I was less stressed. I wasn’t as anxious. I was able to focus more on my work and my family. It was nice. And if I did get distracted, it was by my own choosing. I no longer felt enslaved to my phone.

For me, I know my limitations. I know I’m easily distractible.  As a writer, that’s not a good thing. The Internet, phones, technology are all great things.  They prove to be powerful tools that make my job and my life easier. But when it comes down to typing words on paper, which takes a whole lot of focus, I have to force myself to shut those things out. And the lack of notifications on my phone has made a world of difference. Now, for all of that email clutter…

Charles Moss is a freelance writer based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He’s written for The Atlantic, Slate, Paste Magazine, The Oxford American, re:form and Tablet Magazine. Read more of his writing and hey, don’t be shy. Friend him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.

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Melissa Gratias (pronounced “Gracious”) used to think that productivity was a result of working long hours. And, she worked a lot of hours. Then, she learned that productivity is a skill set, not a personality trait. Now, Melissa is a productivity expert who coaches and trains other businesspeople to be more focused, balanced, and effective. She is a prolific writer and speaker who travels the world helping people change how they work and improve how they live. Contact her at getproductive@melissagratias.com or 912-417-2505. Sign up to receive her productivity tips via email.