The Catskill Chronicle

Twice Divorced – By Grayce Goin

Dear Twice Divorced,

I spend way too much time on my computer. If I’m not checking my e-mail, then I’m looking at my Facebook page. Could I possibly be addicted to the computer?

Tell me, please, how I can tear myself away from this stupid, all-consuming device.

Glued to Google

Dear Glued,

You certainly could be addicted or you may have just developed bad habits centered on the Net. Either way it will take some work on your part to make more productive use of your time.

First, bring up Word or Excel or whatever you favorite list making program is and make the following lists:

1.     What you didn’t accomplish because you were on-line.

2.     Those items in the above list that you realistically would have completed, assuming of course, that this list contains the “squeakiest wheels.” 

3.     The items on list # 1 that didn’t make it on to list #2.

4.     What you do accomplish while on the Net and how long it takes on average.

On lists two and three, write down a reasonable time frame for the completion of each item or a portion of each item if it is something to be done over time – better to overestimate a little than underestimate.

Then prioritize the items, numbering them in ascending order and run the “sort” function in the program. 

Print a few copies – one on the fridge, fold one and use as a bookmark, tape one to the top of your computer and flip it down when going to bed so it is the first thing you see in the morning – if you are anything like me, that is. I stumble through the kitchen, grabbing a cup of coffee and head straight for the computer checking for any world-shattering event that requires my immediate input. Then I start to wake up. The repeated reminders (fridge, tucked in my book, even in e-mails to myself) makes taking these things on almost second nature.

If you don’t already have one – get a loud kitchen timer – and when you set it, put it in the room next to where you are working, whether you are on the computer, cleaning out a closet or folding laundry. Set a workable timetable for how long you will spend on a task and move on to the next one when it is scheduled. If you are used to spending the first three hours of your day on the computer, do not schedule 15 minutes for this as you will ignore the timer, you must be realistic in your scheduling or nothing will change. Remember to schedule in breaks and you can schedule in more computer time during the day as long as you are pretty much keeping to your schedule. Do keep in mind that it will take a lot more time and effort to climb out of your rut than it did to fall into it.

Also, remember that it is just fine to break down large projects into smaller, manageable chunks. A little at a time is usually far better than being so overwhelmed that you don’t even start.

Remember that none of this is etched in stone – as you go along you will undoubtedly find methods better suited to you than the ones suggested here – use them.

But the big step is the first one, do whatever it takes to get going, schedule a start date – within a few days of finishing your lists – not June 15; reward yourself for completing tasks or buy stickers and put gold stars on a calendar – or your forehead.

As you get caught up and maybe even a little ahead on your list items, you may find yourself with some extra time and it would be oh, so easy to end up surfing the Net instead of finding a creative and/or constructive outlet for your restless mind. But that sounds a lot like another column, as does Internet Addiction. 

Good Luck and,

Be Well

Letters can be sent to deartwice@yahoo.com or Catskill.Chronicle@yahoo.com. Be sure to put Twice Divorced in the subject line.

To view all of the cartoons for Twice Divorced or to purchase prints visit the Chronicle on Zenfolio.