Recently, a friend sent a link: A Day of Glass. It is a commercial made by Expanded Corning Vision. It illustrates the conveniences that an advanced device can bring. For example: in the bedroom, the small device- like iPod attached to the huge glass, the glass becomes a giant iPod screen; in the kitchen, washroom, even in car, the device can function as phone, iPod, GPS, camera, TV etc. So you can use it everywhere, and you can get information, or connect with anyone at a touch. The functions are endless.
I was amazed by the possibility of what technology can bring. While, in the meantime, I also question: with this device, we should be more versatile in our ability to multi task- right? Can we really do more at one time? Cooking, answering the phone, and thinking about the next meeting?
As Edward Hallowell, the attention deficit disorder expert pointed out that: ‘Crazy busy’ becomes the modern phenomenon of brain overload. We have plunged ourselves into a mad rush of activity, expecting our brains to keep track of more than they comfortably or effectively can. Nowadays, is anyone not busy? Or not feel like they’re running behind? Or the calendar is not loaded with more than they can accomplish?
Most of us often struggle to achieve a higher income, more recognition or a certain degree of professional competence. It is amazingly easy to get caught in the trap of working harder and harder to climb the ladder of success.
While we can be very busy, we can be very efficient. However, if the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, then every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster, right?
What about creativity, mental well being and the ability to focus on what truly matters?
The question that I would like to invite us to think about is should we slow down in order to catch the speed of life? Can we achieve more by doing less?
Hailing Huang, MA, CCC
*The views expressed by our authors are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCPA