Back2Basics: 5 Incredibly Low-Tech Gadgets for the 21st Century Business “Rat-Race”

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Back2Basics: 5 Incredibly Low-Tech Gadgets for the 21^st Century Business "Rat-Race"

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Okay, I’ll admit it: I HATE technology! I despise it! It has been with a great deal of reluctance that I have gotten online, adopted social media, gotten a cell phone and gotten connected. But truth be told, I’m an anachronism: I long for simpler days and times gone by. I prefer Motown over Rap music, black and white Gregory Peck movies over the new computerized "in-your-face" flicks and didn’t think it was so bad yesteryear when standing up to change the channel on the television set or actually "dialing" a phone number was such a bad thing.

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As such, I propose a step away from technology, the "electronization" of the modern business-world and a healthy and productive journey back to the basics. For this "H.G. Wells-ian" leap back to basics, you will not need a time-machine. Just a few simple things which I feel seem to have gotten lost in the insane, crazed, ultra-competitive, migraine-causing, ulcer-rendering hubbub of 21^st Century business-life.

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1) Windows. Nope, not Windows™. Plain Old Windows!

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Stop staring at a wall while you work! It’s not healthy and it’s not inspirational, no matter how many pictures you might have up. Facing a wall while working can make you feel confined, closed in, compartmentalized and can make you forget that as you work, there is a whole beautiful world mere feet away. If you are at home and not facing a window, move your desk so as to face one. If you are not facing one in a traditional workplace, re-arrange things or ask the boss if you can (assuming you are not the boss). Whether it is sunny, cloudy, or whether there is a Cat-2 hurricane brewing, a view of the outside work makes for a far-less restricting and enclosed workplace. Whether your work-shift coincides with sunrise and day, evening and twilight or the moon and stars, a view of the world makes working a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience!

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"Let there be many windows to your soul, that all the glory of the world may beautify it." -Ella Wheeler Wilcox, American author and poet (1855-1919) 

 

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2) Pencil & Paper

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That’s right, ditch the Blackberry! Nope, I’m not joking around! Instead, face the world the way we did so long ago: with a notepad and pencil. Remember "doodling?" Yup, drawing silly little pictures. Jotting down things which spring to mind. Putting ideas, concepts, designs, theories, notions, impressions and reflections into print. It’s a refreshing departure from pushing buttons and clicking. It’s rejuvenating, liberating…and it’s a conduit for the birth of great ideas. Whether it’s a new concept for your business or a new article idea for your blog, start doodling and jotting things down…and watch great ideas flow like they haven’t in years!

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3) A Great Pair of Walking Shoes/Hiking Boots

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Nothing can burgeon or flourish in a vacuum, including ideas. Ideas are conceived, born, nurtured and thrive in open space. For some reason unknown to me, they are most likely to come to fruition in places where leaves, trees, animals, vistas and fresh air are plentiful and in abundance. I highly recommend a wooded area, forest, nature trail or any other outdoor area which might be available to you. So get up, get away from the office, head back to nature, and watch ideas start flowing…naturally! The only thing you’ll need for this activity is a good, supportive pair of shoes or boots!

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“Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.” –Hal Bortland, American author (1900-1978)

 

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4) A Hobby

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Man, where did this one get lost among the hustle and maddening pace of the 21^st Century "rat-race?" How many of us wake up in the morning, check our emails, shower, head off to work, head home, eat dinner, check our emails more, watch TV, go to sleep, wake up and begin the whole process again? If you don’t already have one, it’s time for a hobby! My definition of a hobby? "An enjoyable activity meant to get you away from a computer screen, lower your blood pressure from incredibly unsafe levels and help you keep your sanity!" From bowling to astronomy, model airplanes to needlepoint, poker-night with some buddies to bird-watching with the kids, there are no shortages of great pastimes. It’s time to put some enjoyment back into life…work is not everything! You work like a dog! Relax and unwind from time to time…you surely deserve it! 

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5) A New Bottle of Cologne/Perfume

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Sound silly? It’s not! A great brand of cologne/perfume can usually be bought for less than $75 and should last you for at least six months. That’s pennies a day. Treat yourself! Personally, I prefer Hugo Boss and L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent (no, I don’t own stock in either of these companies…just suggestions). In your next business meeting, in the office, or in your next face-to-face with a prospective client, you will exude confidence and surety! Watch people ask you, "What’s that great scent you’re wearing?" In business, as in life, there are few things more invigorating or revitalizing than knowing you smell great!

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Image Credits: building blocks: courtesy of istockphoto.com; black dial-phone: unlicensed photo; antique car: B. Glen Dailey at Flickr.com

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Hello. My name is Yonatan Maisel. I am a professional writer, published author and business-blogger.

I will not be available for the next month or two. I will, however, faithfully continue with my business-blog postings. Hope you enjoy them and, as always, thanks for visiting!

If you are seeking a skilled writer for your writing needs, might I suggest that you visit Job Shuk’s homepage and click on "Writing and Translation." Among the professionals whose profiles you will see, I’m certain you will find the perfect person to fulfill your needs!.