Time Management Online – Create Balance In Your Internet Life

Everyday I get numerous offers promising me that if I just download this life-changing ebook, or buy this remarkable system — abundant windfalls of either joy, money, or both will promptly flow my way. Some of these emails are from well-known names in internet marketing, and some from great motivational leaders and teachers. The email loops I find myself part of have grown more complicated and seem to continue to expand each day.

But the theme is all the same, “Use my system, make big money now” or “buy my product and get happy now” or “join my membership site and become enlightened now!” They tantalize and appeal to us in a variety of strong emotional ways.

But the price will only be discounted “today” so take advantage right now — or the bonuses will only be around for the next 48 hours — or the replay of the not-to-be-missed teleseminar is only up for 24 hours so listen NOW.

When I was a bit newer online, I took this at face value. I think I attended every teleconference that I could squeeze into my schedule. I bought a number of products that interested me and some were beneficial, but others not so.

But it suddenly dawned on me that my life had become too complicated with online “stuff.” My schedule was suddenly crammed with too much clutter that resulted from my interfacing with the internet. I realized that I needed to kick back and re-examine my time management online.

Yes, the internet an information highway, an expansive wave of enlightening ideas, teachings and consciousness-awakening movements. But it has also opened up this vast avalanche of marketing pitches. The bottom line is that one just can’t have time and money for EVERYTHING that wafts in our direction.

So what can we do? Here are a few practical tips I have learned to help deal with balancing one’s interaction on the internet:

1) All “offers” that urge you to immediate action — be wary. If you have real interest, read carefully but put it aside for a day – or several. Most worthwhile offers are usually good for a number of days (and sometimes WEEKS) despite what they say. Listen to your heart and inner guidance. If it’s too good to be true, then it’s too good to be true! Do take time to make sure something resonates with your thoughts and goals before you buy it, join it or sign up for its teleconference — even if the teleconference is FREE. And if you have questions, don’t be afraid to write to the person who is making the offer. If they are the “real deal”, they will respond to you!

2) Online Events – There are such a multitude of these teleseminars, webinars, etc. I used to be a teleconference “junkie” and join in every event to which I was invited, until I realized that they were taking up a disproportionate amount of my time. Now I pick and choose. What’s more, most  are available in download. I download them, transfer them to my iPod and listen either at the gym during my workout, or in the car in transit — better time management!

3) eZines and emails – If I  want to sign up for a new and exciting ezine, I often first unsubscribe to something that does not really hold my interest anymore. So this keeps the “karmic balance” of ezines somewhat consistent. Believe me, I DO get many eZines on a regular basis and for the most part, I enjoy the information they contain!

4) You don’t have to opt in to everything. Don’t let yourself feel pressured to be part of everything, even with some sweet pitches that come your way. Even if the products/events sound amazing. Do you really want your internet life to overwhelm and overshadow your REAL life? Connect only with those whose platforms are meaningful and beneficial to you.

5) Social Consciousness – Sometimes I feel inundated with petitions (and of course appeals for donations). Yes, some of them are so important and really resonate with my beliefs. But if I agreed to sign all the online petitions that come to me, and writing all those accompanying letters, I would simply have no life. Now you might think that sounds selfish, but sometimes one has to say “no” to the deluge of online demands. So if you DO become involved in causes, choose those that are most meaningful to you.

6) Gaming – I personally do not get involved with this, but I know that so many people DO. Put a time limit on this and don’t let yourself become obsessed.

All in all, remember to strive for BALANCE, balance, balance. Create your own gentle harmony in your online virtual life as well as your “real” life in the actual world. Some amazing and beautiful business/social connections are made online. But don’t get so lost in the internet that you lose touch with the reality of everyday living. Just keep in mind that yes, one can simply get up from one’s desk chair and turn away from that blinking, colorful screen and return to the blessings and intricacies of real life…

Affirmations:

• I strive for balance and harmony in all aspects of my life — both virtual and actual!
• My heart and inner guidance help me effectively sort through the many opportunities that come my way.
• I pursue events that clearly resonate with my wishes, beliefs and interests.