simplified.
technology, simplified… simplification…. Keeping in simple… hmmmmmm…. This reminds me, I recently had a homework assignment from my technology business owners group to read a book (that I first read many years ago) by Stephen Covey titled First Things First. Now for me, I generally like Covey’s books, but they are not the most exciting reads in the world. They typically have great quotes and good, solid advice to think about and consider. Reading Covey again did not seem that exciting, especially after coming off of reading Vince Flynn’s latest book with the exciting and controversial CIA operative, Mitch Rapp! So on first blush of the assignment, I was not really excited about it. Having said that, I was going to meet my commitments and re-read the assigned ‘classic.’
Now, with technology and the advent of Apples iTunes (among other providers) almost every book can be found in audio format quickly. I set out to find my ‘copy’ of the book. A few minutes and $15.95 later, I had my audio book downloaded to my iPod and my iPhone. Being somewhat of a traditionalist, I also decided to purchase the paperback version of the book as well. Now I had covered all the bases! I was utilizing the audio book to save time and be efficient. I listened to the book on the drive into work, at my desktop while reviewing e-mail and on planes as I traveled. Once again, the traditionalist in me wanted the paperback as well. This I used to skim key subject areas for study and to physically ‘highlight’ areas of interest. For me, this approach worked out well. I combined the use of technology (audio books) with time tested methods (the paperback) to provide a quality learning experience and to help speed up and simplify the process…. much like technology, simplified from Pearl Technology does.
Reading First Things First by Covey was a great refresher. For me it was a solid reminder that there are too many distractions and items that can pull you away from your important focus items. However, with prioritizing, goal setting and focus you can slice through those distractions and get the most important items accomplished. For pure simplification, Covey breaks down the book into this final phrase “the main thing is keeping the main thing the main thing.” Simplified…. Yes… Redundant or thought provoking……you decide – send me your comments.
