In the month of February, I made the decision not to text anyone because I wanted to deepen the relationships I had with people. Plus, I wanted my relationships to be more personal, than convenient. Overall this goal has been reached, while have learned the following:
1. Relationships Do Improve – On Day-1 I had two people engage me either face-to-face or with a phone call. Each form of verbal communication was fantastic! On one occasion I felt the call produced a quality 10-minute conversation that we would have missed out on if we had been texting. As a result, I want to talk to that person even more!
2. Some Things Are Not Worth It – On Day-3 I received a text from someone who is a friend. He is also someone who wants to do business with me. After responding to him with a text stating that I was not texting, he never followed up with a phone call. His lack of response made me realize that 1. He didn’t want my business as bad as it previously seemed. 2. Some opportunities are not as important as we make them.
3. Mistakes Happen – It wasn’t until Saturday, February 4th that I made my first text. I sent the iMessage without even thinking, but once I sent the message the temptation to give up came fast. However, one mistake should not create the need to give in; rather it should produce even more resolve to try again.
4. Exceptions to the Rule – Texting has become such an integral part of our lives, we have to have it. There are then exceptions to the rule. Be it people or situations we are going to have to text at times, and exceptions are necessary. As we allow texts in our lives let’s keep them as exceptions than norms so our relationships can deepen naturally than artificially through digital communication.
5. Various Reasons For Texting – There are many reasons why we text, I had no idea some of them until recently. For example, at work, I needed to leave a coworker a note. In past times I’d had physically left a note on an official form on his desk. Now, it’s just easier to text him, which I did on that occasion.
Overall I love the 28-days with no-to-little texting. Once this experiment is over, I’ll probably move to a limited text lifestyle than an absolute forfeit of the tool. Why? I love the deepened relationships and increased productivity in just a few short days. Imagine what a permanent approach towards texting will create?! I’m sure I’ll have more things to learn as I continue this 28-day journey. As I do, I look forward to sharing those lessons with you next week.
