Response Times & The Power of Focus
I check my email as little as humanly possible.
In practice, that means once or twice a day on most days. (Yes, there are days I don’t check email at all.)
I also check my phone as little as possible. (And have virtually every notification disabled.)
Why I Check Email Infrequently
I sequester myself in this way so I can deeply concentrate and create highly impactful work.
Repeated focus (or task) switching is incredibly energy depleting — not to mention distracting. Multi-tasking isn’t really a thing: we humans can’t simultaneously engage in two mentally challenging activities at the same time. Frequently checking email, constantly responding to requests that come my way - these deplete my energy.
Further, creating meaningful work and showing up to help guide clients in their journey are tasks that require deep, focused attention. There aren’t any shortcuts. My most impactful work comes about when I have extended periods of uninterrupted focus.
Extended, uninterrupted and deep focus benefits my clients, and everyone else I interact with. The world of psychotherapy and coaching is complex and constantly evolving. Navigating that world requires learning, understanding what’s changing and strategically integrating new ideas and methods as a result.
And truly understanding my clients and what approaches most positively impact their lives requires further focus. It requires deep conversation with them, and then deep reflection on the nuances of their life and unique circumstances.
Of course I want to hear from you!
And: I won’t instantly respond to your email, to someone’s else email, or to whatever else lands in my inbox. Instead, I will dedicate an extended, uninterrupted period of time to process my email and then dedicate further time to craft a thoughtful response (rather than a knee-jerk reaction).
My practice of eliminating digital distractions to enable focus on deep, essential and impactful work has been greatly influenced by three books:
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
When & How to Reach Me
Please — reach out to me anytime there is something on your mind you suspect I can help with.
If something is urgent: call or text me.
You can send an email with more details, but never assume I’ll see in email shortly after you send it (because I almost certainly won’t).
Here are the different communication channels I use and how quickly you can expect a response:
Email I typically check email once or twice each day. For clients, I aim to respond to emails within one business day - and all other emails within one week.
Texting & iMessage I check text messages when I take breaks during the day. Text is the best way to reach me if you have to cancel an appointment occurring in the next day or so, or are running late for an appointment.
Phone calls I'll be aware of your phone call pretty much immediately (or as soon as I finish a session). I'm often not able to answer, so please leave a voicemail. I will return your call as soon as I reasonably can.