When Did Chaos Become the New Normal?

This article was first published in 2016. Not much has changed except that now I have to walk away from technology instead of closing the door to refresh my mind.

I first noticed the level of chaos in my life increasing last November. I traced it back to a 3-hour meeting to discuss budgets. I am a level-headed person with a great deal of revenue and financial responsibility in my position at a university so I’m accustomed to a certain level of pressure. However, I am not accustomed to ongoing uncertainty and disagreement over principles which have been basic and accepted.

At this point in time, universities are under tremendous pressure to prove our worth. The value of college is constantly under assault in the media. Parents are concerned about the level of debt that they are committing to for a college education. And students are uncertain about their majors and change their minds often. It’s in this environment that I exist on a daily basis.

I am also responsible for the marketing of the university, so add the onslaught of the digital world to the enrollment pressure. Technology has moved so rapidly that staff cannot keep up with the latest Google algorithm. Or the newest social media tool. People who communicate for a living are challenged to understand how the newest digital toy works, much less how to deploy the tools in a complex world where expectations of feedback are high.

As I write this blog, it’s now September and I realize that I am looking at one solid year of chaos with no end in sight. When I talk to colleagues in other industries, they are facing similar problems. Too many projects, too few resources and timelines that are too short.

Change is happening too fast for our human minds to adjust before the next wave of change hits. In high school I read Future Shock by Alvin Toffler. In his 1970s book he predicted the rise of technology and the breakdown of cultural norms. To paraphrase, he said that the pace of change due to technology would exceed our human capacity to adapt.

Despite his futuristic warnings, Toffler was a positive person who saw that knowledge would become the most valuable human asset. So how do we cope with “information overload” and the chaos it creates?

Here are a few tips:

1.     Clean off your desk:

I can tell when I’m in overload by looking at the paper on my desk. I do like to keep a pile of important current projects out but when I see 3 or 4 stacks of papers, reports and magazines that have gone unread, I know it’s time to take an hour or so to toss out and file.

2.     Decide each day what is most important:

Every morning I have a list of my priorities. I check in with myself throughout the day to monitor my progress. If I’m behind I will stop answering the phone and close the door.

3.     Give status reports:

If I’m juggling expectations of several people while handling the occasional crisis, I communicate either directly or in email that I am working on their project. It’s not material whether I’ve made progress or not. By communicating, I’m sending the message that it’s on my radar and I’ll get to it as soon as I can.

4.     Take small breaks: 

When my neck and shoulders start hurting, it’s a sign I’ve been on the computer too long. I get up, walk around and stretch out. It helps to energize me and I can focus much better after mini breaks.

5. Connect with colleagues of like mind:

Taking the time to have a conversation with someone about nothing in particular really helps keep the stress to a minimum. Similar to taking a break from computers and sitting too much, connecting with others helps me to feel sane.

6.     Exercise and Meditation:

I have found that taking time for my physical and mental health reaps rewards. I have meditated for more than 20 years. I don’t exactly know how it works, but I can tell you that I am more focused and productive if I take the time to meditate regularly. Exercise is also a great stress reliever and I find myself more irritable when I don’t do it.