The world in which we live requires that we live in the center of a Venn diagram with three circles.

Circle 1: People-interaction
Circle 2: Self-reflection
Circle 3: Technology interaction

It seems to me that we should be inside each of these circles about an equal amount of time each week.

If technology is left out altogether, it’s possible to become a neo-Luddite. We live in a world where technology is our reality. Sure there are some lines of work where the specific strengths and weaknesses of computer technology may be irrelevant. But that’s not true in the vast majority of workplaces. Knowing word processing or the basics of spreadsheet creation is critical for bill-paying, career-building, soul-satisfying work.

A lack of self-reflection produces shallow thinking and a tendency toward awkward and even uncomfortable interactions with people. Every one of us must become comfortable with being alone with our own thoughts. This is not simply the absence of other physical humans. This is taking out the earbuds, putting away social media, and figuring out what’s going on inside of your own head.

Finally, other people enrich our lives at every level. Socially, emotionally, intellectually, and financially. All screen-time and self-reflection with no physical, human interaction leave a person stunted and crippled with introspection, brooding, and self-absorption.

Look at your week.
Check your calendar.

Are you in the center of the circles?